Apprise Media Acquires Y-Visionary

Posted on October 14, 2005

Apprise Media LLC, a niche media company, announced that it has acquired Y-Visionary LP, which publishes nine monthly and bi-monthly magazines focused on the automotive aftermarket, outdoor sports and shelter segments. The Y-Visionary publications will operate as part of the Action Pursuit Group (APG) of Apprise Enthusiast Media LLC, Apprise's platform in the enthusiast media sector whose other properties include Beckett Media LP.

Charles G. McCurdy, Chairman and CEO of Apprise Media, said, "These publications are a great fit with APG's existing action-enthusiast titles. We plan to increase their value through reinvigoration of the magazines, as well as investment in line extensions and merchandise sales. At the same time, we are actively pursuing other follow-on acquisitions that will expand APG's footprint. We know the automotive aftermarket and outdoor sports segments very well. The breadth of experience of Craig Nickerson, APG's CEO, in building a major automotive enthusiast and action sports group for Primedia will add enormous value to the management of these assets."

Y-Visionary's publications include Street Trucks, Import Racer, and Drag Racer in the automotive segment; Bow & Arrow Hunting, Gun World, and Knives Illustrated in the outdoor sports segment; and Victorian Homes and Romantic Homes in the shelter segment.

Y-Visionary, based in Orange, California, is Apprise's fourth acquisition of a specialty media company this year. In January, Apprise acquired Beckett Media, the leading publisher of sports and entertainment market collectible guides. In April, Apprise acquired Canon Communications, a producer of print publications, trade shows and digital media. In August, Apprise acquired CFW Enterprises, which covers paintball, martial arts and grappling. Formed in 2004, Apprise Media is a strategic management and investment company controlled by Charles G. McCurdy, a co-founder and former President of Primedia Inc.