PennWell acquires Elsevier Public Safety Group

Sept. 18, 2012 - PennWell Corporation has acquired the Elsevier Public Safety Group, after PennWell CEO Robert F. Biolchini stated the company had "long pursued" the Group's flagship title JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services) magazine. The acquired portfolio includes JEMS, its website, JEMS.com, its show, EMS Today Conference & Exposition, and its newsletter, EMS Insider as well as FireRescue magazine, FirefighterNation.com, FireEMSblogs.com, Law Officer magazine, LawOfficer.com and the publishing contract for APCO’s Public Safety Communications magazine.

The Elsevier Public Safety Group's staff and management, including Vice President and Publisher Jeff Berend, will join PennWell and report to Lyle Hoyt, senior vice president and group publisher of PennWell's Fire and Dental Groups. Berend will continue to manage the portfolio.

“We have watched this business for many years and were delighted when it came on the market," Hoyt told ABM. "JEMS magazine has kept its position as the number one title for emergency medical services practitioners, and over the past few years has developed a great digital media business. The other titles and websites also have solid positions within their vertical areas and great expansion potential."

Hoyt says the acquired titles will remain standalone, "but will tap into PennWell’s resources and capabilities in publishing, events and digital."

Part of the JEMS portfolio is the EMS Today Conference & Exposition (JEMS Conference), which celebrated its 30th anniversary in March. The show is the longest-running event in the EMS industry, and averages more than 5,000 attendees each year.

"The JEMS Conference is a critical component of the Elsevier Public Safety business," says Hoyt. "Coupled with JEMS magazine and JEMS.com, the EMS Today Conference & Expo completes the franchise. We see tremendous opportunities for domestic and international growth."

By Elizabeth A. Reid