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Hero Media & Entertainment has acquired the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, DRAMScotland.co.uk, the news platform for the licensed trade, and HotelScotland-online.co.uk, the online magazine serving the hotels sector.<\/p>\n
The acquisition represents another step change in Hero Media & Entertainment\u2019s growth strategy and follows the company\u2019s recent acquisition of KD Media, publisher and organiser of the Scottish Whisky Awards, Scottish Gin Awards, Scottish Beer Awards and the renowned InWhisky conference.<\/p>\n
Following the launch of Hero Media & Entertainment at the start of this year, the latest acquisition represents its seventh acquisition as part of a strategy to \u201cbuy and build\u201d and create a leading UK media business.<\/p>\n
The combined assets will form a new\u00a0Hospitality Division\u00a0within Hero Media & Entertainment, sitting alongside the company\u2019s Business News & Information;\u00a0Legal; and\u00a0Property, Homes & Construction business units.<\/p>\n
It acquired the online publications Daily Business, as well as the Dundee Press Agency and its titles: Scottish Financial News, Scottish Construction Now, Scottish Housing News, Scottish Legal News and Irish Legal News.<\/p>\n
The enlarged hospitality portfolio creates one of Scotland\u2019s most influential specialist online news and events businesses, serving operators, suppliers, investors and decision-makers across the hospitality, tourism, food and beverage sectors.<\/p>\n
DRAMScotland.co.uk has been a trusted voice of the Scottish hospitality industry for almost three decades, providing news, insight and analysis for pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality operators across the country. <\/p>\n
Hotel Scotland is the leading publication dedicated exclusively to Scotland\u2019s hotel industry, while the \u201cScottish Bar & Pub Awards\u201d have become one of the sector\u2019s most respected annual celebrations of excellence.<\/p>\n
As part of the transaction, founder and publisher Susan Young will remain closely involved with the business, taking on a consultancy role to support the transition and help drive future growth initiatives.<\/p>\n
Hero Media & Entertainment plans to invest significantly in the continued development of the brands, expanding editorial coverage, enhancing digital products and growing its events portfolio.<\/p>\n
Mark Hollinshead, chief executive of Hero Media & Entertainment, said: \u201cThis is another transformational acquisition for Hero Media & Entertainment and a significant vote of confidence in Scotland\u2019s hospitality sector. DRAMScotland.co.uk, HotelScotland-online.co.uk and the \u201cScottish Bar & Pub Awards\u201d are highly respected brands that have earned the trust of the industry over many years.<\/p>\n
\u201cCombined with our recent acquisition of KD Media and its portfolio of market-leading drinks awards and events, we have created a dedicated Hospitality, Food & Drink Division that complements our established Business News & Information; Legal; and Property, Homes & Construction business units. <\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, these divisions provide our business with a powerful platform serving many of Scotland\u2019s most important industries and professional communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur ambition is to preserve the independence, quality and integrity that have made these brands successful while investing in new products, new audiences and new opportunities for the industry. We see tremendous potential for growth and are excited about what the future holds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Susan Young said: \u201cAfter many rewarding years building DRAM Scotland, Hotel Scotland and the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, it was important to find an organisation that understood their value to the industry and shared my commitment to independent journalism and industry engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom our earliest discussions, it was clear that Hero Media & Entertainment had both the vision and the resources to take the brands forward. I am delighted to remain involved as a consultant and look forward to supporting the next phase of growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hospitality industry has always been at the heart of everything we do, and I am excited to see these brands continue to evolve, innovate and serve the businesses and people that make Scotland\u2019s hospitality sector so special.\u201d<\/p>\n
The transaction takes effect immediately. Readers, advertisers, sponsors and event partners can expect continuity across all publications and events, alongside a programme of investment and expansion that will be unveiled over the coming months.<\/p>\n
The company said further acquisitions and launches remain under consideration as it seeks to build a leading media, information and events group.<\/p>\n
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