CurtCo Media, the publisher of Robb Report and Worth magazines, has reached a deal to buy ShowBoats International, a magazine for owners of ultra-lux yachts, The Post has learned.
CurtCo, which bought Robb Report in 2001 and Worth in 2003, is expected to announce the deal today. Two private equity firms, Weston Presidio and TD Capital Communications Partners provided financing. Financial terms were not disclosed.
ShowBoats founding Editor-in-Chief James Gilbert and Publisher Lester Abberley II – along with about 20 other employees – will join CurtCo Media and stay in their present posts. “The content of ShowBoats is the best in the industry, so we don’t plan to mess with a good thing,” said CurtCo CEO Bill Curtis.
Curtis added, however, that some changes would soon be visible at ShowBoats, namely a redesign that staffers have been working on for some time will debut with the November issue, and will feature a larger-size magazine and upgraded paper stock.
Additionally, Curtis said, ShowBoats, which currently publishes bi-monthly, will add about 12 to 15 special issues, covering subjects that range from chartering yachts to the lifestyle of “mega yacht owners.”
Plans call for the newly acquired ShowBoats to continue operating from its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.