Bauer proposes distribution shake-up, closes Cleo

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Job losses are 'inevitable' if Bauer Media Group pushes ahead with a plan to outsource its magazine distribution.

The firm, which published Woman's Day, the NZ Woman's Weekly and North & South, among other titles, has revealed its proposal to consolidate its distribution operations with Gordon & Gotch.

At the moment, the process is handled by Bauer's own Netlink Distribution. which it describes at the largest magazine distributor in the country.

Gordon & Gotch has already picked up a contract to handle Bauer's Australian distribution.

READ MORE: Cleo closes after 44 years

Bauer's New Zealand chief executive officer Paul Dykzeul said it made sense to use Gordon & Gotch rather than continuing to operate a separate distribution service because the two firms were doing much the same work.

He said it would create a more efficient operation. 'It's no big deal at all.'

Dykzeul said it was inevitable that there would be some job losses but it was too soon to say what they would be. 'I imagine they will be quite small.'

Bauer has also announced the New Zealand edition of Cleo magazine and website will close after its April edition.

It comes after Bauer Media Australia's decision to stop publishing Cleo.

'Cleo has been an important part of New Zealand women's lives for more than 40 years, and we would like to express our gratitude to the amazing professionals who have worked on the brand over this time,' said Brendon Hill, Bauer Media publisher.

All staff affected by the Cleo move will be re-deployed internally.