What happens when you merge two b2b media companies?
Apparently you get www.stagnito-edgell.com
So what does that mean exactly? Well, we will have to wait
and see. Based on what we have read thus far, they have not even decided on an
official corporate name as of yet. This news is hot off the presses and we look
forward to learning more about the merger. Much of the combined resources is
not relevant to the garment industry, but as you may know, Edgell previously
purchased the apparel industry magazine called Bobbin which had become a
magazine called Apparel.
Below is the general gist of new merger.
Stagnito Business Information and Edgell Communications
announced today that the two companies have merged. The combined assets and
brands make it one of the most comprehensive b-to-b information, media, and
marketing resource serving retailers and their supplier/distributor partners in
the North American grocery, convenience, big-box retail, specialty/apparel,
hospitality, and pharmacy markets.
The company will operate under the Stagnito Business
Information and Edgell Communications names in the short term, with a new
corporate brand to be announced in the future (www.stagnito-edgell.com).
Gerry Ryerson, President & CEO at Edgell, and Harry
Stagnito, President & CEO at Stagnito, are handing over the reins to Kollin
Stagnito, COO at Stagnito, who will take over as CEO of the combined company.
Ryerson is retiring and Harry Stagnito is taking a seat on the newly formed
board of directors.
The merger was driven by private equity investor RFE
Investment Partners. Their participation will allow Stagnito and Edgell to develop more
powerful products and services for its audience and customers, through future
acquisitions as well as organic growth.
RFE also helped facilitate the formation of the new board,
attracting executives with a wealth of media, b-to-b communications, and retail
industry experience. In addition to Mr. Stagnito, board members include Alan
Glass, former Chairman, President & CEO at Commonwealth Business Media and
Jim Casella, former Chairman & CEO at Asset International and Vice Chairman
at Reed Business Information. Mr. Glass will be the new company’s Executive
Chairman, with Kollin Stagnito reporting to him.
Further information on RFE can be found at http://rfeip.com/.
Stagnito and Edgell brands focus on vertical markets in the
U.S. include Progressive Grocer, Convenience Store News, Hospitality Technology,
MURTEC conference, The Gourmet Retailer, and Apparel. Horizontally focused
brands serving all retail markets include RIS News, Consumer Goods Technology,
Retail Leader, Store Brands, Multicultural Retail 360 Summit, and Carbonview
Research.
Apparel Search would like to take this
moment to congratulate both companies on their merger. We wish them the best
with their new venture.
If you have more information about this Stagnito and Edgell
merger, you are welcome to list your thoughts below.