NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Two months after acquiring Lake Norman Publications, growing local media company American Hometown Publishing Inc. announced today it has acquired the Lake Norman Citizen newspaper, setting the stage for a merger of the two hyperlocal publishers located just outside of Charlotte.

American Hometown Publishing CEO Brad Dennison said this week’s editions of the products will be merged: “We’re working to preserve the best content both publishers have to offer, plus we’ll be adding some exciting new twists in the weeks and months to come. I think our readers and advertisers will be very pleased with the new products.”

Lifelong Lake Norman-area resident and Citizen majority owner Irv Hager said he sold because he felt the time was right for a merger of the Lake Norman newspaper titles.

“AHP is a skilled local media company with all the tools necessary for the opportunities presented by a merger,” Hager said. “I look forward to reading the consolidated products and I’m confident the new ownership will be a force for good in our communities.”

Based in Davidson, N.C., Lake Norman Publications consists of three weekly newspapers and one monthly, as well as a website covering the region. American Hometown Publishing acquired this group about two months ago. The Lake Norman Citizen, which American Hometown Publishing acquired today, publishes one weekly newspaper and was based just a few miles away in Huntersville, but will immediately move to the Davidson office.

“We have fallen in love with these communities surrounding Lake Norman,” Dennison said. “We see a wonderful opportunity to build amazing products for our readers and advertisers.”

In addition to its North Carolina holdings, American Hometown Publishing owns and operates community newspapers, websites and magazines in Virginia, Tennessee, Florida and Oklahoma. AHP also operates its proprietary digital marketing services platform, Hometown Digital Solutions, which launched in 2016.

American Hometown Publishing was acquired by Nashville-based West End Holdings LLC in July 2017. Charlotte small business broker Joe Vagnone represented the Lake Norman Citizen.

About American Hometown Publishing Inc.
Formed in 2005, AHP is an independent media company that operates newspapers, websites and magazines in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Oklahoma.

For more information, visit www.americanhometownpublishing.com

About West End Holdings LLC
West End Holdings LLC is a special-situation private equity firm focused on acquiring non-strategic assets that are under-nourished from either a capital or leadership perspective. WEH solves problems for business owners by acquiring their under-performing assets, enabling them to re-focus their limited management attention and financial resources on their more profitable businesses.

For more information, visit www.westendholdings.com

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SOURCE American Hometown Publishing