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January 13, 2023

The Business Magazine owner Black Ox buys Dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Black Ox is expanding out of its South East base into the South West.

By Bron Maher

Black Ox, the Camberley-based owner of The Business Magazine, has purchased Dorsetbiznews.co.uk.

The Dorset business site was founded in 2019 in Poole. Black Ox said it has “grown a loyal online readership and reputation thanks to its quality content and a fresh, upbeat and positive approach to everything business-related in Dorset”.

Richard Thompson, chief executive of Black Ox, said: “We have some exciting plans for the Biz News brand and will expand its presence across the UK, always keeping it local, always as a voice for business at the county level and with a commitment to quality content. Dorsetbiznews.co.uk perfectly complements our flagship title The Business Magazine, the champion of regional business for the last 30 years.”

It is the third acquisition made by Black Ox in the past 12 months, following its April purchase of video production house Sightline and May purchase of NK Media, which publishes Business & Innovation Magazine. The moves collectively represent an extension of reach from the South East-based Black Ox into the South West.

Dorsetbiznews.co.uk founder and editor Andrew Diprose will continue to helm the title until a new editor is recruited; interested candidates are invited to email Black Ox managing editor Stephen Emerson at stephen.emerson@black-ox.com.

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Commenting on the acquisition, Diprose said: “Black Ox was our preferred acquirer, especially having seen the tremendous impact they have had after reinvigorating The Business Magazine since acquiring the title and their commitment to quality content. We are excited by their plans to grow the Biz News brand nationally as a local county news service over the coming months and years…

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“It’s a very proud moment for my wife, son and I – all shareholders – to see an expanding media group of the calibre of Black Ox acquire our venture.”

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

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