nextmedia to Publish Thomas and Friends

September 29, 2013

Thomas and Friends Magazine (“Thomas”) into the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Thomas is a heritage brand loved across three generations and the magazine will be aimed at the 3-6 year old Thomas fanatics. Thomas is published in the UK by leading children’s publisher Egmont UK Limited, part of Egmont global media, which sells over 30 million children’s books and magazines in the UK annually.

Thomas will be an important addition to the nextmedia children’s portfolio which includes regular titles Girl Power, Little Angel, Mania, DMag, Disney, Wiggles and MAD plus a range of activity and poster books and maintains nextmedia’s leadership position as Australia’s premier children’s publisher. Thomas’s launch Editor will be Micaela George, an experienced children’s publication editor.

David Gardiner, Chief Executive Officer of nextmedia said, “At nextmedia we have a terrific portfolio of children’s magazines, books and posters and the inclusion of Thomas will enhance the portfolio further. The recent worldwide acquisition of the Thomas brand by Mattel should see a renewed interest in Australia. Egmont has some terrific brands and content and we look forward to working with them on this and new projects.”

Thomas will launch in Australia in November 2013