The original publishers of ME / MEW got an offer that they couldnt refuse, and so sold the titles to Highbury House. HH bought many titles, often paying a very high price, and much on borrowed money.
Over a year ago there was one group who considered buying those titles, but the price HH quoted was thought excessive.
Right now, Allied Irish Bank are supporting HH, whilst assets are sold off in an orderly manner. There are at least two groups who are interested in ME/MEW but naturally Ernst & Young would prefer to sell the whole lot as a package if it is possible. I gather that one of these groups includes at least one person who was involved with Argus.
The end result looks as if it will be that "our" magazines will remain, either as part of another group,or perhaps as stand-alone publications. As has been said, any buyer is almost bound to honour subscriptions to avoid alienating there membership base.
The people who will certainly lose are the investors in HH, who are unlikely to see anything back.
Alan Stepney
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