BC Business
Canada Wide Media
BCBusiness, Vancouver magazine, Western Living and TV Week (among others) are getting a new owner.
It’s a weird feeling to break news about your own company, but here we are.
Today it was announced that Alive Publishing Group has purchased Canada Wide Media. BCBusiness, of course, is part of the transaction, as are many other publications, including Vancouver magazine, Western Living and TV Week.
After almost 50 years of being in business, Peter Legge, founder and CEO of Canada Wide Media, has made the decision to sell the company and retire. CWM will become a direct subsidiary of Alive, and the latter intends to carry on CWM’s current business.
“Over the past 50 years, I have had the distinct privilege of leading Western Canada’s largest independent media company. It has been my life’s work and distinct privilege to be part of the media and business community in British Columbia,” said Legge in a release.
“We have worked with many talented individuals and outstanding businesses over the years, and we’ve been able to contribute and support the work of numerous charities in the community. I am pleased to know my company will be in excellent hands with the new ownership and the legacy will continue.”
Alive has been publishing for over 40 years and its publications reach across North America with more than a million readers a month.
Ryan Benn, CEO and group publisher of Richmond-based Alive Publishing Group, will take over the same roles at CWM.
“I am beyond excited to continue the legacy of Peter Legge and to have acquired the valuable brands and custom publications produced by CWM,” said Benn.
“Our businesses have had a shared purpose of educating, inspiring and engaging readers for over four decades, all from our respective headquarters in Western Canada. I have always admired the values instilled in the business by Peter, and I look forward to building on the outstanding quality and journalism that has always been at the forefront of CWM. It is my pleasure to ensure that CWM grows to be an even more integral part of the media community in British Columbia.”