Gruner+Jahr AG & Co. KG has sold Impulse to Dr. Nikolaus Foerster

Gruner+Jahr AG & Co. KG (G+J) has sold its German business magazine Impulse to the magazine's editor-in-chief Dr. Nikolaus Foerster in a management buy-out by way of his newly established company, Impulse Medien GmbH. Financial details have not been disclosed.

Impulse is a monthly magazine aimed at entrepreneurs, positioning itself as an independent magazine for SMEs covering topics such as strategy and management, day-to-day business, taxation and law. Founded by Johannes Gross, Impulse was first published in Cologne in 1980.

Gruner+Jahr (G+J) is the leading magazine publishing house in Europe and has the highest turnover of all German publishing houses. With headquarters in Hamburg, Gruner+Jahr's most well-known publications include Stern, Brigitte, Geo, Capital, Gala, Eltern and National Geographic. It reaches readers and users in more than 20 countries with over 500 media activities, magazines and digital offerings. With non-domestic sales accounting for 45% of the Group’s overall sales, G+J is one of the most international publishers in the world. Gruner+Jahr GmbH & Co KG is wholly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA

Oaklins' team in Germany successfully advised Gruner+Jahr on the sale of Impulse and structured the sale process. Gruner+Jahr has sold the magazine and the internet domain impulse.de through a management buy-out to Impulse's editor-in-chief, Dr. Nikolaus Foerster. He will take over the brand via a new company, Impulse Medien GmbH, in which he holds the majority stake. A Hamburg businessman, Dirk Moehrle, holds a minority stake in the business. Fifteen percent of Gruner+Jahr's permanent employees will be employed by Impulse Medien GmbH in the future.