Horton Media buys Business Media Press

Horton Media buys Auckland newspaper printer

Horton Media announced today its acquisition of Auckland newspaper printer Business Media Press.

BMP staff were told of the move at 6pm today (Monday 18th May).

The purchase combines Auckland’s two independent newspaper printers. Horton Media prints more than 70 titles printed for publishers based around the globe from England to Tonga at its East Tamaki premises.

Business Media Press, owned by Brian and Reay Neben, counts the Times Newspapers stable of community newspapers in East Auckland among its portfolio.

Horton Media Chief Executive Matthew Horton welcomed the purchase, saying it enhanced independent publishers’ security of supply in difficult times.

“Concentrating the resources of two companies at a time when newspapers and most other media are suffering a severe contraction in advertising is a sensible move,” he said.

“We will continue to operate BMP as a separate plant and add the extra management expertise we’re able to provide from our Auckland and Brisbane sites.”

BMP Director Reay Neben said the sale came at a good time for the Nebens who would now be able to focus on their publishing interests.

The Nebens retain their shareholding in Times Newspapers Ltd which is part-owned by Fairfax Media. The company publishes East Auckland’s leading community papers including The Howick and Pakuranga Times and The Howick and Botany Times as well as some monthly titles.