Boulder, CO – February 16, 2021: B&W Communications (“B&W”) today announced the acquisition of Active Interest Media (“AIM” or the “Company”), a leading creator of content, events, and multimedia experiences for consumers and businesses in the boating, shelter, hobby, and home arts categories. B&W is a newly formed company launched by Andrew Clurman, the longtime CEO/President and co-founder of AIM. With this transaction, Clurman and his fellow investors are purchasing 100 percent of AIM’s outstanding stock from Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm.
Going forward, the Company will continue to be known as Active Interest Media. Its divisions include the Marine, Home, Home Arts, and Collectibles Groups, with marquee brands such as Power & Motoryacht, Old House Journal, Writer’s Digest, Log Home Living, Popular Woodworking, Horticulture, Cuisine at Home and more.
“My partners and I are thrilled to be forging a new path for the brands and organization that our team has nurtured to category-leading positions with Wind Point’s support,” said Clurman. “We intend to accelerate the work of reinvention and product development creating world-class content for our customers while innovating new ways to engage with them. Whether through virtual events, new interactive experiences, or services that make it easier for them to pilot a boat, grow a garden, or restore a historic home.” Paul Peterson, Managing Director at Wind point, added “We’re very pleased to see AIM continue on the path we’ve supported for many years of innovating the business under Andy and team’s leadership.”
AIM will continue to be headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with offices for the Home and Marine Groups in Des Moines, Cincinnati, Stevens Point (WI), Essex (CT), and Fort Lauderdale. Division presidents Gary DeSanctis and Peter Miller will continue in their respective roles supported by AIM’s existing leadership team and staff. AIM Founder Efrem Zimbalist III has stepped away as AIM Chairman and will remain as an advisor and Chairman Emeritus.
About B&W Communication LLC.
B&W otherwise known as Betterment & Wonderment Communications LLC is a newly formed Colorado based company created to acquire and better enthusiast media brands.
About Active Interest Media, Inc.
One of the world’s leading participant media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, podcasts, and TV shows that reach 40+ million readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries. Our brands include Anglers Journal, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Yachts International, Soundings, Trade Only, Passagemaker, Woodshop News, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Woodsmith, Garden Gate, Cuisine at Home, Writer’s Digest, Horticulture, Popular Woodworking, Numismatic News, and more. The company’s four divisions—the Home Group, Home Arts, Collectibles and Marine Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities, retail events and marketing services (through our in-house agency, Catapult Creative Labs). 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.
CONTACT:
JoAnn Thomas
Jthomas@aimmedia.com
(303) 517-8348