Winners Announced in the First-Ever Best Elex Awards
Raymarine Axiom+ Takes Top Prize
Today,the four leading titles in marine media—Boating, Yachting, Salt Water Sportsman and Cruising World—announce the winners of their first-ever joint awards program. The 2021 Best Elex Awards honors standout marine-electronics products that have been reviewed and approved by a panel of judges that includes the editors-in-chief and electronics editors of the aforementioned titles. In the end, seven products set themselves apart. The Editors’ Choice Award, presented to the best overall product in the competition, was awarded to the Raymarine Axiom+.
The judges were effusive in their praise of Raymarine’s award-winning innovation:
- “From a nanocoated water- and impact-resistant display on the outside to a fast-operating quad-core processor on the inside, Raymarine’s Axiom+ multifunction displays provide improved GPS, vivid 3D sonar imagery, dual-channel functionality and more.”
- “These units have more memory than your mother-in-law. They run a multitude of apps, using an intuitive GUI ripped from a smart TV and, thanks to Wi-Fi, no pulling radar cable through pipework. What’s not to like?”
Other winners were:
Leading-Edge Technology: Furuno NavNet TZTouch3 9F. “Its frequency-agile radar paints targets like a Picasso.”
Best Integrated System: Garmin GPSMap 1243xsv. “Brings state-of-the-industry features to a midrange instrument that can be easily refit as an upgrade.”
Most Innovative for Sailing: Airmar DST 810. “Provides complicated speed calculations along with easy installation and setup at a very affordable price.”
Best in Entertainment: Rockford Fosgate 12-inch Color Optix M2 subwoofers. “With the ability to pump out up to 1,600 watts of power, a lack of volume should never be an issue.”
Most Innovative for Power: Dometic Optimus outboard electric-steering actuator. “Brings marine-steering technology into the 21st century.”
Best in Communication: Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix. “Combines every feature you need in a fixed-mount VHF radio.”
“Bonnier inspires its readers to expand the possibilities of life on the water, so technology and electronics are essential,” says Glenn Sandridge, vice president, managing director of Bonnier Corporation, publisher of Boating, Yachting, Salt Water Sportsman and Cruising World. “Manufacturers are no longer just delivering the basics, but are also creating innovative ways to improve safety and enjoyment for boaters of all kinds. We are proud to honor the best of these innovators.”
The 2021 Best Elex Awards will be featured in the forthcoming Marine Electronics & Technology quarterly e-zine, and at these links across all four participating websites:
https://www.boatingmag.com/story/gear/best-electronics-awards-2021/
https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/story/gear/best-electronics-awards-2021/
https://www.cruisingworld.com/story/gear/best-electronics-awards-2021/
https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/story/electronics/best-electronics-awards-2021/
- Published in Marine Electronics
North Equity Announces Acquisition of Iconic Brands Including Popular Science, Saveur, Outdoor Life and Field & Stream
Strengthens North’s presence in the home vertical and adds specialty and outdoor to their growing portfolio, which now reaches a combined audience of over 40 million monthly unique visitors
New York — October 6, 2020 — North Equity, a leading digital media venture equity firm, today announced that it has acquired a number of media brands from Bonnier Corporation. The acquisition includes Popular Science, Popular Photography, Saveur, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Better You and Interesting Things.
The additions complement North Equity’s robust home platform, where Saveur will join BobVila.com and Kitchenistic to form a new food category. They will also create a new specialty media vertical under Popular Science and Popular Photography, and expand North’s growing footprint in the military, tactical and outdoor verticals, where it recently added Task & Purpose, one of the leading digital media properties for active-duty military and veterans.
“Since inception, the North team has proved our ability to acquire, reimagine and profitably grow media brands,” said Andrew Perlman, North Equity Managing Partner. “We have accomplished this by working with the teams at each brand to deliver high-quality, meaningful content and build innovative, sustainable business models. We’re excited to have the opportunity to add such venerable brands to our portfolio and look forward to working with the amazing people behind them.”
The brands being acquired include three 100-plus-year-old publications—Popular Science, Outdoor Life and Field & Stream—and represent some of the most trusted voices in science, outdoor and food. Collectively, they engage nearly 10 million monthly online unique visitors, another 15 million followers on social media, and have 1.7 million loyal print subscribers.
