Motorsport Aftermarket Group Acquires Motorcycle USA
OutdoorHub 04.09.12
Motorsport Aftermarket Group, Inc. (“MAG”), a family of leading brands and businesses in the powersports industry, announced today the acquisition of Motorcycle USA, LLC (“MotoUSA”), a leading online source of motorcycle news, bike tests and features. MotoUSA joins forces with Cycle News to form the MAG Media Group. Motorcycle USA founder Don Becklin leads the new media group as President, reporting directly to MAG Chief Executive Officer, Brian Etter.
“The creation of the Media Group brings together two of the most respected resources in motorcycle journalism,” Becklin said. “MotoUSA has established itself as the online industry leader for motorcycle news and motorcycle reviews, and Cycle News has long been the publishing standard for the motorcycle industry. I am excited to develop both brands under the banner of the new media group.”
MotoUSA has proven to be the most popular website with motorcycle enthusiasts attracting more than 1.5 million readers monthly. Steeped in history, Cycle News has been America’s motorcycle weekly for 40-plus years. Collectively, they will form the MAG Media Group, providing credible and entertaining information for all motorcycle riders and enthusiasts.
Cycle News‘ Paul Carruthers and MotoUSA’s Ken Hutchison will continue their editorial leadership positions at their respective publications. The two companies will continue as separate publications with dedicated editorial staffs, and will benefit by sharing operational, marketing and advertising resources. The two publications plan to operate out of MotoUSA’s current office located in Irvine, California.
“Like many motorcycle enthusiasts, for decades I considered Cycle News the authoritative publication for the motorcycle industry,” said Becklin. “When I founded MotoUSA 16 years ago, I aimed to bring that level of professionalism and journalistic integrity to online media. There is a very complementary relationship between these two publications that will deliver great value to both readers and advertisers.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for both brands,” Carruthers said. “I look forward to working with the Cycle News editorial team, and with Don and Ken and their team to take both publications to the next level in what is an ever-changing editorial landscape. Our staffs will work well together to ensure that two already strong entities in the motorcycle industry only get stronger as we strive to provide even better motorcycle content to our readers in the future.”
The media group is a new venture for MAG and joins the long-established brand group and the recently formed retail group within the organization.
