Publishers give the nod to PMP NZ takeover

The Times Media Group has operated in Warkworth since 1917, with assets in both printing and newspaper publishing. The deal will see PMP NZ take over management from October 1st, taking on all the 200 staff under their current conditions.

Rodger Shepherd, chief executive of PMP NZ, claims the big boys in publishing have already given their approval to the sale. “The two big customers of Times, Fairfax and ACP, are both very supportive of the acquisition and have made long-term commitments to PMP.”

Shepherd also claims PMP NZ will be marketing a broader range of services to existing customers of the Times Media Group. “Times Colour Printing will complement our existing business, not just in printing but also in the range of media services we now offer to our print customers and to the wider market including distribution, sheet-fed printing, targeted marketing and related marketing services.”

Tony Cook, owner and managing director of Times Media Group, claims it was the best move to sell the printing division of his business. “I’m pleased we’ve sold to a solid company like PMP that has the ability to look after the interests of customers and staff as well as strengthen and grow the business.”

The acquisition is the latest in a series of purchases for PMP NZ, as part of its strategy to expand its portfolio of media services. Other recent buyouts have included magazine subscription company Magazzino Subscriptions, Gordon & Gotch, real estate print-solutions business Maxum and sheet-fed printing company Printworld.