Infomedia ties up with Ringier for trade magazines

, "The positive economic climate of India and the huge publishing potential for trade magazines have led us to the belief that we could replicate the Chinese model here as well."

The company is one of the largest publishing houses in China and has published 21 titles in the last six years.

The alliance would publish five titles in 2005 in sectors like plastics, packaging, food processing, textiles and pharmaceuticals.

Ringier also plans to turn the chemical magazine 'Chemical World' into a bi-montly.

Praskash Iyer, managing director, Infomedia India, said, "Trade between India and China is going to assume strategic importance and with the new magazines, we plant to bridge the industry gap of importers in India vis-a-vis exporters in China." By June 2005, the first of the titles is expected to roll out.

The alliance is also targeting trade events and events pertaining to the industry. Currently, Ringier Group is based in Hongkong and will also help Infomedia India secure international advertisements.

According to Hay, although the foreign company has not invested any money in the company, it will invest in content, systems and work towards a guaranteed revenue stream that is important for any trade magazine to survive.

However, Iyer did not rule out the possibility of a direct foreign investment in the near future.

Infomedia India currently publishes magazines like Auto Monitor, AV Max, Chemical World, Better Photography, and Auto Max. Last year, the company's turnover in magazines alone was Rs 30 crore with the total income being Rs 125 crore.