Pig World and the Weekly Tribune, along with the three other Lewis Business Media agricultural titles – Poultry Business, Agronomist & Arable Farmer and Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer, plus related events – have been sold to the Mark Allen Group.
The Mark Allen Group owns Farmers Weekly and the LBM titles and events, including the National Pig Awards and the newly-launched Women in Agriculture, will sit alongside the well-known agricultural publication, in MA Agriculture Limited. Based in Sutton, MA Agriculture is one of eight operating companies in Mark Allen.
Pig World was acquired by LBM more than 10 years ago, with the other three publications following over the years to bolster the agricultural portfolio, alongside various awards and events.
Ben Allen, the CEO of Mark Allen, said: “This is a fantastic acquisition for us. It extends the reach of Farmers Weekly, providing extensive opportunities, synergies and cover.
“Despite challenges in the market, the Lewis farming assets have performed very strongly, demonstrating the strength of these brands. They will make a tremendous addition to Farmers Weekly.”
LBM managing director Simon Lewis said: “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with the Mark Allen Group. We have very much enjoyed publishing in these markets and would like to thank all those who worked with us over the period, a number of whom have become good friends.
“We do not think that there could be a better fit for this group of brands than the Mark Allen stable and look forward to watching them flourish in their new environment. Our experience of everyone we have dealt with at the Mark Allen Group during this process, especially Mark and Ben, has been nothing but positive, and we wish them well in the future.”