EE Times: A History of Ownership and Evolution
Since its inception, EE Times has served as a critical pillar of information for the electronics industry. From its roots as a traditional print publication to its current status as a digital-first media entity, the publication has navigated the volatile landscape of technical journalism and corporate acquisitions.
The Early Years and the CMP Era
EE Times was launched in 1972 by Gerard G. Leeds under the banner of CMP Publications Inc. For nearly three decades, the publication established itself as a primary source of news for electrical engineers. This era of independent growth culminated in 1999 when the Leeds family sold CMP to United Business Media (UBM) for $900 million.
The Digital Transition and Market Shifts
Following the acquisition, EE Times began a strategic pivot toward web publishing after the year 2000. This transition was necessitated by a broader industry trend where advertising revenue shifted rapidly from print to online platforms. This acceleration became particularly evident in 2007, leading the periodical to reduce its staff to align with the downturn in print revenue.
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In an effort to modernize its digital presence, the publication migrated its digital edition to the DeusM community platform, managed by UBM TechWeb, in July 2013.
Acquisition by AspenCore Media
A significant shift in ownership occurred in 2016. On June 3, UBM announced the sale of its entire electronics media portfolio—which included EE Times, EDN, Embedded.com, TechOnline, and Datasheets.com—to AspenCore Media. AspenCore Media is owned by Arrow Electronics, a major distributor based in Centennial, Colorado.
The transaction was valued at $23.5 million and was officially completed on August 1, 2016.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1972 by Gerard G. Leeds.
- First Major Sale: Sold to United Business Media in 1999 for $900 million.
- Digital Pivot: Accelerated shift to web publishing after 2000, with significant revenue changes in 2007.
- Current Owner: AspenCore Media (owned by Arrow Electronics).
- Final Acquisition Price: $23.5 million in 2016.
Ownership Timeline Summary
| Year | Event/Owner | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | CMP Publications Inc. | Launched by Gerard G. Leeds |
| 1999 | United Business Media (UBM) | Acquired CMP for $900 million |
| 2013 | UBM TechWeb | Migration to DeusM community platform |
| 2016 | AspenCore Media | Acquired portfolio for $23.5 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded EE Times?
EE Times was founded in 1972 by Gerard G. Leeds of CMP Publications Inc.
When did EE Times move toward digital publishing?
The publication began moving more into web publishing after 2000, with a notable acceleration in the shift of advertising from print to online starting in 2007.
Which company currently owns EE Times?
EE Times is owned by AspenCore Media, which is a company owned by Arrow Electronics.
What other publications were included in the 2016 sale to AspenCore Media?
Along with EE Times, the sale included EDN, Embedded.com, TechOnline, and Datasheets.com.
How much was the electronics media portfolio sold for in 2016?
The portfolio was sold to AspenCore Media for $23.5 million, with the deal closing on August 1, 2016.