Thursday 29 June 2012

RBI Ltd agrees to sell Electronics Weekly and IBIS-WALF to Metropolis International Group Ltd

Metropolis International Group Ltd continues its growth strategy by announcing today the exchange of contracts with Reed Business Information Ltd on the sale and purchase of Electronics Weekly and all associated online products and events, and the academic marketing database IBIS WALF.  The transaction is expected to complete in late July, subject to a staff consultation process.

Metropolis International Group was founded in 1994 and has grown both organically and via acquisitions into a business with over 200 employees. Electronics Weekly and IBIS will sit within Metropolis Business Media, headed by Managing Director Kevin Crook.
Kevin Crook, MD, Metropolis Business said: “Electronics Weekly and IBIS-WALF are trusted brands in their fields and are an excellent fit with our expanding business to business portfolio.  I am looking forward to welcoming on board, and working with, the well-regarded Electronics Weekly and Ibis teams.”

Dominic Feltham, COO, Reed Business information said: “Both Electronics Weekly and IBIS-WALF have been a valued part of our business. RBI’s strategy is focused on paid content and data, and we recognise that Metropolis’ independent ownership should provide them with long-term investment and a secure future for the teams and brands.


Robert Marr, CEO Metropolis said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to acquire such well-known and respected brands. I am confident they have a strong sustainable future within the Metropolis portfolio. Metropolis is committed to growth, both organically and by acquisition, in publishing and other activities. These acquisitions are a further development of that strategy."

-Ends-

Notes to editors

About Electronics Weekly
Electronics Weekly and ElectronicsWeekly.com have an unrivalled reputation for delivering high quality, technical information valued by the electronics community, a key reason why Electronics Weekly is the most read publication in the industry. 

 
About IBIS-WALF
IBIS Worldwide Academic and Library File (WALF) is the world's foremost database of its kind, with over 1.4 million academic and library contacts and over 800,000 email addresses providing a global picture of the continuing education and specialty studies markets.

 
About Metropolis International Group
Metropolis International is a fast-growing business, consumer and travel media owner, with print, digital and face-to-face activities and a reward and benefits programme. It employs more than 200 people in offices in West London, Croydon, Lancashire, Devon, Dublin and New York. It remains interested in further opportunities to acquire respected media businesses.

About Reed Business Information
Reed Business Information Ltd brings market leading brands to an audience of millions of decision makers worldwide through its multi-platform media of data services, online lead generation services, community websites, magazines and events. Reed Business Information Ltd is part of Reed Elsevier, a world leading provider of professional information solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal and Risk and Business sectors.