Bauer Media announces management buyout of Autotrader.co.nz

Bauer Media, New Zealand’s largest and most influential magazine publisher, have agreed to sell Autotrader.co.nz to former managers, Ross Logue and Richard East.

The management buyout of Autotrader.co.nz, New Zealand’s largest automotive-only classifieds website, means Logue and East’s new company Autotrader Media Group assumes full control of the Autotrader website and magazine from April 18, 2019.

The Autotrader brand is New Zealand’s most-trusted name for buying and selling cars. It started as the Autotrader Buyers’ Guide magazine in 1981, and later added the Autotrader.co.nz website to its portfolio, where it further cemented its leading reputation with consumers and the car industry.

Today, Autotrader.co.nz engages with thousands of car buyers and sellers every month who want to research and purchase their next vehicle through Autotrader’s many trusted dealers.

Terry King, General Manager of Publishing Motoring for Bauer Media, says:

“Autotrader is a wonderful product, with an incredibly strong standing in the auto industry in New Zealand. So we are thrilled to be delivering Autotrader into the capable hands of two people who know the product so well. Ross Logue and Richard East were both senior members of the Autotrader.co.nz sales team at Bauer, and their deep understanding of the Autotrader brand, and its significance in the New Zealand market, will help them grow the business in the years ahead.”

Ross Logue of Autotrader Media Group says the opportunity to buy Autotrader was too good to pass up.

“Richard and I are excited to be taking the reins of a business with great history, a strong presence in the market, and solid growth potential. With further investments in product development and technology, we’re committed to delivering the great product offering and value-added customer support that has made Autotrader.co.nz and its magazine New Zealand’s number one auto-only classifieds outlet.”

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