Active Interest Media (AIM) announced the sale of Yachting Promotions Inc., doing business as Show Management, to Informa (LSE: INF.L), (“Informa”), the London-based global business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events company.

JEGI CLARITY (www.jegiclarity.com), the leading independent investment bank for the global media, information, marketing, software and tech-enabled services sectors, headquartered in New York, NY, represented AIM in this transaction.

Founded in 1976, Show Management was purchased by Active Interest Media in 2006. Show Management is best known for growing, with its partners, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show into three of the world’s largest in-water boat shows, and the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show and Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota into two of the Florida Gulf Coast’s largest in-water boat
shows.

“We can think of no better company than Informa to focus on the continued growth and success of the five Florida boat shows and other events currently produced by Show Management,” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, Chairman of AIM Media and President of Show Management.

“Informa’s acquisition of Show Management allows for an exciting international opportunity that extends to exhibitors and the marine industry in leading global markets,” said Phil Purcell, President and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, and partner with Show Management in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. “The MIASF looks forward to continued collaboration with our partners based on a relationship that has been built over decades.”

“The sale of Show Management is part of AIM’s long-term strategic plan to accelerate our growth,” said Andrew Clurman, AIM President and CEO. “AIM will reinvest the proceeds from this sale to grow our digital video, online education, marketing services, and events in our other verticals.”

“AIM has just finished our best year ever,” he continued, “and we now have the resources to fund many exciting opportunities. Meanwhile, we remain fully committed to the marine industry with our leading portfolio of print and digital brands and their related events, and will partner with Informa to grow the industry and our respective businesses.”

One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media produces and trade events, websites, magazines, films and TV shows that reach 36 million readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries. The company’s six divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group, Outdoor Group, and Creative Home Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities, and retail events. Core competencies include lead generation (through their Qualified Buyer Program), marketing services (through their in-house agency, Catapult Creative Labs), and video production. Its businesses include Warren Miller Entertainment, the most successful adventure-film company in history, IDEAFit, the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals, and AIM Studios, a seven person unit dedicated to digital video. For more information, visit www.aimmedia.com.