AIM acquires Woodshop News

Soundings Publications LLC, publisher of Woodshop News and two marine titles - Soundings and Soundings Trade Only - was purchased by Active Interest Media.

AIM is a rapidly growing media company with a focus on enthusiast magazines and related consumer shows, Internet sites and books.

“These acquisitions allow AIM to expand our marine, consumer enthusiast and B2B portfolios with highly differentiated print, digital and event properties,” AIM chairman and CEO Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III said in a statement.

AIM president and chief operating officer Andy Clurman said Woodshop News is a fit “with AIM’s Homebuyer Media Group that serves a wide spectrum of custom home builders and craftsmen. In all, this is a rare opportunity to bring together great brands and excellent teams that share a passion for the communities they serve.”

Based in El Segundo, Calif., AIM’s five publishing groups include Healthy Living, Marine, Home Buyer, Outdoor and the Equine Group. The company publishes 40 magazines and numerous websites including Yoga Journal, Backpacker, Vegetarian Times, SNEWS American Cowboy, Log Home Living, Arts & Crafts Homes, Peaks, Dressage, Black Belt, Yachts International and others.

AIM (www.aimmedia.com) produces and markets conferences, DVDs and books, and produces log-and-timber home shows and seminars. The company also produces the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The company was formed in October 2003 by the private equity investment firm Wind Point Partners and Zimbalist.