Publisher Of International And New Build Property Magazines For Sale

Business description

Quality Publisher of International and New Build Property Magazines, associated Websites and Awards Ceremonies

The business owns key publications, websites and awards ceremonies in the U.K.’s new build property sector, and both the U.K.’s and overseas property sales business. The magazine for international property sales was established in the mid 1960’s, and as such, it has a marekt leading position and authority. Originally in a super A4 format, perfectly bound, with high quality production and a circulation of 18,000 across Newstrade, the magazine attracts long-standing advertisers along with new business. Recently the magazine has gone to a wholly digital format, which enables existing and prospective advertisers to iclude rich media in their advertisement. The digital magazine is currently e-mailed to a circulation of 100,000 people who have indicated an interest in overseas property, with the vendor currently in negotiations to develop this further to circa 850,000.

The 30 year old U.K. Property sales magazine and associated respected awards was one of the first to enter into the online property publishing business some 14 years ago. The brand is very well known, and is in a key position from which to grow.

Alongside these, they have one of the most respected New Build Magazines. Established in 1995, the publication is of very high quality, and with a controlled circulation of 7000 industry professionals, it is one of the prime marketing tools for Proeprty Developers, builders and their suppliers. The associated awards are the industry standard, and have enjoyed considerable support, sponsorship and attendence through out the past 15 years in all market conditions, proving to be very profitable at all times.

In the past, the company has been responsible for assoicated exhibitions and events across all the brands, which can be easily restarted in the future

The publications and websites are known for keen and well respected editorial, which could continue with a new owner. Although there is a sizeable paid subscription base for the titles, the majority of revenue is achieved through advertisng sales and sponsorship. With long-standing relations with some key players, and a constant stream of new clients the business has historically achived close to £1 Million in Net Profits.

Equipment:

The business utilises State of the Art Customer Relationship Management software, and has a full database of advertisers, sponsors and subscribers.

Key Strengths:

With magazine titles established between 15 and 45 years ago, the publishers command respect, authority and are obviously one of the key titles in each sector. Thus, any supplier would have to consider them when advertising or marketing themselves to the industry. With the associated respected awards, and constant promotion and re-enforcement this brings to the titles, the business is in a very strong and enviable market position.

The history and prominence of the portfolio of products enables the acquisition of new clients in a competitive market. This is on top of the regular repeat advertisers and sponsors, whose relationship in each case has been nurtured and built upon from the very beginning.

Due to the market position, each product draws blue-chip sponsors and advertisers, which in-turn also help develop business with new clients and entrants to the market.

The publishers are also known for producing the highest quality publications in the market, with no compromise on production quality. This has proved to be a cornerstone to their standing in the current market and given readers, and customers alike, a reassurance as to their commitment to quality.

Due to a relatively recent Management Buy-Out, the company is also in a debt-free situation. The staffing costs and overheads have been kept to an absolute minimum, which in turn has kept the profit levels high. The company enjoys exceptional printing rates that cannot be beaten. Although the business has been based in a fantastic central London location for a number of years, with the lease up for renewal at the end of 2009, there is an excellent opportunity to re-locate.

Financial Information:

The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.

The business is financially stable, debt free with low overheads, positive cash flow, high gross and high net profit and has shown consistent revenue levels

Sales revenue is circa £2,000,000 per annum and the vendor feels that with investment in marketing and the expected increase in market demand the business could dramatically increase its revenues and profits to their historical levels, and more.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Lease terms:

Rent £24,000 per annum
Rates £12,000 per annum

Location:

The premises are leasehold and renewable at the end of 2009
The square footage of the premises is circa 3000 ft and comprises of a reception area/desk, and a separate boardroom plus directors offices.
Rent £24,000 per annum
Rates £12,000 per annum

Other information

Expansion potential:

The brands have an unrivalled opportunity for growth and expansion in a number of directions. With key revenue now being derived by other media owners from networking and conferencing, this has become a key option. Utilising the current dominant market standing, and the extensive client database with which to sell to, there is an immediate opportunity to build in this direction. Prior to the downturn in late 2008, the company also produced exhibitions for international property developers and agents. They produced good revenue streams, and can be re-started with the guidance of the vendors.

The websites are established, but could produce higher margins with a slight overhaul, and possibly a development into new niches such as the growing affordable homes sector.

There are also opportunities to grow from supplements, associated events, and an exceptional ability to capitalise on new property market segments and new overseas hot-spots as the market returns. From a highly profitable position, in one of the toughest property markets in recent times, there is obviously an opportunity to produce higher revenues and profits, as previously made, as when the market returns.

Competition / Market:

The business has an unrivalled opportunity to promote themselves within their own leading publications and associated events and websites. The company has also promoted themselves via other media both in print and on-line

Support & training:

All Directors will be available to support and handover the business to maintain all relations, and assist with growth. Two are flexible as to remaining with the business in some capacity should the new owners wish to have their input over a longer period than the initial hand-over.

Reasons for selling:

The current vendors have taken things far, and have built a very strong, lean and stable business. They now wish to take the opportunity to make lifestyle changes and concentrate on their other business interests.

Trading hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm