DC Thomson Media acquires Aceville Publications (Publisher of Sports Insight and Running Forum)

Aceville Publications has been acquired by DC Thomson Media.

Headquartered in Dundee, DC Thomson Media has been publishing for over 100 years and has a portfolio of more than 20 magazines, including the much-loved brands The People’s Friend and Beano.

Aceville Publications, based in Colchester, is home to over 40 in-house brands including leading UK-based titles such as Sports Insight and Running Forum.

This acquisition strengthens Sport Insights position as the leading title for years to come, and plans are underway to invest in developing Running and Outdoor publications in 2019.

Matthew Tudor, Managing Director at Aceville, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining DC Thomson Media. They have great heritage and credibility in the publishing industry and I’m looking forward to working together to strengthen the combined portfolio.“DC Thomson Media holds some brilliant brands and I’m confident the Aceville titles and expertise will complement this. The portfolios align brilliantly and bring real opportunity to improve content for all of our readers.”

The acquisition of Aceville by DC Thomson Media will bring a combined portfolio of around 70 magazines as well as a number of digital properties and events. The acquisition establishes DC Thomson Media as one of the top five consumer magazine publishers in the UK.

Mike Watson, Chief Executive Officer at DC Thomson Media, said: “We’re excited to have acquired Aceville and are looking forward to working together. The team at Aceville, and their portfolio, are a great fit for our business and this collaboration opens up a host of opportunities for both businesses. This is a hugely exciting time for everyone at DC Thomson Media and Aceville.

“This acquisition will materially change our landscape and is a key step in our Protect, Launch, Diversify strategy.”

Following the acquisition, the focus for DC Thomson Media is to increase market share and continue to transform from traditional magazine publishers to multimedia content creators and distributors.