5 November 2008 - Fairfax Media is creating New Zealand's largest specialist business and IT publishing unit, bringing flagship weekly business title The Independent and the Fairfax Business Media titles together. In addition, the Publisher today revealed it had bought the assets of niche multi-media publisher Infego Communications Ltd; including Unlimited magazine and youth title Actv8.

Fairfax Business Media publishes PC World, Computerworld, CIO and Reseller News. These titles previously reported into Fairfax Australia.

"The opportunities for cross-promotion and integration across editorial, marketing, advertising, circulation and events with these titles are tremendous," said Fairfax Media group head of publishing Rodger Shepherd. "With the combined resources of some very talented staff, we believe Fairfax Business Publishing will be number one in business and IT publishing in New Zealand.

"Infego's focus on integration and cross-media content and advertising solutions fits well with Fairfax New Zealand's existing business. The acquisition and merger of Infego titles, which focus on high-growth business markets and the education sector, will further strengthen Fairfax New Zealand's business portfolio.

"By bringing these titles together, Fairfax will create New Zealand's premium specialist business and IT editorial centre - to be known as Fairfax Business Publishing. I am delighted to announce that Julie Gill, owner of Infego Communications Ltd will lead the unit as general manager. "

Ms Gill established Infego Communications in 2006, when she bought Unlimited and Actv8 from IDG New Zealand, of which she had been general manager. She also has significant experience of specialist business and IT publishing in Europe.

"Fairfax New Zealand is extremely fortunate to have someone of Julie's calibre and depth of experience in this specialised area," said Mr Shepherd.

Mr Shepherd said the merger would result in some restructuring of staffing, which would be worked through during the next few weeks.

"We will work closely with staff to complete the review as swiftly and transparently as possible. The end result will be a large, strong and dynamic integrated business and IT media division, which will work hard to meet readers' and advertisers' needs in a way that has not previously been possible in New Zealand."