“Bonnier has been the proud owner of Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Popular Science and Saveur for more than a decade. These brands exhibit a tremendous amount of authority in their genres and have earned the trust of their readers, and we’re excited that North Equity recognizes the value these brands have in the marketplace,” said David Ritchie, chief executive officer, Bonnier Corp. “We believe North Equity is best-positioned to continue to invest in and grow these iconic legacy brands.”
North Equity is committed to developing high-quality, trusted content, while empowering media brands and content creators to scale audience and engagement. North will be applying its proprietary operating model and technology platform—which have resulted in profitable, triple-digit year-over-year traffic and revenue growth in its home and auto platforms, which includes BobVila.com and The Drive—to grow the legacy of the acquired brands and position them to thrive into the future.
Baker McKenzie and Bailey Duquette advised North on this transaction.
About North Equity
North Equity LLC is a venture equity firm that acquires, builds and scales transformative digital media brands using a proprietary combination of operational, data and technology expertise. The portfolio currently focuses on the automotive, home and military verticals, and includes The Drive, BobVila.com, The War Zone and Task & Purpose, among others. Since acquisition, these brands have been strategically building market-leading positions, optimizing cash flow, and transforming their category in the digital content landscape. North’s investment team has extensive experience in the intersection of technology, data, and media as private investors and operators. North, based in Miami with offices in San Francisco and New York, will continue making strategic acquisitions across the digital-media and technology landscape.
About Bonnier Corp.
Bonnier Corp. is an American enthusiast media company with iconic multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s brands include Yachting, Flying, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman and Working Mother. Other business subsidiaries include Bonnier Events, a full-service promotion and events group, and Working Mother Media’s diversity and inclusion consulting group. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating media conglomerate.
- Published in Corporate
Octane Acquires the Motorcycle Group from Bonnier Corp.
Media brands include Cycle World, Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider, Motorcycle Cruiser, UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Cycle Volta
- Octane is investing in these titles so powersports enthusiasts continue to have strong, independent online editorial coverage to fuel their passions.
- Inspiring and informing those who are interested in powersports products will drive industry growth.
- Combining these brands with Octane’s frictionless financing experience will help more consumers discover and connect with the vehicles of their dreams.
New York, Sept. 14, 2020 — Octane, a Fintech company founded in 2014 to better serve the lending needs of the powersports market, today announced it has acquired the digital assets of Cycle World, Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider, Motorcycle Cruiser, UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Cycle Volta from Bonnier Corp.
“We are acquiring these titles because we want to support brands that get people excited about powersports,” said Jason Guss, CEO of Octane. “Our goal for this acquisition is to ensure that unbiased product reviews, rigorous and objective testing, and informed storytelling will continue to be available to powersports enthusiasts. When combined with Octane’s financing platform and dealership partners, consumers will soon be able to go directly from researching their dream vehicle to owning it, in a fast, seamless process.”
“Since acquiring Cycle World in 2011, Bonnier has invested in best-in-class motorcycle content across all media channels, and it is gratifying to see that Octane recognizes and values the consumer trust that these brands enjoy,” said David Ritchie, CEO, Bonnier Corp. “We are encouraged by their commitment to content and look forward to seeing these brands continue to grow.”
Bonnier Corp. will help produce Cycle World’s final print issue in October 2020; existing print subscribers will receive a digital edition beg inning in 2021.
Among the growing brands being acquired, 58-year-old Cycle World reaches more people now than ever. The brand engages more than 1 million consumers monthly, with more than 90 percent of those interactions occurring online. Octane will invest in digital content and website development to further solidify Cycle World’s dominance in this space. Octane looks forward to welcoming Mark Hoyer, VP, Editorial Director of the brands, and his exceptional editorial team.
Octane’s mission is to connect people with their passions. The powersports market (motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, snowmobiles) is fast and fun, but too many consumers find the financing experience that powers the majority of purchases to be slow and frustrating. Octane believes that buying a powersports vehicle should be as satisfying as owning one. In order to deliver instant financing offers, Octane developed an automated technology platform that offers prequalification for customers.
About Octane:
Octane is a Fintech company whose mission is to connect people with their passions. With a focus on the powersports market, Octane reaches riders through editorial brands such as Cycle World (https://www.cycleworld.com/) and UTV Driver (https://www.utvdriver.com/), and helps consumers buy their favorite vehicles with instant, frictionless financing. On Octane.co, powersports shoppers can research vehicles, prequalify for a loan, and instantly check rates with no obligation and no impact to their credit. Octane connects customers with partnered dealerships, where they can complete their purchase with financing. Octane works with more than 3,500 dealers in the USA, provides financing coverage for most major powersports makes, and offers promotional financing with low rates for more than 40 brands.
