Wisconsin Media Group, LLC., an affiliate company of O’Rourke Media Group, announced today that it plans to acquire Unified Newspaper Group, which is owned by Woodward Communications, Inc.
The transaction is to close on June 30, 2021. Terms of the transaction were not released.
Unified Newspaper Group is comprised of four weekly newspapers and digital websites that serve the communities of Oregon, Verona, Fitchburg, and Stoughton, Wisconsin.
Additionally, Unified Newspaper Group produces a shopper publication, a Hispanic publication, and other niche/lifestyle publications and related events which are included in the transaction.
Woodward Communications, Inc., acquired Stoughton Newspapers in 1993 and Schroeder Publications in 1998, which was then brought together under the name “Unified Newspaper Group.”
Jim O’Rourke, CEO of O’Rourke Media Group stated, “Joe Mathes and I are extremely excited about entering the Madison market with this excellent group of community newspapers and talented team that’s in place. We’re confident that our company’s strategy to exponentially grow digital revenue and audience will take form quickly in these markets as we continue our expansion in Wisconsin.”
“We are very pleased to be able to transition Unified Newspaper Group to Wisconsin Media Group. They have built a solid community-oriented newspaper company,” said Bob Woodward, VP of Woodward Community Media. “Unified Newspaper Group produces quality and industry award-winning products, which is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our employee owners. However, geographically, the group is outside of our core strategic cluster, and we believe Wisconsin Media Group will continue with a commitment to high quality products.”
About O’Rouke Media Group:
O’Rourke Media Group is a family-owned, community focused media company that was launched from ground zero in October 2018. We acquire hyper-local, print and digital community newspapers and apply our strategic playbook that results in digital transformation.
About Woodward Communications Inc:
Headquartered in Dubuque, IA, Woodward Communications, Inc., is an employee-owned media corporation. The company has five operating divisions: daily and weekly print/digital/events, commercial printing, B2B niche magazines, radio, and a B2B advertising agency.