Des Moines, IA (December 4, 2023) – Active Interest Media (AIM), a leading enthusiast media company, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of The Taunton Press, a respected consumer media and book business, based in Newtown, CT.
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.”
“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.”
With this acquisition, AIM will be making several organizational changes.
- Brian VanHeuverswyn has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) where his responsibilities will include leadership of consumer marketing, technology, and the Home Arts, Homebuilding, Writer’s Digest, and Collectibles brands.
- Gary DeSanctis, President of AIM Marine Group has been named Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In his expanded role, Gary will have responsibility for all AIM revenue derived from advertising, sponsorships, and marketing services.
- Adam Smith has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is charged with leading finance, planning, and the accounting team with additional oversight for human resources.
- Other key additions include the appointment of Taunton’s Erica Moynihan to the role of Senior Vice President of Marketing. Also joining AIM from Taunton is Rob Yagid, who has been named Senior Vice President, Content, AIM Home Group.
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.
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.
Oaklins DeSilva & Phillips served as 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. Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips is an investment bank for clients that operate at the intersection of content, technology and services. This includes enterprises operating within the media, advertising & marketing, education, healthcare, information services and technology sectors.
The Taunton Press was represented by law firm Wiggin and Dana LLP.
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.
CONTACT:
Amanda Phillips
VP of Marketing
Active Interest Media
aphillips@aimmedia.com