UBM warns industry that B2B magazine world is overly published in developing world

UBM reports that revenue in the B2B sector is down 23.1 per cent to £165.8m and operating profits were down 62.8 per cent to £8.9m

UBM had to close 31 titles and merged or reduced the frequency  of others in 2009 as a reaction to the economic downturn and structural decline in print advertising.

UBM said: "In many-but not all- of the markets we serve, there will continue to be sufficient demand to support one or two leading titles, a position which each market will reach by means of a 'ast man standing' process. We continue to manage our print portfolio actively towards a medium term goal of a smaller, commercially sustainable, more profitable portfolio in which most titles operate as part of an integrated portfolio of products serving a particular community."

The publisher launched new print products in India and the data from controlled circulation technology titles had given the US events business a competitive streak over internet competititors.

UBM adjusted operating profits only marginally down year on year at £171.2m for 2009 on revenue down four per cent to £847.7m.

UBM's largest business is events and turnover was down 1.5 per cent to £287.5m and operating profits were up 6.2 per cent to £87.2m.

Its UK B2B brands include Property Week, The Publican and Farmer's Guardian.

Source: Press Gazette

Published on: 09/03/2010 12:50:00