Transcon takes over Les editions Ma Maison

Transcontinental Media has added six housing and decor magazines and websites in Quebec with its acquisition of Les editions Ma Maison Ltd., according to a story in the Gazette. The flagship of the group is Maison D'aujourd'hui (a long-time competitor of Transcon's Decormag) and it is acquired along with five other housing and decor titles and websites. These are Condo et Loft D'aujourd'hui, Maison Direct, Condo Direct, MaisonsNeuves.com and MaisonMax.com. Terms were not disclosed.

"This positions us as the leader in the housing (category)," said Francine Tremblay, senior vice-president (consumer publications) for Transcontinental Media.

Tremblay said that she expects many synergies and that the magazines will complement Decormag and Mon chalet.

"Most of [Maision d'aujourd'hui]'s advertisers are not in Decormag and vice versa, so we believe there will be synergies," said Tremblay, who as publisher of Decormag was keenly aware of its rival's strengths. Maison d'aujourd'hui was particularly adept at drawing advertising from builders she said.

Les editions Ma Maison was founded in 1992 by Philippe Masse and has about 20 full-time employees. With the sale, Masse is retiring.