JPG on the Block

Posted on 1/7/2009 by Julia Dudnik Stern | Printable Version | Comments (0)

In an on-again, off-again fashion reminiscent of Digital Railroad’s last month in business, JPG magazine is entertaining last-minute offers that would keep it afloat.

The Jan. 1 announcement of this week’s closing said the magazine has spent months seeking financing or a buyer, to no avail, prior to the “official” closing of JPG an its parent company 8020 Media on Monday. This was accompanied by laying off of all company staff.

However, the company blog has since reported “receiv[ing] some interest from qualified parties, who may be interested in acquiring the company so that JPG could live on.” On Tuesday, 8020 chief operating officer Devin Poolman announced that the company has received “a couple of credible offers” and would continue entertaining interest until Wednesday.

Minor Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture-capital firm that financed 8020 Media thus far, will handle the acquisition process. Founded by Halsey Minor of CNET fame, the firm has also backed a number of other media and technology startups.

In addition, this week has seen an outpouring of support and regret for the near-defunct JPG from its online community. Some of it has been tangible: for instance, fan site SaveJPG.com has reportedly encouraged some of the potential buyers to come forward.



It may have also opened new revenue-generating opportunities for the ailing business. At press time, 2,831 site visitors polled said they would pay annual fees of $5 to $25 to help JPG remain active. Over 1,100 said they would pay $25 per year.

Encouraging as it sounds, numerous recent photo-business demises and current U.S. economic conditions suggest that it may be too early to celebrate.




Copyright © 2009 Julia Dudnik Stern. The above article may not be copied, reproduced, excerpted or distributed in any manner without written permission from the author. All requests should be submitted to Selling Stock at 10319 Westlake Drive, Suite 162, Bethesda, MD 20817, phone 301-461-7627, e-mail: wvz@fpcubgbf.pbz

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