About Bonnier Corp.:
Bonnier Corp. is an American enthusiast media publishing group, which includes more than 15 multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s iconic brands include Popular Science, Saveur, Field& Stream, Yachting, Flying, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman, Working Mother and Outdoor Life. Other business subsidiaries include Bonnier Events, a full-service promotion and events group, and Working Mother Media’s diversity and inclusion consulting group. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating media conglomerate.
Brands and Websites Acquired by Octane:
- Cycle World — https://www.cycleworld.com/
- Motorcyclist — https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/
- Dirt Rider — https://www.dirtrider.com/
- Motorcycle Cruiser — https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/
- UTV Driver — https://www.utvdriver.com/
- ATV Rider — https://www.atvrider.com/
- Cycle Volta — https://www.cyclevolta.com/
- Published in Corporate
BONNIER CORP. EXPANDS “SAVEUR SELECTS™” LINE WITH KITCHEN KNIVES AND ACCESSORIES
Bonnier Corp. publisher of SAVEUR magazine, is expanding its SAVEUR Selects™ licensing program with a new line of SAVEUR Selects™ kitchen knives and cutlery accessories, announced today by Elise Contarsy, senior vice president of Bonnier Consumer Products. The line will be manufactured and distributed by Cangshan Cutlery Company, based in Chino, CA, and features a variety of kitchen knives, including chef’s knives, paring knives, steak knives, and bread knives, as well as sharpeners, block sets, shears, cutting boards, and a full complement of kitchen tools and accessories.
“We continue to grow our SAVEUR Selects™ program, and we’re very excited to partner with Cangshan Cutlery Company to introduce our new line of knives and kitchen accessories,” Contarsy said. “Their innovative design and high-quality, professional-grade cutlery are the tools that the SAVEUR audience, and all home chefs, look for when cooking at home.”
“Partnering with a global brand like SAVEUR will help us expand our reach and enter a new phase of growth for our company,” said Henry Liu, president of Cangshan Cutlery Company. “We are thrilled to align ourselves with such a well-known and beloved culinary brand.”
The SAVEUR Selects™ knives and cutlery accessories will be distributed in the US and Canada, and will be available at retail beginning late 2020. Bonnier Consumer Products first announced licensing partnerships for SAVEUR Selects™ cookware and bakeware in 2019, followed by SAVEUR Selects™ sauces, marinades, and spice rubs, all of which are currently available online and in select stores.
Bonnier Corp. is actively seeking new licensees and partners for the SAVEUR Selects™ brand in kitchen electrics, confections, frozen, and other categories. For more information, contact Richard Oren at [email protected].
ABOUT BONNIER CORP.
Bonnier Corp. is the largest enthusiast media publishing group in America, with more than 20 multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s iconic brands include Popular Science, Saveur, Field & Stream, Yachting, Flying, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman, Working Mother and Outdoor Life. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating media conglomerate.
ABOUT CANGSHAN CUTLERY COMPANY
Cangshan Cutlery, a fresh, new knife brand, came to market in 2015. With a focus on forward-thinking aesthetics and professional-caliber functionality, Cangshan Cutlery sought to bring something innovative to the culinary world. In the five years since their launch, they have won 29 design awards, including multiple Red Dot and German design awards for their exceptional design and craftsmanship. Cangshan Cutlery has expanded rapidly, gaining acceptance among consumers as a premier cutlery line—both online and in major retail stores.
- Published in Corporate
BONNIER CORP. SIGNS LICENSING DEAL WITH CELESTRON FOR POPULAR SCIENCE PRODUCTS
August 25, 2020 (New York, NY)—Bonnier Corp. has signed a licensing agreement for its iconic brand Popular Science with Celestron Acquisition LLC, it was announced today by Elise Contarsy, Senior Vice President of Bonnier Consumer Products.
Founded in 1960, Celestron offers the largest selection of consumer optical products in the world and is the global leader in telescope manufacturing. An industry leader for more than 60 years, Celestron will produce an extensive line of Popular Science products that will include telescopes, microscopes, sport optics and accessories. The deal was brokered by Evolution USA LLC, the licensing and brand management agency that represents the Popular Science brand worldwide.
