Mediahuis Ireland today announces the acquisition of IMAGE Media, marking a significant step in its strategy to build a more diversified, digitally led and multi-platform media business, with a stronger focus on premium, direct revenue streams.
Mediahuis Ireland is actively managing the transition from a predominantly print based business to one where digital subscriptions, digital advertising and other reader and client revenue streams play a greater role in overall performance. The acquisition of IMAGE Media is aligned with that strategy, strengthening Mediahuis Ireland’s position in premium content, paid audience products, events and brand partnerships.
As a key player in Ireland’s media landscape, IMAGE brings a sophisticated digital presence, a successful membership model and a market leading live events portfolio, complementing Mediahuis Ireland’s publishing expertise, digital capabilities and established print strengths.
Strengthening audience reach
The addition of IMAGE enhances Mediahuis Ireland’s ability to engage audiences across multiple platforms and touchpoints, while also broadening its reach into premium consumer and business communities.
At the core of IMAGE’s offering is Image.ie, a well established digital destination spanning style, culture, business and lifestyle content. This is complemented by a highly engaged membership community through the IMAGE Business Club, with approximately 1,100 active members, and a strong events portfolio.
Flagship events including the IMAGE PwC Business Women of the Year Awards, which attracts 1,500 attendees annually, and the Business of Beauty Awards further strengthen IMAGE’s position as a convenor of influential professional and consumer audiences.
Commercial growth
IMAGE Media adds a strong and complementary commercial model to the Mediahuis Ireland portfolio, rooted in premium, direct client relationships and paid formats, combining integrated brand partnerships, premium live experiences, subscription and membership revenue, and established print titles.
Its activations business delivers multi-platform campaigns for clients across digital, print, social and live environments, while its events and membership offerings provide valuable recurring and scalable revenue streams. Together with IMAGE Magazine, IMAGE Interiors and Image.ie, these capabilities create a platform with clear potential for further growth.
Support and expertise
As part of Mediahuis Ireland, IMAGE Media will, over time, benefit from access to publishing expertise, shared infrastructure and wider capabilities through Mediahuis Group. These are expected to support the continued development of IMAGE’s subscription and membership offering across Image.ie and the IMAGE Business Club, with a focus on improved user experience and stronger audience engagement over time.
The acquisition also strengthens Mediahuis Ireland’s commercial reach into premium sectors including technology, financial services, retail and consumer brands.
IMAGE Media’s management team will remain in place, ensuring continuity and preserving the brand’s editorial voice and client relationships throughout the transition period.
Quotes
“IMAGE Media is a brand we have admired for a long time. It has built a strong connection with its audience and a compelling multi-platform business across digital, print, events, membership and brand partnerships. This acquisition supports our strategy to grow a more diversified and future focused media business in Ireland, with greater emphasis on premium, direct revenue streams. It also creates new opportunities to build on IMAGE’s strengths through the scale, expertise and capabilities of Mediahuis Ireland.”
Sheena Peirse, CEO, Mediahuis Ireland
“IMAGE Media has a 50-year history of market leadership, digital innovation and powerful storytelling, working with an enviable client portfolio and led by an entrepreneurial, long-standing and future-focused team. Over five decades, we have cultivated a vibrant, diverse community that uniquely spans C-suite leaders, inspiring founders, changemakers and creatives, uniting women across the country. Joining Mediahuis Ireland is a natural evolution, bringing IMAGE Media’s entrepreneurial, audience-first ethos into a larger organisation that shares our deep commitment to editorial excellence and meaningful audience connection. Being part of Mediahuis Ireland allows us to further elevate how we serve our clients and our discerning community of women across Ireland, while proudly maintaining the distinct, independent voice that our audience values and trusts.”
Clodagh Edwards, CEO, IMAGE Media
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