Anthem Media Group (AMG) announced today its acquisition of Ascend Media's Los Angeles-based medical media division for an undisclosed sum. The news comes just days after Inc. Magazine named the Kansas City-based Anthem one of the nation's fastest-growing companies.
The business-to-business publications that comprise Ascend Media's Allied Healthcare division serve as the authoritative source of information, news, product development and continuing education for professionals in the areas of medical imaging, hearing, respiratory care, physical therapy and rehab, sleep, plastic surgery, aesthetics and more. Titles included in the acquisition are Clinical Lab Products, Hearing Review, Hearing Review Products, Imaging Economics, Orthodontic Products, Physical Therapy Products, Plastic Surgery Products, Rehab Management, RT for Decision Makers in Respiratory Care, Sleep Review and 24X7 Magazine.
"This group of healthcare publications is a strong, strategic fit for Anthem," company CEO Brian Weaver said. "The new acquisition not only provides us with the opportunity to leverage our expertise and core management team, but to also offer value-added access to cutting-edge technologies that will meet the specific needs of our clients nationwide."
Anthem's already impressive roster of publications currently includes regional, national and contract titles. With the addition of the Allied Healthcare titles, Weaver estimates that his company will produce nearly 6 million total printed copies annually. Anthem Media Group's Dennis Triola will take on the role of president for the new division, which will be called Allied Media. Larry Lannon, former Ascend division president, will report to Triola, and Ascend Media's Overland Park, Kan.-based Allied employees will move into Anthem's headquarters, located at College Boulevard and Metcalf Avenue.
Based in Kansas City, Anthem Media Group continues to post solid growth. The full-service media and marketing agency's reach extends across the retail, food service, entertainment, corporate and consumer sectors. Anthem's divisions include Anthem Publishing Inc., producer of groundbreaking, multichannel lifestyle and business magazines; Drive Digital Media, a high-tech video production and interactive media company; LevelFive Worldwide, a sports marketing agency; Anthem Guest Communications, a leading provider of marketing assets for the motorsports community; The Studio at AMG and Supercar Life, an experiential marketing initiative based in Las Vegas. Anthem's numerous awards speak to the creativity, passion and talent of its employees.
Top minds in multiple sclerosis to speak at CMSC 38th Annual Meeting