North-West News Group acquires NI publisher

(L-R) Garfield Harrison and Helen Beggs with Dominic McClements
(L-R) Garfield Harrison and Helen Beggs with Dominic McClements

North-West News Group (NWNG) has acquired fellow Northern Ireland-based magazine publisher and events company 4SM (NI).

The Omagh-based group, which publishes a number of local newspapers and websites in Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Donegal, revealed its purchase this week, with filings at Companies House showing changes in directors and people with significant control at 4SM (NI) Ltd on 21 April.

Based in Hillsborough, County Down, 4SM (NI) produces several B2B magazines including Export & Freight and Plant & Civil Engineer, in addition to industry awards and golf events. The business was previously owned by Garfield Harrison and Helen Beggs, who will remain with the company.

Export & Freight provides news and information on transport and logistics in the local marketplace, while Plant & Civil Engineer covers the construction, quarry, and recycling sector.

NWNG publishes a raft of local newspapers including the Ulster Herald, Fermanagh Herald, and Donegal News.

NWNG managing director Dominic McClements said: “Both companies are looking forward to an exciting future. The deal will create additional opportunities for its employees and customers in the publishing and events sector.”

In December 2020, NWNG acquired Belfast-based Kaizen Print, which specialises in digital printing, branding, graphic design, motion graphics, and web development.