Time Well Spent expands portfolio with acquisition of four new titles
In a significant move that further solidifies its position as the leading media group in the European fieldsports and outdoor sector, Edinburgh-based Time Well Spent has announced the acquisition of four prestigious gun titles from David Hall Publishing Limited (DHP). This strategic expansion adds Gunmart, Gun Trade World Magazine, What Gun? and The Sporting Airgun Handbook to the company’s already impressive portfolio.
The acquisition marks a milestone for Time Well Spent, representing its sixth major acquisition in as many years and bringing its total brand count to 16. This latest move underscores the company’s commitment to strategic growth and its ambition to dominate the specialist media landscape in the fieldsports and outdoor industry.
Gunmart, a cornerstone publication in the firearms industry since 1981, brings with it a loyal subscriber base and a strong newsstand presence. The magazine has successfully adapted to the digital age, with Gunmart.net establishing itself as a leading online destination for authoritative and credible gun and product reviews. This digital presence complements Time Well Spent’s existing online offerings and strengthens its position in the digital space.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this acquisition is the addition of Gun Trade World Magazine to the Time Well Spent family. As a global multimedia platform, Gun Trade World serves the hunting, shooting, tactical and military industries with a premium monthly print edition, digital newsletters, a comprehensive website and active social media channels. With a reach extending to over 70,000 business professionals worldwide, this acquisition marks Time Well Spent’s first foray into international distribution, signalling the company’s ambition for global expansion.
Selena Barr, co-founder and COO of Time Well Spent, expressed her enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “These esteemed titles are a perfect fit for our expanding media group. By integrating these renowned brands, both consumer and B2B, we are enhancing our capability to deliver unparalleled engagement for audiences and advertisers across print and digital platforms.”
The acquisition of What Gun? and The Sporting Airgun Handbook further diversifies Time Well Spent’s offerings, providing comprehensive coverage of the gun industry from various angles. These titles cater to specific niches within the broader firearms market, allowing Time Well Spent to serve a wider range of enthusiasts and professionals.
This strategic move comes at a time when the publishing industry is facing significant challenges, with many traditional print publications struggling to maintain relevance in the digital age. Time Well Spent’s continued expansion and investment in both print and digital platforms demonstrate its confidence in the future of specialist media and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
The company’s growth strategy appears to be focused on acquiring established brands with loyal followings and integrating them into a cohesive media ecosystem. This approach allows Time Well Spent to leverage existing audiences while also creating opportunities for cross-promotion and synergies between its various titles.
One of the key strengths of this acquisition is the preservation of expertise and talent. Time Well Spent has confirmed that all DHP employees associated with the acquired brands will transfer to their company. This ensures continuity in the quality and character of the publications while also bringing valuable industry knowledge and relationships into the Time Well Spent fold.
The expansion of Time Well Spent’s portfolio also has significant implications for advertisers in the fieldsports and outdoor sectors. With a broader range of publications and an expanded audience reach, the company can offer more comprehensive and targeted advertising solutions. This increased value proposition for advertisers could lead to stronger revenue streams and further investment in content quality and digital innovation.
For readers and enthusiasts in the firearms and outdoor sports communities, this acquisition promises a richer, more diverse range of content. The combination of Time Well spent’s existing titles with these new additions creates a comprehensive resource for information, reviews, and industry insights across various aspects of shooting sports and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, this acquisition positions Time Well Spent for further growth and influence in the global firearms and outdoor sports media landscape. The addition of Gun Trade World Magazine, in particular, opens up new opportunities for international expansion and could serve as a springboard for future acquisitions or partnerships in other markets.
As the media industry continues to evolve, Time Well Spent’s strategy of consolidating strong brands and investing in both print and digital platforms appears to be a sound approach. By maintaining the integrity of established titles while leveraging digital opportunities, the company is well-positioned to navigate the challenges facing specialist publishers.
In conclusion, Time Well Spent’s acquisition of these four gun titles from David Hall Publishing Limited represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. It reinforces its position as a leader in the European fieldsports and outdoor media sector while also signalling its ambitions for global expansion. With a diverse portfolio of 16 brands and a commitment to both print and digital excellence, Time Well Spent is poised to shape the future of specialist media in the firearms and outdoor sports industries.


