Palm Beach Media Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Troy-based Hour Media and publisher of the award-winning Palm Beach Illustrated and Naples Illustrated, has acquired Florida Design magazine and its family of home design publications.
“We are thrilled with this addition to our growing roster of publications,” says Terry Duffy, group publisher of Palm Beach Media Group. Florida Design, founded in 1990, also produces Florida Design Naples, Miami Home & Décor, Palm Beach The Island, and Florida Design Sourcebook.
John Balardo, president of Palm Beach Media Group and its parent, Hour Media, says, “Florida Design is a recognized leader in the design category. This acquisition represents an ideal complement to our current lifestyle and custom publications for the Florida market and our broader national footprint.”
Stefan Wanczyk, CEO of Hour Media, says he has been an avid fan and subscriber to Florida Design for more than 20 years. “I firmly believe it’s the best interior design and furnishing magazine in Florida, if not the country,” says Wanczyk.
“That the publication has subscribers across the United States and overseas speaks volumes about the quality that Jeff Lichtenstein and his family brought to the magazine. I have been envious of this magazine for years and now I am proud to say that our company is the new owner and steward of this iconic brand.”
Palm Beach Media Group and Hour Media say they will focus their considerable resources to enhance client services, reader experiences, and product presence in the marketplace.
“I felt Hour Media was the best suitor to ensure the magazine’s ongoing success. I am pleased to leave Florida Design in such capable hands,” says Jeff Lichtenstein, president of Florida Design. “Hour Media is committed to growing the magazines and has an excellent team.”
Hour Media, the parent company of DBusiness, Hour Detroit, Detroit Home, Weddings, and its related entities are multi-media companies that publish and produce more than 140 magazines and custom titles, 37 consumer websites, and 65 shows and events throughout the United States.
Hour Media Group publishes city, regional, and custom publications, including Atlanta Magazine, Cincinnati Magazine, Grand Rapids Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Minnesota Monthly, Naples Illustrated, Orange Coast, Palm Beach Illustrated, Pasadena Magazine, and Sacramento Magazine. The company has offices in Michigan, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio, with more than 300 employees across the country.
