Transcontinental Media Acquires Gardening Publisher

Posted on May 31, 2002

Transcontinental Media has acquired Editions Versicolores and Specialites Terre a Terre, the largest gardening and horticulture publisher and distributor in Quebec. Based in Quebec City, the two companies have combined annual sales of over seven million dollars and employ about twenty people. Francois Bernatchez, Jacques Bernatchez and Paul Poisson, the former owners, are joining the Transcontinental Media team.

The products of Editions Versicolores are aimed at consumers and professionals in the horticulture industry. Its best-known magazine, Fleurs, Plantes et Jardins, published nine times a year, has an average circulation of 71,000 copies and reaches over 725,000 readers. The publishing house also puts out a trade publication, Quebec Vert, which is published eight times a year with a circulation of 3,500; an annual buyer's guide, Guide de l'acheteur, which has a circulation of 5,000; and the Internet site jardinage.net. Specialites Terre a Terre produces and distributes practical guides for gardeners, home decorators and do-it-yourselfers, among others.

"This transaction is in line with our strategy of acquiring targeted publications in high-growth niches," said Andre Prefontaine, President of Transcontinental Media. "For us, it's an excellent complement to our portfolio of consumer publications, as we previously did not possess anything in the gardening and horticulture field. These publications are industry leaders and we are proud to be able to count on this team of seasoned managers and journalists."

Francois Bernatchez, president of Editions Versicolores and Specialites Terre a Terre, is very happy with the transaction: "By joining the prestigious Transcontinental family we get the benefit of their vast experience in the publishing of consumer magazines and ensure the growth of our products in the years ahead."

The fourth largest print media group in Canada, with over 2000 employees, Transcontinental Media is the leading publisher of consumer magazines in Canada and the second-largest publisher of regional and community newspapers. Transcontinental Media is a wholly owned subsidiary of Transcontinental Group.