GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Sept. 4, 2018) – Local multimedia publisher, Gemini Publications, has sold its assets to Gemini Media LLC, a closely held Michigan corporation and subsidiary of Hour Media, LLC, and itself a fellow media organization dedicated to city and regional lifestyle, business and tourism products.
Based in Grand Rapids, the 38-year-old company is well regarded for its long-standing business and consumer media products focused on the Grand Rapids and Michigan markets. Grand Rapids Business Journal, at 35 years, is the longest, continuously operated regional journal is Michigan; Grand Rapids Magazine, established 46 years ago, is one of the oldest city/regional magazines of its type in the country, and Michigan Blue, now celebrating its 12th anniversary, is the only statewide lifestyle publication serving the state of Michigan. The company also produces a number of special publications and local business and consumer events throughout the year.
John H. Zwarensteyn, President, Publisher and CEO of Gemini since 1979, is leaving to retire and pursue other interests. He launched the company with the purchase of Grand Rapids Magazine from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce in 1979. “It has been an honor, and a blessing, to be a part of growing this business,” Zwarensteyn said, “which has been a part of the renaissance of Grand Rapids, West Michigan and the entire state. I am proud of our history, proud of our great customers and employees. I am especially proud that we have continued to provide solid, ethical journalism in an era where journalism is under attack.”
“Gemini Corporation is a great institution with some of the most iconic brands in Michigan, and we look forward to working closely with the Gemini team to make its products and services even better,” said Stefan Wanczyk, Chairman/CEO of Hour Media and Gemini Media. “We believe the future of Gemini’s products has tremendous growth potential.”
“These brands have established a strong presence and earned respect in the West Michigan market, and as with all our regional products around the country – our goal is always to first serve our local markets,” said John Balardo, President of Hour Media and Gemini Media. “We know the brands have already made a strong contribution to the local communities, and we will continue in that tradition.”
Offices and staff will remain at the current location.
Regional Media Advisors represented Gemini Publications in the transaction.
About Hour Media Group and its related entities
Hour Media Group and its related entities are multi-media companies that publish and produce more than 132 magazines and custom titles, 37 consumer websites, and 65 shows and events throughout the United States. Hour Media Group is recognized as an influential publisher of city, regional and custom publications, including the marquee titles, Atlanta Magazine, Cincinnati Magazine, Hour Detroit, Los Angeles Magazine, Minnesota Monthly, Naples Illustrated, Orange Coast, Palm Beach Illustrated, Pasadena Magazine, and Sacramento Magazine. The company has offices in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio, with more than 300 employees across the country.