London, October 2008: Dennis Publishing has announced the acquisition of technology website, bit-tech.net.

Currently owned by Bit Publishing, the acquisition of bit-tech.net will further bolster the Dennis Publishing technology portfolio of magazines and websites, which includes brands such as PC Pro, itpro.co.uk, knowyourmobile.co.uk and iGizmo. The acquisition of bit-tech.net will boost the total traffic levels of the online Dennis Publishing technology portfolio from 2.3m to 3.35m unique visitors.

Launched in 2001, bit-tech.net publishes in-depth reviews, news, features and technology information, while also hosting a forum for its growing audience of computer and gaming enthusiasts. The site is the UK’s leading source for hardware and gaming reviews.

bit-tech's content is authored by a team of international technology writers who specialise in electronics, design, hardware, telecommunications and many other aspects of the IT industry. The site currently attracts over 1.05 million unique users and generates 6.6 million page impressions per month.

The entire editorial, advertising and development team will be hired as Dennis Publishing employees and will continue to work in the Ascot premises. They will report into Barry Cronin, Publishing Director of the digital Technology portfolio at Dennis. Hugh Chappell, MD of Bit Publishing will also be employed by Dennis Publishing on a consultancy basis.

James Tye, CEO at Dennis Publishing said: “bit-tech.net is a respected and authoritative website with a vibrant and growing community. It is an excellent complement to our existing IT portfolio and the acquisition will boost our technology site traffic levels to over 3.35million unique users per month. At this traffic level we are able to offer our advertisers both massive reach and precise targeting as and when required. The move also underlines our commitment as a leading digital publisher in the UK and I very much look forward to working with Hugh and his talented team over the coming months.”

Hugh Chappell, Managing Director of Bit Publishing, said: “Dennis Publishing enjoys considerable success in the technology sector and importantly they understand our market. This acquisition is a logical step for bit-tech.net and will ensure continued growth. I am delighted for my staff – they have built a brilliant on-line only publication with the full support of the industry and our loyal readers. This is a “win win” situation for everyone concerned.”

Labels: Barry Cronin, Bit Publishing, bit-tech.net, Dennis Publishing, Hugh Chappell, James Tye

Future, the special-interest media group has announced a number of changes within its senior publishing team, with new leadership for its automotive, music-making and sports portfolios.

The changes come during a sustained period of development and evolution for Future, as its core portfolios grow into multi-platform businesses, encompassing print, online and an increasing number of live events.

Following the departure of Automotive Group Publisher Paul Sloggett for personal reasons, the moves see some of the most experienced members of Future’s publishing team bringing their skills to bear in new parts of the business.

Richard Schofield leaves the Sports group to replace Sloggett as Group Publisher of Automotive with a mandate to develop the group’s print and events business and research new online opportunities. Schofield successfully led Future’s entry into cycling online – launching the BikeRadar Network, which now regularly attracts over 3m unique users a month. His previous experience in the auto sector includes time as Head of Marketing for Emap’s automotive division.

Katherine Raderecht becomes Group Publisher for Sports after a number of years at the helm of Future’s music-making portfolio, which most recently saw the successful launch of Future’s latest online Network, MusicRadar. As well as the continued development of BikeRadar, Katherine’s appointment will help deliver an accelerated expansion of the group’s events activity.

Former Publishing Development Director, Mia Walter returns from maternity leave to become Publishing Director of Future’s music-making portfolio. A Future veteran of 12 years with extensive marketing expertise, Mia also brings to the group a breadth of experience from her time as head of publishing in many of Future’s most important sectors, such as games and entertainment.

Simon Wear is Chief Operating Officer of Future UK:

“A reshuffle of our senior publishing team greatly benefits our developing business and allows us to transfer a wealth of skills and experience into areas of the company with specific business needs. With decades of publishing experience between them , the leadership of Katherine, Mia and Richard will continue the development and growth of our portfolios as we evolve into a media group with a multi-platform portfolio of print, online and live events.”

Labels: BikeRadar Network, Future, MusicRadar, Simon Wear

CEVA Logistics, one of the leading supply chain companies in the world, has appointed Rebecca Salt as Group Director, Marketing and Communications, effective 1st January 2009.

Rebecca will assume global responsibility for developing and implementing a world class Marketing and Communications strategy in support of the CEVA vision. She will also manage media and investor relations, drive the corporate sustainability program and develop best in class internet and intranet communications.

