PG Parent Acquires Canadian Grocery, Medical Media Brands

Progressive Grocer parent company EnsembleIQ has acquired Canadian Grocer, Pharmacy Practice+, Profession Santé, The Medical Post and other allied brands from Canadian media and communications company Rogers Media.

“We’re thrilled to have such powerful titles join our portfolio of brands,” said Peter Hoyt, president and CEO of the Chicago-based business intelligence company. “Not only do they align perfectly in serving some of our key markets throughout North America, but they have a rich history of helping their readers and advertisers find success in their careers, which is the primary objective of EnsembleIQ.”

The acquired brands provide a strategic complement to EnsembleIQ’s U.S. media titles, which include Progressive Grocer, Shopper Marketing, Retail Leader, Convenience Store News and The Gourmet Retailer, as well as Canadian brands such as Pharmacy Business, PharmacyU.ca and Your Convenience Manager.

A brief overview of some of the acquired brands:

Canadian Grocer: Reaching grocery office executives and store-level managers in a wide range of food outlets throughout Canada, Canadian Grocer launched 130 years ago and is the most influential publication among key industry decision-makers. Grocery industry professionals turn to the brand for trusted, timely information on trends, products, issues and innovation.

Pharmacy Practice+: For more than 35 years, community and hospital pharmacists have turned to Pharmacy Practice+ for trusted and practical articles and information that elevate their professional expertise. Content focuses on continuing education lessons, clinical features, self-care and wellness columns.

Profession Santé: Read by French-speaking physicians and pharmacists, Profession Santé addresses the need for common-ground communications between pharmacists and physicians in Quebec. Content is targeted to issues addressing each profession, including health care system news, legal developments, new prescribing mandates for pharmacists, compensation, clinical information, and education.

The Medical Post: The independent voice of Canada’s doctors for 51 years, The Medical Post provides a news magazine approach for its readers by using a professional/personal content mix of one-of-a kind clinical and political news, opinion, lifestyle, and practice management.

Monday Report on Retailers: Starting in 1973 as a subscription-only weekly newsletter, the Monday Report on Retailers delivers valuable news and insights on retail chains in the Canadian market and on developments in the Canadian retail real estate industry. A sister newsletter, Shopping Centre News, focuses on retail real estate developments and leasing opportunities. The Monday Report also has spawned an array of print and online directories, including the Canadian Directory of Shopping Centres, Directory of Retail Chains in Canada and the Directory of Restaurant & Fast Food Chains in Canada.

This transaction was led by Korry Stagnito, who has been named president of EnsembleIQ-Canada. He has also been appointed EnsembleIQ's chief business development officer. In this role, Stagnito will spearhead all of the company's future M&A activities.