The Mark Allen Group has announced the acquisition of Lewis Business Media, which holds the assets of various agricultural brands. These assets are set to be incorporated into MA Agriculture Limited, one of eight operating companies in Mark Allen.
Simon Lewis, the Managing Director of the company founded by his parents, John and Elizabeth Lewis, is to remain with the business for a short time to facilitate the National Pig Awards which take place in London later this month.
The Lewis assets will add to the group’s farming interests, providing specialist depth in the pig, poultry, arable and contractor markets. The deal also allows for the Lewis family to continue to publish non-agricultural titles, such as Retail Destination, Pet Business World, Over the Counter, Pest, Hospitality Interiors, The SubPostmaster, PHU/PRA market report and TheJobCrowd.
Ben Allen, CEO of Mark Allen, said: “This is a fantastic acquisition for us. It extends the reach of Farmers Weekly, providing extensive opportunities, synergies and cover. Despite challenges in the market, the Lewis farming assets have performed very strongly, demonstrating the strength of these brands. They will make a tremendous addition to Farmers Weekly. It has been a very smooth and collaborative transaction, and I have particularly enjoyed working with Simon on this deal, who shares the same values in running a family business which we ascribe to.”
Simon Lewis added: “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with the Mark Allen Group. We have very much enjoyed publishing in these markets and would like to thank all those who worked with us over the period. We do not think that there could be a better fit for this group of brands than the Mark Allen stable and look forward to watching them flourish in their new environment. Our experience of everyone we have dealt with at the Mark Allen Group during this process, especially Mark and Ben, has been nothing but positive, and we wish them well in the future.”
The Mark Allen Group has announced the acquisition of Lewis Business Media and its agricultural assets. This acquisition will add depth to the group’s farming interests, providing specialist insight into the pig, poultry, arable and contractor markets. Mark Allen CEO Ben Allen said the acquisition has been a smooth and collaborative transaction, and they are looking forward to watching the Lewis assets flourish in their new environment. Simon Lewis, Managing Director of Lewis Business Media, is equally pleased with the outcome, highlighting the positive experience of working with the Mark Allen Group.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.