Yachting Promotions acquired by media firm

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Yachting Promotions, Inc. (YPI) has been acquired by California-based Active Interest Media, Inc. (AIM), a consumer enthusiast publishing, information and event company, YPI reported in a recent statement. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

YPI and its Show Management operations produce five boat shows and other events throughout the year, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Kaye Pearson, the founder of YPI, will move into a consultant role for the company.

Pearson noted that aside from his new role as a consultant to YPI and AIM, the rest of the Yachting Promotions team and organization structure, headed by Andrew Doole and Dane Graziano, will remain unchanged. All existing agreements with various marine trade associations also remain unchanged.

AIM is headed by Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, chairman and chief executive officer. Previously he served as chief financial officer of Times Mirror and chairman and chief executive officer of its Times Mirror Magazines subsidiary, which published Yachting, Saltwater Sportsman, Motorboating and numerous other titles.

The company, which produces enthusiast magazines, consumer shows, books and Internet sites, was formed in October 2003 by the private equity investment firm Wind Point Partners and by Zimbalist. This includes Southwest Art, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition, Log Home Design, Black Belt, Log Home Living, Timber Home Living and Building Systems magazines, as well as videos and books, 12 log home shows and more than two dozen building seminars.

“We share the same vision for the company’s potential, and the same commitment to providing the marine industry with the finest venues possible for exhibitors to connect with boating enthusiasts,” commented Pearson.

In addition to the Fort Lauderdale show (owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida), YPI also produces the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach (produced for and owned by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association), the Palm Beach Boat Show (produced for and owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County), the St. Petersburg Fall Show (owned by Yachting Promotions, Inc.) and the Suncoast Boat Show (owned by Yachting Promotions, Inc.).

MIASF Executive Director Frank Herhold commented in a separate statement that his association is looking forward to seeing continued growth from the Fort Lauderdale show.

He noted that the new owner, “Skip,” has a reputation as an excellent businessman.

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