Media Sales Network to close after 30 years

Manchester's Media Sales Network will close on February 24 after Bauer took a major contract in-house.

However, there will only be three redundancies as most of the staff will transfer to the German media giant.

In an email to friends and colleagues, managing director Angela Wilkinson described the Bauer job as "the heart of our business".

But she stressed MSN was closing in good health.

"We are not the victim of the recession, declining markets or tough margins," said Wilkinson. "Although all are happening, we were in good shape and close the doors a profitable business we are proud of.      

"The good news is the amazingly talented Bauer team all transfer along with contract."

This means eight of MSN's 13 staff are moving over. Two people working on accounts with Tesco and Time Out, and finance director Rachael Andrew, will be made redundant.

Chairman Dave Moran and Wilkinson are resigning, and Wilkinson has landed a new job as head of agency sales at Bauer Radio.

The changes have come about because Bauer has decided to move regional advertising sales for Bauer Media - the former EMAP business which has titles such as FHM and Grazia - to its sister operation H Bauer, which has a team of six in Old Trafford.

H Bauer, whose regional operation is led by Howard Foster, looks after titles such as Take A Break and That's Life.

Wilkinson added: "We are working at full speed right up until the transfer date and you will see no disruption in the service we pride ourselves on. The transfer will be seamless. MSN closes after a wonderful 30 years.

"Thank you to all of you who have booked space with us, worked alongside us, negotiated hard with us, sparred with us, laughed with us, got on a dodgy coach with us, got pissed with us.

"Your support has been immeasurable, the team’s loyalty unwavering, our clients spectacular. It’s been an absolute blast."

MSN was established by Robert Johnstone in 1982 and acquired by Unique in 2001. Wilkinson led a management buyout at the business with Andrew and Moran last March.

David Goodchild, H Bauer's managing director, said: “This change is a fabulous opportunity for the region creating greater insight, service and importantly a greater audience to our agencies and advertisers. 

"Howard Foster and his team are excited at the opportunity to build on the success that they have generated over the last three years with the combined insert sales operation. 2012 will be an exciting year for the whole team."

Pictured L-R: Wilkinson, Moran and Andrew.

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