Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Time Inc. Buys AmEx Publishing

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/208815/time-inc-buys-amex-publishing.html#axzz2eQF39XP8
Time Inc. is making big strategic moves as it prepares to be spun off from Time Warner. In the biggest move so far, on Tuesday, newly appointed CEO Joseph Ripp announced the acquisition of all of American Express Publishing’s magazines, including Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures, Executive Travel and Black Ink.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the price tag is believed to be less than $100 million, according to unnamed sources cited by the New York Post. 
The AmEx titles will become part of Time Inc.’s Lifestyle Group, reporting to executive vice president and Lifestyle Group president Evelyn Webster.
http://www.adweek.com/news/press/time-inc-talks-buy-american-express-titles-152307
In a well-kept secret for the usually gossipy media industry, Time Inc. has agreed to buy American Express’ luxury publishing division, which includes Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure and Departures.
The price of the sale, expected to close in Q4, wasn't disclosed.
The sales talks were prompted by rules that required AmEx, as a bank holding company, to exit noncore businesses. Banking regulations limit AmEx’s ability to work in non-banking activities.