“We are very excited to be entering this category because it is such a natural extension of the Popular Science brand,” Contarsy says. “In Celestron, we’ve found a partner that produces top-quality products and is the industry leader. We’re especially enthusiastic given the growing consumer interest in spending more time outdoors.”
“For decades, Popular Science has been a leading source of knowledge and information for science aficionados of all ages and expertise,” says Stephanie Schroeter, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, Celestron. “We are very excited to not only further integrate our products with the Popular Science community, but to also expand our catalog with these new Popular Science product offerings.”
Products will be available in summer 2021 in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand across all distribution channels.
Bonnier Consumer Products and Evolution are continuing the expansion of the Popular Science brand and are actively seeking additional licensees in audiovisual, portable power, home security, LED lighting, home furnishings, housewares, personal care, automotive, electronics and gadgets. For additional information about the Popular Science brand, please send inquiries to Travis J. Rutherford at [email protected] or call 512-828-6362.
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ABOUT BONNIER CORP.
Bonnier Corp. is one of the largest special-interest publishing groups in America, with more than 20 multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s brands include Popular Science, Saveur, Field & Stream, Yachting, Flying, Salt Water Sportsman, Cycle World, Working Mother and Outdoor Life. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a multichannel media conglomerate operating in 15 countries.
PRESS CONTACT
Cathy Hebert, [email protected], 212-779-5023
ABOUT CELESTRON
Celestron envisions a global community where the exploration of the universe is accessible, informative and enlightening. For more than half a century, the California-based company has been the world’s most recognized telescope brand and the provider of premier consumer skygazing products. Celestron’s iconic “orange tube” telescopes have become ubiquitous within the field of astronomy, and the company offers the largest product selection within the telescope industry. To learn more about Celestron’s new products, visit celestron.com or join the Celestron’s Facebook community at facebook.com/celestron.
PRESS CONTACT
Gabe Uribe, [email protected], 323-916-4007
- Published in Corporate
David Ritchie Named CEO of Bonnier Corp.
David Ritchie Named CEO of Bonnier Corp.
July 16, 2020 (New York, NY)—David Ritchie has been named CEO of Bonnier Corp., it was announced today by Jens Mueffelmann, Executive Chairman of Bonnier Corp. His appointment is effective August 1. Ritchie is succeeding Eric Zinczenko, who will be departing the company.
“David’s track record and deep understanding of all facets of the company as former COO and CCO make him the right choice to lead Bonnier Corp. into the future,” Mueffelmann said. “What impressed me working with David in the past couple of months was his true passion for our brands, paired with a strong business acumen and a structured and hands-on approach to execution. These qualities will be critical to us in this pivotal time as we conclude efforts on mergers and acquisitions opportunities for our media properties, transform and restructure operations, and execute a clear go-forward plan for our nonmedia activities. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish Eric the very best and thank him for his 14 years of service at Bonnier.
“I discovered a love for journalism at a very young age and had the incredible fortune to build a career at a great media company, one with top brands and passionate audiences,” Ritchie said. “I’m honored to be named CEO of Bonnier Corp., given the many talented colleagues I’ve worked alongside all these years. While times are certainly challenging, I’m confident that together we can lead this company to greatness.”
Ritchie previously served as Bonnier Corp.’s Chief Operations Officer, overseeing most of the company’s support functions, including web development, ad operations, data science and analytics, consumer research, IT, and facilities. Prior to that, he served as Chief Content Officer, charged with driving alignment within the company’s editorial and digital-technology teams. Earlier in his career, he served in a variety of director-level leadership positions, and as an editor-in-chief within the company’s fishing portfolio. Ritchie also spent six years as marketing director for Hatteras Yachts.
He is a graduate of Troy University with a B.S. in journalism and advertising. Outside the office, he enjoys spending quality time on the water with his wife, Therese, and their children, family and friends.
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About Bonnier Corp.
Bonnier Corp. is the largest enthusiast media publishing group in America, with more than 20 multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s iconic brands include Popular Science, Saveur, Field & Stream, Yachting, Flying, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman, Cycle World, Working Mother and Outdoor Life. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating media conglomerate.
Press Contact
Stefanie McNamara, [email protected], 516-729-9401
- Published in Corporate
BONNIER CORP. TO DEBUT NEW PRODUCTS AT VIRTUAL OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW
July 15, 2020 (New York, NY)—Bonnier Corp. will debut a number of its licensed products at the virtual Outdoor Retailer Summer Expo, it was announced today by Elise Contarsy, senior vice president of Bonnier Consumer Products.