Prior to CEVA, Rebecca has worked for 8 years with DHL/Exel as Senior Vice President Communications & Strategic Marketing and previously held positions with Pharo Communications, Porter Novelli and Saatchi and Saatchi.

“I am delighted to welcome Rebecca to this crucial role. She is a Marketing and Communications professional with significant experience in the Logistics industry.” said John Pattullo, CEVA’s CEO.

Labels: CEVA Logistics, John Pattullo, Rebecca Salt, Saatchi and Saatchi

New York - October 2008 - CurtCo Media, publisher of international luxury lifestyle authority Robb Report and a family of magazines targeting the world's most affluent readers, today announced the appointment of Donald T. Schmoll to the position of Vice President and Group Marketing Director for the Robb Report Magazine Group.

Reporting to Senior Vice President and Group Publisher David Arnold, Mr. Schmoll will be responsible for all worldwide marketing programs for Robb Report, the world's most acclaimed journal of connoisseurship. He also will oversee similar functions for sister publications including The Robb Report Collection and Robb Report Vacation Homes, as well as annual issues such as Robb Report Sports & Luxury Automobile and Robb Report Watch Collector.

A publishing industry veteran of more than 20 years, Mr. Schmoll has held marketing director positions at high-profile publications such as Men's Vogue, Metropolitan Home, Home Style and House Beautiful. Most recently, he was vice president of advertising and marketing at New York-based fine fabric designer and manufacturer Brunschwig & Fils, Inc.

"Don brings a unique combination of magazine and luxury lifestyle experience to this position," stated Mr. Arnold. "His knowledge of these industry sectors will be instrumental in furthering the marketing efforts of our brand."


About Robb Report

Now in its 32nd year, Robb Report is the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. Each month, the magazine reports on issues and trends affecting the affluent market, with coverage of exclusive events and features on exceptional automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, art, jewelry, watches, fashion, travel, homes, wines, spirits, and cigars. Additional information can be accessed through the magazine's Web site, www.robbreport.com.


About CurtCo Media

CurtCo Media serves the ultra-luxury markets with a powerful network of leading lifestyle publications, including the world's most acclaimed journal of connoisseurship, Robb Report, as well as Showboats International, The Robb Report Collection, Art & Antiques, Robb Report Vacation Homes, San Diego Magazine, Gulfshore Life and Sarasota Magazines. For more information on CurtCo Media, go to www.curtco.com.

Labels: CurtCo Media, Robb Report, Robb Report Collection, Robb Report Vacation Homes, Robb Report Watch Collector

Kable Distribution Services International Generates Unprecedented Sales Growth
Kable Distribution Services, Inc. (KDS) is pleased to announce that since assuming the distribution of National Geographic International edition in 2008, KDS International has procured strong sales throughout Europe and Asia. A detailed analysis of the first half of the year has revealed unprecedented sales in the United Kingdom. Up 12.5%, this is the UK’s best average newsstand sale ever for this venerable title.

Continental Europe has also broken records in the first half of ’08, with sales exceeding 50,000 copies for the June 2008 issue. In Asia, National Geographic saw an increase of 16.4% for the first half of 2008 compared to same period in 2007.

“I would like to thank everyone at KDS International for their support and expertise,” said John Seeley, Vice President – International Consumer Marketing at National Geographic. “Our growth over the first half of 2008 has been fast and furious. Well done to everyone at Kable on a great 1st half. I look forward to continued growth for the rest of 2008 and into 2009.”

"It really is a pleasure working with National Geographic, and the close working relationship ensures our dedicated international team remains focused on providing effective and efficient sales development of the National Geographic magazine portfolio,” said Geoff Ward Managing Director, KDS International Sales.

Kable Distribution Services Inc. International Sales is the International distributor for National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler, National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Kids, National Geographic Little Kids and National Geographic Specials.

Kable Distribution Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kable Media Services – an AMREP company. Dedication to innovation and growth remains the driving force for the sales development of US publications in over 100 International markets.

Labels: Geoff Ward, John Seeley, Kable Distribution Services, Kable Distribution Services International, Kable Media Services, National Geographic

Dennis Publishing has announced the acquisition of the monthly magazine Digital SLR Photography.

