Hoffmann Media Group, publisher of a dozen local newspapers and healthcare-related digital products in Florida and Michigan, has purchased Napa Valley Publishing. The titles included in the sale are The Napa Valley Register, St. Helena Star and Inside Napa Valley magazine. Newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises had owned the publications since 2005. Furthermore, the Register reported the sale in an article published September 30.
According to a press release, this is the second Napa area purchase by Hoffman. The first was Pure Luxury Transportation in April of this year.
“We’re excited to bring these publications back to private ownership and local management. This acquisition further demonstrates our commitment to growth in the Napa Valley.”
Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO of the Hoffmann Family of Companies
Hoffmann Media Group is a subsidiary of the Hoffmann Family of Companies headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. Publishing titles owned by the Group include Florida Weekly, Ava Maria Sun, The St. Ignace News and the Newcomers Guide of Southwest Florida.
In addition to the sale, Hoffmann Media Group CEO Pason Gaddis also announced that Dan Evans had been promoted to editor and publisher, with oversight of both the content and business sides of the operation.
Reaction was mixed among Napa Valley Register customers. On Facebook, reader Suzie Fowler said, “Good. Maybe the new owners will publish unbiased news. In addition, Laura Rafaty commented, “They couldn’t be worse than the current owners.”
