DorobekInsider: BREAKING – Government Technology parent buys Governing magazine

The parent of Government Technology, e.Republic Media, has bought Governing magazine.

The quick history: Governing, owned by the Times Publishing Company, was part of CQ. And Congressional Quarterly was purchased by The Economist Group’s Roll Call earlier this year — but Governing magazine was not part of that deal. So Governing was re-put up for sale.

There were a number of potential bidders — Government Executive’s owner, Atlantic Media was eying it but withdrew early… Federal Computer Week publisher 1105 Media was also said to be in the bidding. The idea behind that bid is that it would give 1105 a foothold in the state and local market making the suite of publications a very efficient way to reach the government market.

The e.Republic buy is also interesting. While Government Technology is, as the name implies, more tech focused, Governing is more executive focused and could be a powerful combination for the state and local government market. It could provide e.Republic with a basis for broadening into the federal market.

From the release from Paul Harney, Chief Operating Officer for e.Republic, a California-based media company:

“Combined, the two organizations create the largest media firm providing news, research and analysis of the $2.9 trillion state and local government market.”

That being said, insiders say that a large percentage of the people at Governing are being let go today.

All of that being said, I have to say that I find Government Technology to be one of my favorite publications out there. It is well written, well edited and well crafted — and there is almost always something in the publication that makes me think. So I will be fascinated to see how Governing evolves.

UPDATE: B-to-B has posted a story:

In addition to Governing, which has a circulation of 85,000 and reaches top state and local government officials, the deal includes the Governing Web site and the Public Official of the Year event.

Here is the release:

e.Republic Acquires Governing Magazine
Governing joins Government TechnologyTo Create Powerful Combination

        Read more: Technology

e.Republic today announced it has agreed to acquire Governing from the Times Publishing Company “We are very pleased to welcome Governing to e.Republic,” said PaulHarney , Chief Operating Officer for the California-based media company. “Our flagship Government Technology magazine has published alongside Governing for over 20 years, and we have a high regard forGoverning’s long history of editorial excellence,” Harney said.

“Combined, the two organizations create the largest media firm providing news, research and analysis of the $2.9 trillion state and local government market.”

“The Times Publishing Company takes great pride in Governing, which we nurtured from its inception 22 years ago into the powerful brand it is today,” said Andrew Corty, corporate vice president. “As part of this combination, Governing has a bright future educating and informing its senior-level readership across the nation.”

Governing will remain in its current offices on Connecticut Avenue in downtown Washington, D.C., under the leadership of its publisher Fred Kuhn, though some operations will be combined with similar functions at e.Republic. “Our intention is to retain the current array of products including the award-winning magazine, the Governing.com web site and well-known events, including the Public Official of the Year awards banquet,”Harney said.
Each company has long and deep experience in chronicling how the public’s business gets done in states and localities. Stemming from its long affiliation with Congressional Quarterly, Governing’s focus is on providing factual, unbiased coverage on public policy, management and what federal actions mean for cities, counties and states.

Headquartered in Sacramento, California, e.Republic has focused on the role technology plays in government transformation. An innovative media firm with award winning magazines and web sites, e.Republic is also home to the Center for Digital Government, a highly regarded research organization providing real-time intelligence and analysis on technology deployment and trends in state and local government.

“Governing plays an important role in informing and connecting America’s state and local leaders,” said Dennis McKenna, President and CEO of e.Republic. “Given the unprecedented challenges facing the country – growing unemployment, economic recession, failing infrastructure,healthcare reform, and energy insecurity – and on the eve of an important election year in states and localities, there has never been a more vital time for Governing.”

Governing was represented by The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc., a New York Citybased investment bank that specializes in the media, information, marketing services and related technology industries.

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Both companies have approved the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday.

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