PUBLISHER BUYS AV-IQ

4 August 2014

US pro AV publisher NewBay Media has announced its acquisition of AV-iQ, the industry’s online equipment providers directory and resource, from trade association InfoComm International.

InfoComm has owned AV-iQ for 14 years, overseeing its development from a simple online catalogue to a comprehensive resource that includes an equipment database, case studies, directories, product comparison tools and more. InfoComm CEO David Labuskes says he was “surprised, albeit flattered” when approached by NewBay.

“As the InfoComm leadership team evaluated the offer, we came to realise that a successful private enterprise like NewBay would be better situated to leverage this data solution that a non-profit association ever could,” Labuskes says.

NewBay Media has a solid foothold in the pro AV industry as the publisher of trade magazines including Systems Contractor News, Sound & Video Contractor, AV Technology and Pro Sound News.

“The addition of AV-iQ immediately strengthens our ability to service the commercial AV market, and expands NewBay’s data, analytics and lead generation capabilities,” says NewBay CEO Steve Palm. “We are excited to have this unique, valued resource join our industry-leading AV and IT focused portfolio of brands and services.”

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed but the AV-IQ team has joined NewBay and will continue to be based at its Minneapolis offices. Management will be handled by Adam Goldstein, executive vice president and group publisher at NewBay, and vice president and digital media corporate director Robert Ames.

The purchase follows NewBay’s acquisition of Ratings Intelligence, a data-driven television research and analysis firm, in April.

InfoComm International: www.infocomm.org

NewBay Media: www.newbaymedia.com