After shutting the doors on its Queensland coldset printing plant and quitting the Australian newspaper publishing industry, Horton Media is now focused on building its digital business.
The Horton family has deep roots in publishing – Alfred Horton, a journalist and printer by training, was involved in several early newspapers, and was one of the early shareholders in the New Zealand Herald.
The family ended its association with the company that owned the Herald in 1996 and set up Horton Media, which was Australasia’s largest independent contract newspaper printing business.
However, it recently shuttered its Australian print newspaper business saying predatory pricing tactics by rival Fairfax Media over the past several years head meant it could no longer be profitable. Its New Zealand printing plant is continuing to operate in Manukau, Auckland.
Australian customers included dozens of independent publishers such as Sunshine Valley Gazette, Coolum & North Shore Advertiser and Defence News – all of whom were forced to find alternative printing deals.
Instead, the company has been working on data analysis and acquisition, according to Brisbane-based Matthew Horton, who runs the company.
It has also launched an online business called Vinloco, which is aimed at Australia’s 11.5 million regular wine shoppers.
2018: $100 million