Deepens presence in core energy markets in the West
(Hillsboro, OR, Seattle, WA) – Ruralite Services,
Inc (RSI) and Energy NewsData today announced the two companies have entered
into a purchase and sale agreement by which RSI will acquire the publishing and
other assets of Energy NewsData. The board of directors of RSI and the
shareholders of NewsData have approved the transaction, which is expected to be
completed by mid-May.
“We are excited about bringing together arguably
the West’s two most respected energy-sector communications companies,” said RSI
CEO Michael Shepard. “Though Ruralite has been historically focused on helping
utilities deliver news and information to consumers and NewsData’s forte has
been independent, in-depth coverage of the industry and energy issues, we think
both entities will greatly benefit from the acquisition.”
“I am extremely pleased that Cyrus' legacy will
continue with Ruralite,” said Mary Noe, Energy
NewsData Vice President and Controller. Noe is the widow of Cyrus Noe, who
founded NewsData in 1982, retired in 2014 and who died in 2017.
The acquisition significantly enhances RSI’s
editorial presence in the energy industry in the Western U.S. A new
wholly-owned RSI subsidiary will operate all of NewsData’s publications and
other offerings. NewsData’s four
subscription-based newsletters circulate to thousands of energy professionals
in the West and beyond:
- Clearing Up, covering the greater Pacific Northwest,
published weekly
- California Energy Markets, focused on California and
the Southwest, published weekly
- Water Power West, covering water power
issues, development and hydro relicensing in Western North America,
published every other month
- NW Fishletter, which centers on the interplay of salmon and the Northwest hydroelectric system, published monthly.
Other NewsData services include a weekly report on Western
wholesale electricity and natural gas prices; a Northwest seasonal
fish-tracking report; and an energy
jobs portal. The company also has branched out in
recent years to cosponsor specialized conferences focused on energy issues
covered by the newsletters. These offerings are also being acquired as part of
the sale.
“This transaction underscores the exceptional quality of
Energy NewsData’s portfolio and customer relationships which our talented team
has worked hard to create and sustain,” said Noe.
“Energy NewsData’s team possesses exceptional knowledge of
the industry, combined with high journalistic standards. We are excited at the
opportunity to invest in the products and staff to ensure subscribers continue
to receive exceptional coverage of the industry,” said Marc Farmer, chairman of
the RSI board of directors and general manager, Clatskanie (OR) People’s
Utility District. “This deal significantly broadens our customer base, which
has been a priority in recent years.”
“We are enthused about this new arrangement with RSI,"
said NewsData Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mark Ohrenschall. "We look forward
to continuing the Noes' legacy of serving our clients with our long-established
brand of high-quality, independent, regional energy news and information
services.”
NewsData, which has 10 employees based in the Seattle area
and a four-person staff in San Francisco, will continue its presence in those
cities. Ruralite is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon.
About
Ruralite Services
Ruralite Services Inc. has a mission to
make communications easy for public power utilities. In addition to the array
of marketing services, magazine publications, social media support subscription
program and website offerings, the cooperative offers energy efficiency
services through another wholly-owned subsidiary, Efficiency Services
Group, and utility parts distribution and advanced technical services via
its majority ownership of General Pacific.
About
Energy NewsData
Founded
in 1982, Energy NewsData provides a common frame of reference for thousands of
energy professionals, keeping them well-informed on Western energy policy,
markets, resources and other topics essential to their work.
Energy
NewsData's team of skilled, experienced journalists have a long-earned reputation for reliable, accurate,
balanced and insightful reporting, founded on their deep understanding of
energy matters.
