Sterling Publishing acquires leading legal media brand

Mortgage Business publisher Sterling Publishing Pty Ltd (Sterling) has acquired Lawyers Weekly, Australia’s premier legal media brand, from Cirrus Media Pty Ltd (Cirrus).

Launched in 2000, Lawyers Weekly is the respected and authoritative source of independent news, analysis, intelligence and opinion about the business of law in Australia.

The product suite includes an online news portal, daily digital newsletters, jobs platform, social media, a suite of events plus print publication.

Sterling’s group publisher Alex Whitlock said the acquisition of Lawyers Weekly is a major milestone for the business.

“We’ve strategically built our portfolio of titles around real estate, financial services, investment and professional services.

“The opportunity to acquire such a respected title as Lawyers Weekly was one that we could not afford to miss. The brand will enhance our existing stable of titles and broaden our audience reach across Australia’s professional services sectors.”

Mr Whitlock said the Lawyers Weekly media brand was without peer and that Sterling would work to further strengthen the suite through brand expansion and extension.

“Lawyers Weekly is an institution in the Australian legal profession. It’s a very established title with great potential for future growth and I’m looking forward to taking up the reins,” he said.

Sterling engaged a number of advice firms to support the transaction, including financial advice from BBB Capital and legal advice from Landerer & Company.

Martin Sinclair, publisher from Cirrus Media, praised the Lawyers Weekly team and said that the title would prosper under the new ownership.

“Lawyers Weekly is a much-loved industry publication that will strengthen and complement Sterling’s portfolio.

“Justin Whealing has done a tremendous job as editor, and with his continued leadership I have no doubt the publication will continue to build on the impressive lead they have in the Australian legal market,” he said.

The addition of Lawyers Weekly brings Sterling’s stable of media brands to twelve: The Adviser, Mortgage Business, Real Estate Business, Residential Property Manager, Accountants Daily, Smart Property Investment, First Property Buyer, IFA, InvestorDaily, Investor Weekly and SMSF Adviser.