Gardner Business Media Acquires the AutoBeat Group

CINCINNATI and DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Gardner Business Media today announced the acquisition of the AutoBeat Group from founder-publisher Bill Hampton, who will continue working as publisher of the AutoBeat properties.

Gardner Business Media publishes Automotive Design and Production magazine and autofieldguide.com.  That media and AutoBeat properties will form a new Automotive Group within the publishing company.

The Automotive Group will be led by Automotive Design & Production publisher Mike Vohland and feature two of the automotive industry's leading editorial voices, AutoBeat Group Founder-Publisher Bill Hampton and Automotive Design & Production Editor-in-Chief, Gary S. Vasilash.

Speaking on the acquisition, Gardner Business Media Vice President and Group Publisher, Rick Kline, Jr., noted, "This move reflects our belief in the strength of the automotive industry and the strength of both the Automotive Design & Production and the AutoBeat Group brands. By joining forces, we are able to deliver unrivaled coverage of the automotive industry to our readers, and added value to our advertisers."

Bill Hampton said, "I am enormously proud of what our current and past staffers have accomplished since AutoBeat Daily launched more than 14 years ago, and I'm especially excited about the potential for growth and expansion made possible by integrating our products with those of Gardner Business Media."

AutoBeat Group reaches some 155,000 subscribers worldwide with executive-focused online newsletters about the automotive business. The group also publishes two public-access Web sites. AutoBeat Insider caters to non-industry readers who have an interest in cars. The Advanced Mobility Project tracks developments in personal transportation, including connected and self-driving vehicles. http://AutoBeatgroup.com/

Automotive Design & Production is a magazine for executives, designers and engineers at automotive OEM and supplier companies that focuses on the latest in product and process technologies, developments, ideas, and innovations.  In addition to which, it offers digital media, market intelligence, and events.  http://www.autofieldguide.com

Gardner Business Media was established in 1928 and produces magazines including Modern Machine Shop, Products Finishing, Production Machining, MoldMaking Technology, Plastics Technology, CompositesWorld, and their associated digital products, research and live events.

Press Contact:

David Necessary
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Gardner Business Media
513-527-8800 / [email protected]

SOURCE Gardner Business Media