Modern Healthcare's owner Crain Communications acquires Hart Energy

Detroit-based Crain Communications Inc., announced today that it has acquired Hart Energy, a news and media company focused on the energy sector and headquartered in Houston.

Hart Energy’s brands include Oil and Gas Investor, E&P and the DUG conferences, among others.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

The acquisition adds to Crain’s existing portfolio of 21 business media brands, some of which were also added via acquisition in recent years.

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The acquisition “aligns with Crain Communications’ mission to provide decision-makers and executives with intelligent, timely news and information to stay on top of fast-changing moves in their respective industries,” the company said in a news release.

“We are excited to add the Hart Energy portfolio to the Crain Family of brands, and to be part of this dynamic, expansive industry that touches businesses and lives across the globe,” Crain Communications President and CEO KC Crain said in the release. “We look forward to providing readers and business partners alike even more ways to access this exclusive content when and where they want it.”

In acquiring Hart Energy, Crain adds on to its portfolio of multi-platform news media brands that includes the Crain City Brands in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Grand Rapids and New York, as well as industry-focused brands including Automotive News, Ad Age, Pensions & Investments and Modern Healthcare. Crain brands reach a combined 78 million readers globally.

Crain acquired two Grand Rapids media brands — the Grand Rapids Business Journal and MiBiz — in late 2022 and merged them to create Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. Crain also acquired the cannabis industry brand Green Market Report in 2021.

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Hart, founded in 1973, offers breaking news, in-depth features, exclusive data and industry events for the global energy business, covering all sectors including shale, natural gas, natural gas liquids and new energy sources.

The Hart brands will continue to operate with dedicated editorial and business teams based in Houston, the company said.

“We know Hart is joining an outstanding organization that understands the power of strong content combined with the ability to connect audiences,” said Richard Eichler, CEO of Hart Energy. “Crain’s track record of providing award-winning journalism online and in print along with a robust events business positions the Hart brands extremely well going forward. These are exciting times to be in the energy business.”

This story first appeared in Crain's Detroit Business.