Boulder, CO (March 2, 2017) – Active Interest Media (AIM) announced today the sale of Show Management/YPI to Informa (LSE: INF.L), (“Informa”), the London-based global business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events company.
Founded in 1976, Show Management was purchased by Active Interest Media in 2006. Show Management is best known for growing, with its partners, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show into three of the world’s largest in-water boat shows, and the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show and Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota into two of the Florida Gulf Coast’s largest in-water boat shows.
“We can think of no better company than Informa to focus on the continued growth and success of the five Florida boat shows and other events currently produced by Show Management,” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, Chairman of AIM Media and President of Show Management.
“Informa’s acquisition of Show Management allows for an exciting international opportunity that extends to exhibitors and the marine industry in leading global markets,” said Phil Purcell, President and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, and partner with Show Management in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. “The MIASF looks forward to continued collaboration with our partners based on a relationship that has been built over decades.”
“The sale of Show Management is part of AIM’s long-term strategic plan to accelerate our growth,” said Andrew Clurman, AIM President and CEO. “AIM will reinvest the proceeds from this sale to grow our digital video, online education, marketing services, and events in our other verticals.
“AIM has just finished our best year ever,” he continued, “and we now have the resources to fund many exciting opportunities. Meanwhile, we remain fully committed to the marine industry with our leading portfolio of print and digital brands and their related events, and will partner with Informa to grow the industry and our respective businesses.”
JEGI (www.jegi.com), the leading independent investment bank for the global media, information, marketing, software and tech-enabled services sectors, headquartered in New York, NY, represented AIM in this transaction.
About Active Interest Media, Inc.
One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces leading consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, films and TV shows that reach 36 million readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries. AIM’s brands include Yoga Journal, Backpacker, SKI, Skiing, Vegetarian Times, Anglers Journal, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Black Belt, American Cowboy, Spin to Win Rodeo, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Oxygen, Clean Eating, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Cabin Living, Woodsmith, Garden Gate, and more. The company’s six divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group, Outdoor Group, and Creative Home Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities, and retail events. Core competencies include lead generation (through their Qualified Buyer Program), marketing services (through their inhouse
agency, Catapult Creative Labs), and video production. Its businesses include Warren Miller Entertainment, the most successful adventure-film company in history, IDEAFit, the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals, and AIM Studios, a seven person unit dedicated to digital video. 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.
About Wind Point Partners
AIM was founded in 2003 by Skip Zimbalist and Wind Point Partners, a private equity
investment firm has raised over $3 billion in commitments since 1984. Wind Point focuses on
partnering with top caliber management teams to acquire middle market business where it can
establish a clear path to value creation. Additional information about Wind Point is available at
www.windpointpartners.com.
Media inquiries:
Active Interest Media
Dayna Macy (415) 591-0729
dmacy@aimmedia.com (mobile) (510) 219-0819
Show Management
Jane Grant (954) 776-1999 ext. 224
jgrant@piersongrant.com (mobile) (954) 612-2149
Active Interest Media