IPC Media is to sell its Cage & Aviary Birds title to specialist magazine and book publisher Kelsey Publishing with immediate effect.
Britain’s only bird keeping weekly becomes the first IPC Media title to be sold since a strategic review of the business concluded that it was necessary for the publisher to dispose of the vast majority of its specialist magazines.
Steve Wright, Kelsey managing director, said: “We see Cage & Aviary Birds as an excellent fit for our magazine portfolio. It is an iconic brand within the bird keeping scene and will be one of the biggest titles published in our business.”
IPC said today the title would not suffer any interruption to its publishing schedule as its staff was transferring to work for the new owners with immediate effect.
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Based at offices in Peterborough and Cudham, Kent, Kelsey produces more than 30 special-interest magazines, predominately motoring, agricultural and rural life titles.
Press Gazette understands that IPC is also in talks with Kelsey over the possible sale of its Ships Monthly title, Aeroplane Monthly magazine, Park Home & Holiday Caravan and MiniWorld.
Paul Williams, IPC Inspire managing director, said: “As one of the leading publishers of specialist titles in the UK, Kelsey is the perfect new home for Cage & Aviary Birds.
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“I would personally like to thank the team for continuing to do a fantastic job over the course of the strategic review and acquisition negotiations, and wish them all the very best for the future.”
The sale of Cage & Aviary Birds comes as IPC is holding talks with several other independent magazine publishers over the piecemeal disposal of a number of its specialist titles.
IPC is also advanced talks with Vitality Publishing, owner of gay lifestyle magazine Attitude, over the sale of lads’ mag Loaded and other titles – believed to be SuperBike magazine, horoscope title Prediction and HiFi News.
Press Gazette also understands that IPC has held talks over the likely sale of its Web User magazine, with Dennis Publishing believed to be taking an interest in the title.
The UK’s largest magazine publisher is also poised to sell its World Soccer magazine, Racecar Engineering and Classic Boat to the Chelsea Magazine Company.
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