Robb Report Australia to rebrand and move to bi-monthly cycle following new ownership
Robb Report Australia is set to rebrand and publish bi-monthly, as part of new partnership between US publisher Penske Media Corporation and US-based private equity firm Rockbridge Growth Equity.
The Australian edition of the international company was launched in 2016, and features news about luxury cars, yachts, watches, wines, fashions, hotels and dining, curated from an Australian perspective.
While Rockbridge Growth Equity acquired Robb Report in 2014, the new ownership by PMC will see the publication attempt to grow its digital reach and subscriptions across all channels.
As part of the acquisition, Robb Report Australia is set to undergo a major brand refresh, including a redesigned print magazine, launching in September.
Coinciding with the brand relaunch, the Australian edition will move to a bi-monthly publication cycle and will tailor its content to a ‘coffee-table-style’ series which subscribers can keep as a ‘collection’.
Robb Report Australia’s editor-in-chief, Michael Stahl said the redesign and bi-monthly cycle confirms the brand’s mission to innovate and offer the best to its audiences.
“Since our launch issue in October 2016, Robb Report Australia has quickly established a strong and uniquely positioned presence in the local luxury market, achieving an outstanding response from advertising partners and subscribers alike.
“We have responded to the growing demand for digital experiences in publishing by integrating our magazine, website and app functions with the latest in digital technology,” Stahl said.
PMC chairman and CEO Jay Penske, added: “Over the past four decades Robb Report has cemented its position as the world’s leading brand for luxury lifestyle. To bring the Robb Report onto the PMC digital platform is a remarkable opportunity to further propel this pioneering media brand.”
Brian Hermelin, managing partner for Rockbridge Growth Equity said the partnership with PMC was a “strong strategic fit”.
“The joint venture and PMC’s investment allows us to focus our combined energies on expanding Robb Report’s digital capabilities as well as continuing to improve its print distribution channels and event activation to deliver optimal consumer and advertiser experiences,” Hermelin said.
Financial terms and details of the Penske Media and Rockbridge Growth Equity joint venture were not disclosed.
