Runner’s World publisher Rodale has confirmed that it has ‘initiated a process to explore a range of potential strategic alternatives to best position its industry-leading properties for the future’. The company noted that strategic alternatives may include, but are not limited to, the sale of the company as a whole, the sale of select properties or groups of properties or individual businesses, or the continued implementation of its business plan.
With 100 editions in 67 countries, Rodale publishes ‘the largest, most established health and wellness lifestyle brands’, including Men’s Health, Prevention, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, Bicycling and Rodale’s Organic Life.
Rodale’s diverse portfolio of lifestyle brands engage with more than 100 million customers worldwide through targeted products and services across all channels, including magazines, books, online, mobile, e-commerce, direct-to-consumer, social, video and events, ‘forming powerful and enduring online communities of shared interest’.
“For over 70 years Rodale has inspired exceptional customer loyalty through its uncompromising commitment to the creation of health and wellness content with a purpose,” said Maria Rodale, CEO of Rodale. “We believe that Rodale’s brands can continue to expand and deepen their connectivity with consumers across all platforms through targeted investment and expertise in leading edge technology, brand-building, and commercialization.”
She continued, “We are excited to explore opportunities for potential buyers of our business who can build on the strong foundation of our commitment to inspiring health, healing, happiness and love by enhancing core capabilities and resources for our brands.”
There can be no assurance that the process will result in a transaction(s) or on the terms or timing of such a transaction(s), if undertaken. The Rodale Board has not set a definitive schedule to complete its review process. To assist in this process, Allen & Company LLC has been retained as financial advisor. It is the company’s intention ‘not to disclose developments with respect to its review of alternatives until it has entered into definitive agreements or otherwise concluded its review.’
