In a sudden announcement, which took staff by surprise, Horncastle-based magazine publisher and events firm Mortons Media is selling up to Kent publishing firm Kelsey Media. In a statement on 18 Feb, Kelsey said it had acquired the publishing and events part of the Mortons business, with the Lincolnshire outfit holding onto its printing and distribution operations, rebranded as Mortons Print and Mailing Limited.
Mortons is, along with Bauer Media, one of the ‘big two’ in terms of motorcycle media and shows in the UK, owning a long list of two-wheel titles, including Fast Bikes, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, MoreBikes, Back Street Heroes, Scootering, Classic Scooterist, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, Classic Racer, The Classic Motorcycle, Old Bike Mart, Classic Bike Guide and Classic Dirt Bike, as well as running a host of classic bike shows annually including the Stafford, Newark, Bristol and Classic Dirt Bike Show in Telford. Kelsey has a wide range of car titles and events – but nothing in the two-wheeled world, suggesting an element of possible synergy in the takeover.
Kelsey is a significant independent UK publisher with more than 80 titles and brands across the digital, print and events worlds. It says it’s invested significantly in growth over the past five years. Mortons claim more than 50 brands in print/digital titles and live events, so the deal represents a big expansion for Kelsey. There’s no announcement on the cash value of the deal or its structure, but it’s set to happen fast, with the purchase to be completed by the end of next month.
“This is a significant step in our growth strategy as we look to build market share and skills in specific markets,” said Steve Wright, executive chairman of Kelsey Media. “I look forward to working with the talented Mortons team in the coming months to further develop our products and services.”
Ian Fisher, executive chairman of Mortons Media, said, “In recognising both the opportunities and longer-term challenges presented by the markets we seek to serve, I am confident Kelsey will be a great home for our brands. With the greater scale afforded by the acquisition and the combined strengths of the respective businesses and staff, I look forward to seeing them continuing to flourish in the future”.
Philip Sharpe, non-executive director and shareholder at Mortons, also said he was “Pleased that the merged operations would be maintaining a significant presence at the Morton Way premises in Horncastle in conjunction with Kelsey’s offices in Yalding, Kent.”