Management buys out Autotrader

Magazine publisher Bauer Media has agreed to sell Autotrader.co.nz to former managers Ross Logue and Richard East. 

The buy-out of the classifieds website means Logue and East’s new company – called Autotrader Media Group – assumed full control of the Autotrader website and magazine from April 18.

Logue says the opportunity to buy Autotrader was too good to pass up. He adds: “Richard and I are excited to be taking the reins of a business with great history, a strong presence in the market and solid growth potential. 

“With further investments in product development and technology, we’re committed to delivering the great product offering and value-added customer support that has made Autotrader.co.nz and its magazine New Zealand’s number-one auto-only classifieds outlet.”

Terry King, general manager of publishing motoring at Bauer Media, says: “Autotrader is a wonderful product with an incredibly strong standing in the automotive industry. We’re thrilled to be delivering Autotrader into the capable hands of two people who know the product so well. 

“Ross Logue and Richard East were both senior members of the Autotrader.co.nz sales team at Bauer. Their deep understanding of the brand – and its significance in the New Zealand market – will help them grow the business in the years ahead.” 

The brand started as the Autotrader Buyers’ Guide magazine in 1981. It later added the website to its portfolio to further cement reputation with consumers and the car industry. Today, Autotrader.co.nz engages with thousands of buyers and sellers every month who want to research and purchase vehicles through the site’s dealers.