Bonnier Magazines & Brands to Sell Puzzle Magazines Portfolio to Keesing
Bonnier Magazines & Brands is selling its puzzle magazines portfolio to the international crossword publisher Keesing. “The crossword magazines are a stable magazine operation but have few synergies with our other strong businesses,” says Lars Dahmén, CEO for Bonnier Magazines & Brands. “When we received a serious offer from the leading European player in this field, we chose to sell so that we can invest more in our strategic initiatives going forward: digital development, and new services and products based around our strong brands.”
Bonnier Magazines & Brands is selling all its puzzle magazines to the long-established Dutch crossword publisher Keesing, founded in 1911, which will be making a strong entrance into the Swedish market with the acquisition.
“The crossword magazines are fantastic, and we’re very proud and pleased to have produced them for so many years,” says Lars Dahmén, CEO for Bonnier Magazines & Brands. “To sell such a fantastic business isn’t an easy decision, but a deal like this means we can focus more intensively on our successful digital initiatives.”
Keesing has worked over many years to establish itself as Europe’s leading media group for crosswords and magazines with over 750 titles published yearly. Active in 11 countries and with a staff of over 300, Keesing is already the market leader in puzzle segment in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and has growing positions in its other geographies.
“It feels good that the puzzle titles found a solid new home where the publishing of this type of content is the core business” says Lars Dahmén.
Bonnier Magazines & Brands is the clear leader in the Swedish market. The sale includes all of Bonnier Magazines & Brands’ titles within the topic and will be completed during the spring.
“Bonnier is a household name among puzzle enthusiasts in Sweden, and Keesing will uphold this reputation with pride and respect going forward,” says Philip Alberdingk Thijm, CEO of Keesing Media Group. “This acquisition is a superb example of the way in which Keesing intends to further strengthen its position as Europe’s leading media company in this segment.”
About Bonnier Magazines & Brands
Bonnier Magazines & Brands is the largest feature publishing house in Sweden. Every day we inspire, entertain, engage and educate Sweden through our lifestyle magazines, digital products, sites, social media channels, apps, online video, events, edutainment and more. We reach more than 4 million Swedes every week. Some of our largest brands include Allt om mat, Sköna hem, mama, amelia and many more. We also have the biggest influencer network in the Nordics.
About Keesing Media Group
Keesing Media Group is the largest publisher of puzzle magazines in Europe. With a circulation of more than 100 million puzzle magazines annually, Keesing is conquering the hearts of millions of puzzle enthusiasts in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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Note for the editor – not for publication:
For more information about Bonnier Magazines & Brands, please contact Lars Dahmen at +31 70 7831 848.
For more information about Keesing Media Group, please contact Odette Akersloot at +31 6 1927 8365 or e-mail [email protected].