ACP takes NetGuide

By Nevil Gibson

Friday 9th May 2003

Australian media magnate Kerry Packer's ACP magazine group has made New Zealand publisher Phil Ryan happy and rich after acquiring the successful internet mag NetGuide on both sides of the Tasman.

The sum was not disclosed but will be in the millions based on the circulation and market leadership of the two titles, which sell 37,000 copies in New Zealand and 41,000 in Australia in separate editions.

ACP already has Australia's two leading computer magazines, PC User (60,000 monthly) and APC (Australian Personal Computer) (49,000). Only PC User and Australian NetGuide have shown any circulation growth in a market that peaked a few years ago.

In New Zealand, NetGuide has clear leadership with its non-jargon, net-surfing content in the pocket-sized A5 format, which has also proved a winner with children's titles.

Mr Ryan will remain with NetGuide and work with ACP over the next three years.

ACP Media managing director Bruce Cotterill said: "The acquisition of NetGuide provides ACP with an entry point into the business and computer publishing market in New Zealand."

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