Canadian Primedia Acquires Kubas Consultants

Move "diversifies and strengthens" firm says Primedia President

TORONTO, Aug. 11 /CNW/ - Canadian Primedia, Canada's largest independent print and online rep house, has acquired Kubas Consultants, a marketing research and consulting firm established in 1977.

Kubas Consultants, headed by research pioneer Len Kubas, serves U.S., Canadian and international clients in sectors such as retailing, media, financial services and allied industries on consumer and business to business issues.

"This acquisition diversifies and strengthens Primedia and provides us with some exciting new services to add to our company's offering," said Ron Clark, President Canadian Primedia. "Kubas Consultants has an excellent, well-earned reputation. I have known and admired Len Kubas and his company for many years and am looking forward to working with Len and his team to build the Kubas brand further and to make it an important sister company of Primedia."

Kubas Consultants provides research, analysis, planning and strategic consulting in support of two primary services: business development and performance improvement. The company also has a market research arm, "The Communications Research Centre."

In addition, the firm specializes in newspaper marketing, including advertising pricing, rate structures, and revenue improvement. President and CEO Len Kubas has consulted with hundreds of individual newspapers and newspaper groups throughout North America and internationally.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Len Kubas will continue as Chair of Kubas Consultants for several years. "Everyone at Kubas Consultants is very excited by this new relationship with Primedia. I am committed to working closely with Ron and my team to build our business further," said Kubas. "We are going to examine the possibility of re-launching the Major Market Retail Report, which enjoyed national prominence in Canada for 14 years. We suspended it during the 2008 recession and recently have had clients inquire about its possible return."

Clark also announced that Kubas Consultants will be opening an office in New York City to better serve its American clients. "The majority of Kubas' business is currently conducted with U.S. clients, so it makes sense to have a base of operations in the United States," said Clark. "That's entirely consistent with Primedia's service philosophy."

Canadian Primedia Sales & Marketing, established in 2006, is the largest independent print and online rep house in Canada. It represents more than 130 newspapers, magazines and web sites in seven provinces in Canada.