From July 21-23, Outdoor Life’s suite of licensees and their product lines will be on display in their virtual booth. All products will be available to ship between the third quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2021. New products on display include: Outdoor Life Tennessee Pork Dog Jerky, knives and hand axes, new T-shirt and hat designs, sleepwear and loungewear, and more.
“We’re very excited to participate in the Outdoor Retailer virtual expo,” Contarsy says. “While we were looking forward to displaying and showcasing these products in person, this is still a fantastic opportunity for retailers and additional licensees to see our diverse line of high-quality products. We’ve been enthused by the initial response to these products and look forward to the opportunity to expand distribution.”
Outdoor Retailer, the largest U.S. trade show and premier business event for the outdoor industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, industry advocates, and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was originally scheduled for June 23-25, 2020, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
Bonnier Consumer Products Group is actively exploring new licensing and distribution partners for the Outdoor Life brand. For information about available categories, please send all inquiries to Richard Oren, [email protected].
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ABOUT BONNIER CORP.
Bonnier Corp. is one of the largest special-interest publishing groups in America, with more than 20 multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events, and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s brands include Popular Science, Saveur, Field & Stream, Yachting, Flying, Salt Water Sportsman, Cycle World, Working Mother, and Outdoor Life. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a multichannel media conglomerate operating in 15 countries.
- Published in Corporate
The Play Issue of Popular Science is available now
“There was a lot we didn’t know when we picked ‘Play’ as the topic for this issue. We didn’t know that a pandemic would put much of the world on lockdown, or that the Olympics would be postponed. But, in the time of COVID-19, play is an escape. So please consider this magazine a reprieve from months of scary headlines and social distancing. Lean back and enjoy—it’s OK.” —Corinne Iozzio, Editor-in-Chief
HELL? YES!
“The 54 athletes standing around keep their hats on, for the most part. Each has spent good money to embark on exactly the type of endeavor most people would pay to avoid: running or skiing, whichever suits their fancy—for 40 miles. At night. In Minnesota. In January. While pulling a sled of 30-plus pounds of supplies. This torturefest is called the St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra, and its participants find pleasure in the hardship,” writes Sarah Scoles. While these athletes might be outliers on a global scale, they are not alone in their love for this type of competition. Scoles takes readers inside the fascinating world of endurance athletes and along for the 40 treacherous miles of the St. Croix 40.
PINEWOOD DERBY RACING, AND THE DADS WHO CAN’T GET ENOUGH
Many will recall derby cars from childhood when they built and raced homemade masterpieces for merit badges. But some kids never outgrow those days. In fact, the National Pinewood Derby Racing League is just one of about 10 such leagues across the US. “We’re talking middle-aged dudes with serious big-dad energy who go to great lengths to craft the perfect car—forget prefab kits. Bandsaws shave down the frame components to a quarter of an inch wide; precision lathes trim acrylic wheels; syringes grease nail axles with synthetic oil. All to cross a tiny checkered finish line just one-ten-thousandth of a second faster,” Andrew Zaleski writes.
SURFING’S BIG BREAK
“As surfing prepares for its global spotlight, it is experiencing a seismic shift from a laid-back, go-with-the-flow mindset to one shaped by innovations and data analysis, physiological testing, and technology. Specialists in fields such as nutrition, psychology, and orthopedics are working with US Surfing coaches like Bret Simpson to develop Olympic training regimens that increasingly resemble those long favored by everything from basketball to volleyball,” Bonnie Tsui writes. Even though surfing has to wait another year to make its Olympic debut, PopSci takes an in-depth look at the advancements in the sport and the technologies fueling its 21st-century progress.
GAMERS, START YOUR ENGINES
James Baldwin is among the best esports drivers in the world, and one of several dozen who make a living competing in the digital-racing domain. After winning the second season of the reality competition show World’s Fastest Gamer, Baldwin is attempting to make the shift to a real track, and he’s not the only one taking that leap. The racing world is starting to pay attention to gamers as both potential participants and consumers. PopSci takes a behind-the-scenes look at Baldwin’s journey and the process of turning gamers into racing stars.
PLUS: Who Should Get to Compete as a Woman?; History of Puzzles; Anatomy of a Laugh; Lawn Games for the Summer; Wheelchairs for Olympic Competition; Gaming the (Board-Game) System; Behind the Cover; and more
- Published in Corporate