Black Ox has acquired Dorset Biz News Ltd, publisher of DorsetBizNews.co.uk, as part of the company’s continued investment in regional and local business journalism.
The Camberley firm, publishers of The Business Magazine, acquired the Poole-based business news website for an undisclosed sum.
The online business news service was founded by veteran business journalist Andrew Diprose in 2019 and has grown a loyal online readership and reputation thanks to its quality content and a fresh, upbeat and positive approach to everything business-related in Dorset.
Andrew will remain as editor of the site until a successor is recruited.
Black Ox Chief Executive Officer, Richard Thompson, said: "We are delighted to welcome DorsetBizNews.co.uk to the growing Black Ox stable of online and print publications.
“We love what Andrew has built at DorsetBizNews.co.uk, it is a positive and dynamic news site which has become a voice for Dorset business, celebrating the people and companies who drive business forward at the county level.
"We have some exciting plans for the BizNews brand and will expand its presence across the UK, always keeping it local, always as a voice for business at the county level and with a commitment to quality content.
"DorsetBizNews.co.uk perfectly complements our flagship title The Business Magazine, the champion of regional business for the last 30 years."
Black Ox's footprint was expanded in May last year following the acquisition of Gloucester-based NK Media, publishers of Business & Innovation Magazine, which enabled The Business Magazine's traditional South East reach to be extended into the South West.
Video production house Sightline was also acquired by Black Ox in April last year in a move to increase the breadth of services available to advertisers.
Andrew said: "DorsetBizNews.co.uk started with a zero audience and zero name recognition but with its fresh, upbeat and positive approach to business and keeping it local, the site has established a large and incredibly loyal following.
“It’s a very proud moment for my wife, son and I – all shareholders – to see an expanding media group of the calibre of Black Ox acquire our venture.
"Black Ox was our preferred acquirer, as we were excited by the plans they have to grow the BizNews brand as a local county news service over the coming months and years, particularly having seen the tremendous impact they have had on The Business Magazine since acquiring the title and their commitment to quality content.”
"Black Ox will be actively recruiting for a new editor for Dorset Biz News over the coming months. If you want to find out more about our expansion plans for the title then please email our Managing Editor Stephen Emerson at stephen.emerson@black-ox.com.