Connect Media Buys Networld, Forging a New B2B Media Powerhouse

LOS ANGELES & LOUISVILLE, Ky. – February 02, 2026 – In a significant move that reshapes the business-to-business media landscape, Los Angeles-based Connect Media has acquired Networld Media Group, a deal that vastly expands its reach beyond commercial real estate into the bustling restaurant, retail, banking, and technology sectors. The acquisition, which became effective January 30, 2026, for undisclosed terms, signals a bold diversification strategy for Connect Media, positioning the combined entity as a formidable force in the B2B information and events industry.

Connect Media, already the nation’s largest provider of commercial real estate news, will absorb Networld’s entire team, growing its staff to over 60 employees. The deal also includes Networld’s extensive portfolio of digital publications, such as FastCasual.com, QSRweb.com, and ATMmarketplace.com, along with a slate of industry-leading conferences. Daniel Ceniceros, founder and CEO of Connect Media, will helm the newly enlarged company, while Networld co-founder Tom Harper will stay on in an advisory capacity.

“This acquisition represents a strategic opportunity to grow across complementary business lines that share a similar operating DNA,” said Ceniceros in a statement. “Both Connect and Networld are built on high-quality journalism, industry-leading conferences, and strong industry relationships.”

A Power Play Beyond Real Estate

This acquisition is far more than a simple expansion; it is a calculated pivot toward creating a multi-vertical B2B media powerhouse. By integrating Networld's assets, Connect Media is strategically tapping into several thriving niche markets, moving from a specialist in commercial real estate to a diversified platform with a much broader audience and revenue base.

The timing aligns with powerful trends in the global B2B media market, which is projected to surpass $53 billion in 2026 and grow to over $72 billion by 2035. The business information sector, which forms the core of both companies' offerings, is the dominant force, commanding over three-quarters of market revenue. This deal allows Connect Media to capture a larger share of this growing pie by leveraging its expertise across new, but related, industries.

Ceniceros emphasized the synergistic potential, stating the combination creates a “powerful opportunity to accelerate growth, share best practices, and introduce expanded creative and agency services.” This suggests a future where Connect Media’s existing creative and agency infrastructure will be deployed across Networld’s verticals, offering a more integrated and valuable proposition to advertisers and partners.

Building a Cross-Industry Information Empire

At the heart of the deal is the fusion of two distinct but philosophically aligned media portfolios. Networld brings a robust collection of digital news sites and events that are deeply embedded in the food service, retail technology, and financial self-service industries. These include highly respected brands like PizzaMarketplace.com and RetailCustomerExperience.com, as well as major events such as the Fast Casual Executive Summit.

Connect Media’s plan appears to be the creation of an interconnected information ecosystem. The company has a track record of integrating technology into its media operations, as seen with its previous acquisitions of AI-powered lending platform LOANtuitive and listing service ApartmentBuildings.com. The potential to apply similar tech-driven strategies and data analytics across Networld's properties could unlock significant value, creating new products and deeper audience insights.

Industry observers suggest this strategy is part of a larger shift in B2B media, where the focus is on creating a more direct, transactional relationship between industry vendors and buyers. By controlling the flow of information, hosting key events, and offering sophisticated marketing services across multiple verticals, the combined entity can become an indispensable partner for businesses looking to navigate these complex markets.

Consolidation as a Path to Growth

The Connect Media-Networld deal is emblematic of a wider consolidation trend sweeping the media industry. As digital disruption continues to reshape the landscape, M&A has become a primary vehicle for growth, scale, and resilience. For specialized B2B media companies, combining forces can provide the necessary capital and operational leverage to compete effectively.

The financial environment appears ripe for such transactions. With a predicted resurgence in M&A activity and significant capital held by private equity, B2B media assets are attractive targets. Valuation multiples in the sector remain strong, particularly for information and data-centric businesses, which can command EBITDA multiples in the mid-teens. While the terms for Networld were not disclosed, the strategic value of its established brands and audience relationships likely commanded a premium.

Tom Harper, Networld’s co-founder, expressed confidence in the new ownership. “After meeting Daniel and learning more about his company, it became clear that Connect Media was the right partner to shape Networld’s next chapter,” he commented. “Our companies have strengths in different areas and I’m excited to see the future our combined teams will create.”

The Path Forward: Integration and Opportunity

The success of this acquisition will ultimately hinge on a smooth and effective integration. Merging company cultures, aligning technology stacks, and harmonizing content strategies are significant undertakings. The announcement that Connect Media will absorb Networld’s entire team is a positive sign, indicating a desire to retain valuable institutional knowledge and talent.

However, challenges remain. Some industry analysts have noted that certain Networld digital properties have experienced declining traffic, raising questions about the investment required to revitalize these brands. The new leadership will be tasked with not only integrating the two organizations but also re-energizing content and audience engagement strategies to realize the promised synergies. The goal will be to prove that the combined platform is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering enhanced value to readers, event attendees, and advertisers alike.

As Connect Media embarks on this new chapter, the B2B world will be watching closely. The company's ability to successfully blend its real estate and finance expertise with Networld’s diverse portfolio will serve as a crucial case study for the future of specialized media in an era of consolidation and digital transformation.