SCMP acquires Asia City Media Group

Completion of the acquisition is scheduled to take place in early July, and will bring into the SCMP Group additional titles to expand its portfolio in Hong Kong. 

Florence Wong, MD of ZenithOptimedia Hong Kong told Campaign Asia-Pacific that the free magazine titles of Asia City Media Group are very expatriate focused. "I was an expat living in another country before the days of internet and these magazines were good sources of entertainment news, but nowadays the internet is more popular," she said.

She added that lots of advertiers for products or services in Hong Kong target mass Chinese customers and rarely target the expatriate community. "I have the feeling that SCMP Group is not just acquiring the magazine titles for the sake of the magazines, but riding on the platform for other business ventures."

Alice Lee, general manager of Media Palette felt that the acquisition will definitely strengthen SCMP as the market leader of English publications. 

Asia City’s leading title, HK Magazine, was established in 1991, and is an English-language leisure and lifestyle free distribution magazine in the city.

Greg Crandall, who has been with Asia City Media Group for over 10 years, will continue in his position as Country Manager. 

The List is an English-language free distribution pocket sized city guide and directory. Where Hong Kong and Where Chinese 玩 are handy tourist information guides. Other products in the Asia City portfolio include the HK Magazine website, The List website, HK Magazine tablet app and an app called Happy Hour Finder.

The move follows SCMP Group’s acquisition last year of the Hong Kong Chinese-language edition of Elle from Hearst Corporation.

SCMP Group advised that the Hong Kong business of Asia City will continue to manage its titles and businesses independently, with the added benefit of larger group operational expertise, synergies and resources. A board of directors, comprising a number of SCMP Group senior executives, has been appointed to support and oversee the overall business direction.

Robin Hu, SCMP Group’s chief executive officer remarked: “This move is a very natural fit for our two companies. We have a lot of common ground in our target audiences and advertisers, and Asia City’s Hong Kong portfolio helps our group to broaden our base and enhance our lifestyle offerings.”