Member service and group purchasing organization the VGM Group Inc. has acquired United Publications Inc., the business-to-business media company that produces HME industry publication HME News, as well as Security Systems News and some additional HME and security events.
Under the acquisition, which became effective April 1, all existing United Publications staff will remain in place and continue operating from their existing Yarmouth, Maine offices under the same editorial and event brands, according to Rick Rector, who will stay on as United Publications’ president.
United Publications’ sale was motivated by owner James “Brook” Taliaferro’s desire to retire, according to both Rector and VGM CFO Jim Nygren, who added that the deal resulted from both companies’ familiarity with one another in the HME industry. Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the transaction.
While VGM has relationships with various vendors in the industry as part of its group purchasing services and activities, both Rector and Nygren said that HME News and United Publications’ other properties would continue to operate independently.
“VGM will not be exercising any editorial oversight of United’s properties,” Rector said. “The events will operate independently as they have in the past,” he added.
As for VGM’s relationships with other HME industry publications, such as HME Business, Mobility Management and HomeCare, Nygren said that “nothing would change.”
“VGM’s thought leaders look forward to continuing their relationships and sharing content with other publications,” Nygren said. “This includes news releases, editorials and interviews. Also, VGM’s media partners will continue to be invited to special events, including our annual Heartland Conference.”