Media firm expands to US market

Specialist magazine publisher Future plc has announced a move to acquire a leading US digital media business for £100million. The Bath-based business behind successful brands in specialist consumer and B2B sectors has revealed plans to purchase the B2C business of Purch. Future believes the move will further cement its presence in the US market and create a market leading position in consumer technology media publishing with strategic partnerships. The company says the move will also increase its knowledge of the science audience through the brands it has acquired. Zillah Byng-thorne, CEO of Future, said: “The acquisition of Purch B2C significantly strengthens Future’s presence in the US market and further diversifies our revenue streams. “The data-driven content model of Purch B2C is highly complementary to our existing capabilities and its advertising technology platform provides operational synergies and strong growth opportunities. “This acquisition brings leading brands that will give us market leadership in the highly attractive consumer technology market, and notably strengthen our strong position in the knowledge and PC hardware verticals. “In addition, we see a clear opportunity to combine the publishing services business of Purch B2C with Future’s digital franchise model. “We have developed a strong track record in acquiring and integrating complementary businesses and this deal further accelerates our strategy for delivering growth both organically and through acquisition. “We are confident that this acquisition will be materially earnings enhancing in the first full year and drive further growth in operating profitability and cash generation.”