Currently owned by Halo Publishing, this will be the first photography title in the Dennis Publishing portfolio and marks a move into a new sector for the company. The title will sit within the highly successful technology portfolio at Dennis Publishing alongside brands such as PC Pro, Computer Shopper, itpro.co.uk and iGizmo.

Launched in 2006, Digital SLR Photography currently has an unaudited circulation of over 20,000 and is distributed via newsstand and subscription. The magazine title and its associated website, www.digitalslrphoto.com, is billed as ‘the magazine by photographers for photographers’ and provides readers with top end photography product news and reviews, tips and advice from professional photographers on technique. The brand also encourages readers to get involved by sending photos to the magazine and website. The title is one of only two brands aimed at the high-end, Digital SLR photography market and provides advertisers with a sizeable, high-spending audience.

The current editorial and advertising team of 8, lead by Editor and co-founder Daniel Lezano, will all be taken on as Dennis Publishing employees but will remain in their premises in Peterborough. The team will report into John Garewal, Deputy MD of Dennis Publishing’s Technology division. Dennis Publishing will grow the title using their expertise in subscriptions and digital publishing.

James Tye, CEO at Dennis Publishing said: “The fast-growing SLR photography market represents an excellent opportunity for Dennis Publishing. Digital SLR Photography is superbly put together and is a compelling and entertaining read: it was these high editorial standards that convinced me that the magazine should be part of our portfolio. I very much look forward to working with this talented team and making Digital SLR Photography a market leading magazine and website in its sector.”

Daniel Lezano, Editor and co-founder of Digital SLR Photography said: “We’re very excited at joining the diverse and innovative portfolio of titles at Dennis Publishing. Digital SLR Photography magazine has enjoyed a successful two years and the acquisition by Dennis offers countless opportunities to further develop the potential of the title and help us to establish it as a leading innovator in the photography magazine sector. In particular, the expertise and resources that Dennis has in key areas such as marketing, distribution and subscriptions will ensure we can accelerate the growth in readership and take Digital SLR Photography to new levels of success.”

Labels: Computer Shopper, Daniel Lezano, Dennis Publishing, Digital SLR Photography, Halo Publishing, James Tye, PC Pro

Future, the special-interest media group has announced that Classic Rock, its bestselling music brand, is launching a new record label dedicated to championing “high voltage” rock music from around the world.

As part of Future’s plans to extend the popular music brand beyond traditional media and celebrate its 10th anniversary, Powerage is a joint venture with leading music distributor and online retailer, Plastic Head Distribution. The new label’s remit is to promote the specialist acts that Classic Rock champions to its readers.

In its search for talent, Powerage will be headed by respected UK A&R veteran Derek Oliver who will work with acts on new material, whilst teaming up with Classic Rock to track down foreign bands and release their material in the UK.

The first releases for Powerage will be the latest album from young Welsh rockers Lethargy, described by Classic Rock as “sounding like a heady cross between the Manic Street Preachers and Metallica” and the new album from Viking Skull – both of which are released on November 3. Promoting foreign talent, Powerage also offers the first UK releases from California’s Endeverafter and Vancouver’s Pride Tiger on November 10.

Powerage is the latest in a long-line of brand extensions from Classic Rock, which includes live gigs and the annual Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards – which this year celebrate the career of living legend, Ozzy Osbourne.

Chris Ingham, Publisher of Classic Rock said:

“Over the years we’ve discovered an amazing raft of new hard rock talent at Classic Rock. It’s always been a huge frustration that nobody at traditional labels seemed to notice all of these great bands and give them the support and backing they need. Powerage will give our readers the chance to get their hands on some great music from bands who deserve to be heard.”

Plastic Head’s Managing Director Steve Beatty added:

“Traditional classic rock is increasingly popular, but we’ve noticed that whilst there are plenty of talented young artists, very few labels are supporting the genre. It’s very exciting for us to be partnering with Classic Rock to bring this music to the masses.”

A&R for Powerage, Derek Oliver commented:

“One of the greatest tragedies of the contemporary music scene has been the lack of support for new upcoming young artists not influenced by current fads and trends, but driven by a serious devotion to their craft. There’s a real ground swell of consumer interest in the classic rock genre, and I believe we can capture this and bring some of the best rock music from every corner of the globe to readers of Classic Rock and beyond.”

All four of Powerage’s first signings will tour the UK in December.

Labels: Chris Ingham, Classic Rock, Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, Future, Metallica, Powerage