HealthContentAdvisors

Meredith Corp. Acquires Healthcare Marketing Communications Firm

• Posted July 15th 2008
• by Marji

Meredith Corp. has acquired Big Communications, a healthcare marketing communications company. Meredith expects Big Communications to help the media company bolster Meredith Integrated Marketing, its unit that provides other companies with custom online and offline marketing services. It also helps Meredith create a larger footprint in the healthcare space. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Big Communications develops custom healthcare communications for more than 20 of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech and managed care companies. Its marketing and communications programs are delivered through various media channels, including print, digital and mobile. Their target audience includes a diverse group, from pharmaceutical sales forces and caregivers to medical professionals and patients. Big Communications will be integrated into Meredith Integrated Marketing, but will remain headquartered in Detroit.

A press release announcing the acquisition notes that this deal represents just one of Meredith’s recent investments to broaden its audience, improve its online and video content creation expertise, expand distribution platforms and increase sales and marketing capabilities.

This deal will certainly help Meredith achieve all of these goals, so it is a deal that really makes sense. With just one purchase, the media company has effectively deepened its presence in two important areas: healthcare and marketing. Look for Meredith to use its strong brand name and capabilities to further improve the offerings that Big Communications currently provides, as well as give those customers access to all that Meredith has to offer on its own. Both Meredith and Big Communications should reap plenty of benefits as a combined entity.