Bobit Business Media, the parent company of Modern Tire Dealer, has acquired Newport Business Media. Newport’s publishing properties include “Heavy Duty Trucking” (“HDT”) magazine.
In addition to “HDT,” the acquisition includes TruckingInfo.com, “Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal” and the Newport Poster Network.
“These heavy truck properties fill a void we’ve had in our fleet coverage,” says CEO Ty Bobit. “Now we cover all the fleet vehicle markets, and we can build a powerful fleet database.
“‘Heavy Duty Trucking’ is the most recognized and honored magazine in the commercial vehicle field, and Truckinginfo.com is the number one website in trucking. We’re thrilled to have these quality properties, along with their experienced staff, as part of our company. Their addition makes Bobit the largest fleet media company in the world.”
Newport Business Media has been owned and operated by the Hutchinson family for 60 years.
“Newport has always concentrated on serving the heavy truck industry with editorial excellence and premier marketing services,” says CEO Jim Hutchinson. “We know that Bobit will use its highly successful publishing expertise to build on those strengths.”
Kate Miller, president of the Newport Business Media properties, will continue to lead those brands as vice president and group publisher-truck within the renamed Bobit FleetGroup. She will be based out of Schaumburg, Ill. Sherb Brown, Bobit Business Media corporate vice president, will oversee the FleetGroup.
“This acquisition combines two highly respected publishing firms that focus on the fleet market, creating a powerhouse to address the evolving needs of the industry,” says Miller.
Bobit Business Media produces 24 business-to-business magazines and websites and 12 industry trade shows and conferences. The Torrance, Calif.-based company has several brands in the vehicle fleet market; they are “Automotive Fleet,” “Government Fleet,” “Work Truck,” “Auto Rental News,” “Green Fleet,” “Business Fleet,” “Metro Magazine” and “School Bus Fleet.”
“Our two companies share a commitment to quality content, cutting-edge technology, and superior customer service to our advertisers,” says Bobit. “Our customers, especially in the fleet and aftermarket industries, will be the beneficiaries of this acquisition. We now have twice the resources to serve our markets.”
Newport Business Media, based in Irvine, Calif., was advised by Swiftsure Securities LLC, a Seattle-based investment bank.
