The Taunton Press Acquired by Active Interest Media
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips client The Taunton Press, a respected consumer media and book business, has been acquired by Active Interest Media (AIM), a leading enthusiast media company.
The acquisition of The Taunton Press aligns several core markets and allows AIM to expand its mission of inspiring an ever-growing audience of enthusiasts to enjoy their hobbies and interests. This strategic move effectively doubles AIM’s reach and influence across gardening, woodworking, and homebuilding.
“AIM and Taunton are closely aligned on several important fronts. While the symmetry of many of our core markets is obvious; woodworking, gardening, and homebuilding; there are many other similarities,” notes Andrew Clurman, AIM’s President and CEO. “Strategically, like AIM, Taunton has been aggressively pursuing the creation of new digital products, memberships, and online learning to better serve their audiences. Most importantly, Taunton shares with AIM a commitment to growing and promoting both the communities we serve, and our fantastic teams dedicated to that mission.”
“For nearly 50 years Taunton Press has produced world class content that its readers support with their own subscription dollars,” said Jay Kirsch, who led the deal for Oaklins Desilva+Phillips. “As the media landscape becomes more and more fragmented the value of those direct relationships are growing. AIM recognizes that value and continues to build a portfolio of enthusiast brands that build direct relationships.”
“AIM will be an excellent home for Taunton,” said Andrea Roman, Board Chair of The Taunton Press. “The two companies share a dedication to producing high-quality information, and inspiring enthusiasts for hands-on living. AIM’s leadership, scale and resources will provide a strong foundation for the next generation of Taunton’s growth, and the combined organization will provide new opportunities for our employees.”
Clients of both Taunton and AIM can expect a seamless transition and should not see a disruption in service. Active Interest Media is committed to delivering exceptional support for clients and staff throughout the integration.
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips served as the exclusive M&A advisor to The Taunton Press on the transaction. ODP Partner, Jay Kirsch, led the deal team with support from Managing Director, Paul Slavin and Analyst, Sam Bernstein. This transaction further highlights ODP’s deep sector expertise in advising media businesses.
The Taunton Press was represented by law firm Wiggin and Dana LLP. Active Interest Media was represented by Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C.
OAKLINS DESILVA+PHILLIPS DEAL TEAM
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We are investment bankers for technology, media and marketing companies. For nearly three decades we have helped our clients unlock billions of dollars in value through M&A.
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips specializes in mid-market, sell-side and buy-side mergers & acquisitions advisory, corporate finance services, and valuations. Since our founding, we have helped over 400 clients achieve their personal and professional goals through M&A.
ODP has represented companies as diverse as Microsoft, The New York Times, Conde Nast, Deutsche Börse Group, and Abry Partners and sold businesses to buyers including Oracle, News Corporation, Deloitte, TripAdvisor, Ziff Davis, S&P Global, and Politico.
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About The Taunton Press
The Taunton Press (www.taunton.com) has been a trusted source of valuable information and inspiration for enthusiasts and professionals across a range of subjects, including woodworking, homebuilding and design, residential construction, gardening, sewing and fiber arts since 1975. Millions of professionals and consumers purchase Taunton’s digital products, magazines, video, and books, and use its websites to improve their skills and expand their horizons. Its brands include Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, Green Building Advisor, Fine Gardening and Threads. The company has published hundreds of books under The Taunton Press imprint.
About Active Interest Media, Inc.
One of the world’s leading enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, podcasts, and TV shows that reach millions of readers, fans, and attendees across the globe. Our brands include Yachts International, Power & Motoryacht, Soundings, Passagemaker, Woodshop News, Log and Timber Home Living, Old House Journal, Woodsmith, Garden Gate, Cuisine at Home, Writer’s Digest, Horticulture, Popular Woodworking, Numismatic News, Kovels Antique Trader, and more. The company’s two groups, Marine and Home, are divided into five divisions — Collectibles, Home Arts, Home Building, Marine, and Writer’s Digest —also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities, events and offer marketing services. Active Interest Media’s customers are smart, engaged, and loyal, and they look to our brands for trustworthy information and services that will inspire and enable them to enjoy their passions.
| Transaction Type | M&A Sell-side |
| Client | The Taunton Press |
| Sold To | Active Interest Media |
| Industry | Media |
| Date | December 2023 |