JEGI Represents Stagnito and Edgell in Pre-Packaged Merger and Sale to RFE
New York, NY, February 17, 2016 – Stagnito Business Information and Edgell Communications announced today that the two companies have merged. The combined assets and brands make it the most comprehensive b-to-b information, media, and marketing resource serving retailers and their supplier/distributor partners in the North American grocery, convenience, big-box retail, specialty/apparel, hospitality, and pharmacy markets.
JEGI, the leading independent investment bank for the global media, information, marketing, software and tech-enabled services sectors, headquartered in New York, NY, represented Stagnito and Edgell in the pre-packaged merger and sale to RFE Investment Partners.
The company will operate under the Stagnito Business Information and Edgell Communications names in the short term, with a new corporate brand to be announced in the future.
Gerry Ryerson, President & CEO at Edgell, and Harry Stagnito, President & CEO at Stagnito, are handing over the reins to Kollin Stagnito, COO at Stagnito, who will take over as CEO of the combined company. Ryerson is retiring and Harry Stagnito is taking a seat on the newly formed board of directors.
The merger was driven by private equity investor RFE Investment Partners. Their participation will allow Stagnito and Edgell to develop more powerful products and services for its audience and customers, through future acquisitions as well as organic growth.
RFE also helped facilitate the formation of the new board, attracting executives with a wealth of media, b-to-b communications, and retail industry experience. In addition to Mr. Stagnito, board members include Alan Glass, former Chairman, President & CEO at Commonwealth Business Media and Jim Casella, former Chairman & CEO at Asset International and Vice Chairman at Reed Business Information. Mr. Glass will be the new company’s Executive Chairman, with Kollin Stagnito reporting to him.
Stagnito and Edgell brands that focus on vertical markets in the U.S. include Progressive Grocer, Convenience Store News, Hospitality Technology, MURTEC conference, The Gourmet Retailer, and Apparel. Horizontally focused brands serving all retail markets include RIS News, Consumer Goods Technology, Retail Leader, Store Brands, Multicultural Retail 360 Summit, and Carbonview research.
Brands focused on vertical markets in Canada include Your Convenience Manager, Convenience Central, The Convenience U CARWACS Shows, and Pharmacy Business.
Kollin Stagnito expressed his positive outlook for the merger, stating, “We are well on the way to creating the definitive Retail Business Intelligence resource for retailers, retail suppliers, and technology vendors.”
Stagnito goes on to say, “The combined companies will inform, connect, and provide predictive analysis for retailers, retail suppliers, and technology vendors through custom and syndicated research, data, media, and events. Customers will have access to business intelligence throughout the retail product lifecycle—from initial consumer interest to final shopper satisfaction—including product creation, marketing, and distribution; category management; retail merchandising; and point of sale.”
“Other media, research, and data companies provide parts of this solution today, but no company has connected the dots to allow those involved in retail to find solutions to all their challenges in one place,” he concludes.
Stagnito was previously a portfolio company of Topspin Partners, a suburban NY-based private equity fund that makes control investments in profitable and established lower middle-market businesses. The firm invests across a number of industries, including health and wellness, niche consumer, food and beverage, and information services. During its ownership, Topspin provided strategic guidance, financing support, and assistance in finding acquisition targets, enabling Stagnito to grow and mature and continue to provide exceptional service to its customers.
About Stagnito Business Information
Stagnito Business Information is the retail industry’s most complete provider of market intelligence and strategic communication resources for CPG retailers and suppliers. Digital, Print, Events, Information Services, and Research divisions encompass a brand portfolio that spans the retail landscape and gives Stagnito Business Information the unmatched ability to help clients recognize opportunities and deliver superior marketing programs that achieve their business goals. Stagnito is majority owned by private equity firm Topspin Partners. For more information, visit www.stagnitomedia.com.
About Edgell Communications
Edgell Communications is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media organization that connects marketers with business and technology leaders in key vertical industries such as retail, consumer goods, hospitality, and apparel. Based in Randolph, NJ, Edgell enables engagement with decision makers through its print and digital channels. Each Edgell media franchise also hosts a number of market-leading executive conferences, and Edgell also owns a boutique research and advisory service, EKN Research, which offers benchmark and custom research, advisory, data, and market-insight services to marketers and end users. For more information, visit www.edgl.com.
About JEGI
JEGI has been the leading independent investment bank for the global media, information, marketing, software and tech-enabled services sectors for more than 28 years. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Boston and London (via its partnership with Clarity), JEGI has completed more than 600 high‐profile M&A transactions, serving global corporations; middle‐market and emerging companies; entrepreneurial owners and founders; and private equity and venture capital firms. For more information, visit www.jegi.com.
