Cahaba Media Group, the parent company of RV PRO, announced today the acquisition of Graphics Pro and Graphics Pro Expo from National Business Media (NBM).
Graphics Pro combines awards and personalization, apparel decorating and sign and digital graphics into one source for the graphics industry and professionals. Graphics Pro Expo hosts events for buyers in these end markets to see in person and purchase the newest technology, materials and supplies to power their business forward.
Colorado-based National Business Media launched and has published GRAPHICS PRO and its legacy predecessors since 1986, which include SIGN BUSINESS – which later became SIGN & DIGITAL GRAPHICS – , PRINTWEAR, AWARDS & ENGRAVING, DIGITAL GRAPHICS and WRAPS. In addition, the GRAPHICS PRO EXPO (formerly the NBM Show) has been hosting world-class, in-person events and expositions across the United States since 1989.
“I am confident that Matthew Conroy and the Cahaba Media team will be great stewards of all things GRAPHICS PRO,” said Bob Wieber, founder and CEO of National Business Media. “I think we will be impressed with the continuation of service, innovation and energy in the months and years ahead.”
Matthew Conroy, president of Cahaba Media Group, said the acquisition is exciting for two reasons: “First, the acquisition provides our entry into the tradeshow and events space in an end market that we believe has tremendous growth potential; and second, the acquisition from NBM demonstrates Cahaba Media’s continued role in the marketplace as an acquirer in the B2B publishing sector.”
“In three years, we have tripled the size of Cahaba Media’s overall business and continued to add experienced professionals and employees just starting their careers in publishing,” Conroy said.
In addition, this growth has served as a path for people to grow their careers at the company — in conjunction with this acquisition, Cahaba Media announced the promotion of Stacy Marshall to director of sales, Elizabeth Manning to director of content and Brandon Whittemore to vice president of finance.
“I’m excited to lead the team as vice president of finance.” said Brandon Whittemore. “GRAPHICS PRO has a great history in an industry that has strong potential. Growth through the acquisition of industry-leading brands is key to CMG’s future success, and GRAPHICS PRO is no exception.”
“I’m looking forward to facilitating continued growth in the markets that we serve, and I’m excited to assist our sales team in creating meaningful and comprehensive programs that benefit our clients long term,” said Stacy Marshall.
Elizabeth Manning echoed Marshall’s sentiments. “The Graphics Pro brand has a proven record in providing relevant, educational content and up-to-date news. It’s a goal we share across Cahaba Media’s brand portfolio — no matter the industries we serve, we aim to help our readers improve. I’m looking forward to learning a new industry and, in this new role as director of content, improving processes and driving editorial growth internally.”
Regions Bank provided financing for the acquisition and Maynard Nexsen PC served as legal counsel to Cahaba Media Group. Nick Curci of Corporate Solutions in Westport, Connecticut, served as an arranger to National Business Media and Cahaba Media Group on this transaction. Hoffman Nies Dave & Meyer LLP served as legal counsel to the seller. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
