15th December 2016, Dubai, UAE
Established industry stalwarts Chris Nicolaides and Sam Patel have acquired Connector Advertising DMCC from its long standing owner Lynda Poncia.
Connector Advertising publishes Connector, one of the UAE’s longest established magazines, as well as the monthly visitor magazine Discover Dubai.
The acquisition by the two new owners will see them both leave their current senior roles as Commercial Directors at Turret Media and dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa respectively, to jointly head up, develop and grow the business.
“We’re very excited and proud to have acquired the 25 year old Connector brand and Discover Dubai and we view Connector Advertising DMCC as a great opportunity to build these established and unique brands. Our aim is to evolve the current business model combined with doing what has made these brands so successful; producing unique content focussed on our target audiences. In addition, we will leverage the strength and reputation of these market leading titles to seek out new opportunities”, commented Sam Patel.
“It is no secret that 2016 has been a challenging year in our industry but the signs are there that things are improving for 2017 and beyond”, added Chris Nicolaides. “The UAE and Dubai itself has got so much to offer right now to both residents and visitors, and continues to announce new and exciting projects to add to its current pipeline. The opportunity to acquire an established business with a good track record and develop it was too good to ignore.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed growing the Connector brandover the years”, said Lynda Poncia. “However it is now time for me to move on, and I look forward to seeing the company and the magazines continue the great relationship they have withthe many readers and clients under the leadership of Chris and Sam. I am sure they will enjoy continued success and I wish them all the best for the future.
-Ends-
About Connector Advertising DMCC
Launched in 1991 Connectorhas built a reputation for quality and reliability, and with its large and loyal readership it has become Dubai’s leading complimentary lifestyle magazine. Focusing on all aspects of life in the Emirate, editorial and advertising content cover everything from entertainment, dining out, health and beauty to sports and leisure, home and garden, and much more. Reference features and updates on local attractions and events are useful for both new and long-term residents, as well as visitors to the UAE. With a current monthly circulation of 30,000 copies including 2,500 retail copies, the magazine is available at over 2,000 distribution points across Dubai.
In 2005 Connector Advertising added the popular tourist guide, Discover Dubai, to its portfolio. With a monthly circulation of over 25,000 copies, Discover Dubai is a complimentary magazine targeting the tourist industry and provides visitors with a concise guide to all aspects of tourism in the Emirate. The magazine is distributed through 3, 4 and 5 star hotels across Dubai.
About Chris Nicolaides
Chris has over 20 years experience in publishing and media, working across regional, national, business and consumer publications and media. Initially working in London where he held a number of senior roles, Chris relocated to the UAE nearly a decade ago to join Turret Media where he launched Abu Dhabi Week. Chris’ UAE experience also includes heading up the print and online yellow pages directories for du Telecom.
About Sam Patel
Sam has over 20 years’ experience within the publishing and events industry. He has held senior management positions with CMP, United Business Media, Turret Middle East and dmg events Middle East, Africa & Asia. His past experience includes numerous publication launches, digital communities, exhibitions and conferences.
For more information contact:
Chris Nicolaides
Managing Partner
+971 50 720 4798
chris@connector.ae
Sam Patel
Managing Partner
+971 50 945 5839
sam@connector.ae
© Press Release 2016
