Solutions enterprise Neo Africa announced on Tuesday, 6 October the launch of its publishing division along with the acquisition of a controlling interest in title Prestige Magazine. The company’s foray into publishing marks another milestone of the diversification strategy of CEO and Founder, Vivien Natasen and joins the company’s stable of lifestyle products.

The move into publishing, says Natasen, links with the company’s vision with the intention of growing its stable of premium print and digital titles. “Media is a challenging environment within which to operate,” he says, “but I am of the conviction that our lateral approach to business, as with all our other divisions, will ultimately deliver a new model to publishing.” He is undaunted by the recession and slump in advertising sales, saying that the current economic challenges publishers face will simply usher in a new era in the media.”

“There will always be a market for printed matter,” says Natasen. “Digitalisation of the media plays an important role in the current evolution, but, I believe that well positioned print; niche markets; and well-crafted lifestyle print media will not only survive, but prosper.” Prestige Magazine, he says, is a niche product that he expects will grow as its positioning is refined. “We have spent significant time in crafting out a polished appeal for the title and I expect Neo Africa’s foray into publishing to yield dividends from the get go.”

Neo Africa, a National Supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, comprises a collective of divisions that complement one another in the lifestyle supply chain. Aviation; boutique travel; events; marketing communication; and now publishing while its corporate arm focuses on innovation across several business channels as well as providing strategic consulting to a wide array of corporate clients.

“Our business strategy is to create a diversified company that ultimately fulfils a vision to approach business laterally, and to champion South African ideals in whatever journey we embark on,” he says.

Neo Africa’s publishing division will actively seek new opportunities for growth in both the acquisition of existing titles and the development of new media channels.