Travel and media entrepreneur Clive Jacobs has agreed a deal to buy Caterer and Hotelkeeper from Reed Business Information.
The purchase of the weekly title is Jacobs’ second deal with RBI, following the acquisition of Travel Weekly Group in August 2009.
He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to acquire this iconic business-to-business portfolio of magazines, information services and events, having long been a reader of Caterer and Hotelkeeper and an admirer of the vibrant and vital industry it serves. I have exciting plans to reinvigorate and expand the magazine, its online services and events which include the coveted Catey awards.
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“In the three years since acquiring the Travel Weekly Group from RBI, we have invested heavily and launched new publications, events and digital services to create a true 21st century media business which is now the undisputed market leader. I am looking forward to bringing the same levels of energy and innovation to Caterer and Hotelkeeper to reignite the business and ensure it consolidates its position at the heart of an industry that has never been more vital to the UK economy.
“There is a natural fit between the Travel Weekly Group and Caterer and Hotelkeeper businesses, and I see an enormous opportunity for this expanded portfolio to play an essential role in a diverse and dynamic industry which is particularly close to my heart.”
RBI chief operating officer Dominic Feltham said: “The Caterer and Hotelkeeper portfolio has been a valued part of RBI over many years but we recognise a greater opportunity for the brand to flourish within Clive’s independent publishing group. I would like to thank the team for their tremendous effort and professional approach in very tough trading conditions. They now join a team with a proven track record in digital and print and the skills to secure a positive future for the team and brand. We wish them all well.”
Jacobs founded Holiday Autos and sold it to Lastminute.com in 2003.
Caterer and Hotelkeeper will be relocated to the Travel Weekly Group’s offices in Victoria, central London, following completion of the sale.
Founded in 1878, Caterer and Hotelkeeper is not currently ABC audited but is said to have a weekly circulation of 8,000.
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