Jancis Robinson MW has revealed to db that she specifically sought out an American buyer for her website so that she could grow its presence in the US.
Earlier this week we reported that Miami-based digital media company Recurrent Ventures acquired Robinson’s website, JancisRobinson.com, for an undisclosed sum.
The website provides free comprehensive guides to wine regions, grape varieties and vintages. This content will remain free to access under its new owner, and there will be an increased focus on wines from the US on the site.
Speaking exclusively to db, Robinson revealed that she first contemplated selling her website a year ago.
“I started to think about the future a year ago. Then things stepped up a notch early in 2021 when we realised that our friend and longstanding JR.com member whom we knew was extremely smart, was an M&A specialist with a major transatlantic law firm.
“He and I then went through the process to engage an investment bank who went into the usual process of an offer. I deliberately looked for a US investment bank because I believe that the most obvious potential for growth for JR.com is in the US. In the end there were about nine serious bidders but Recurrent ticked all the boxes,” she said.
Robinson stressed that the sale did not equate to her taking a step back from the site. “It will be 100% business as usual in terms of editorial. Like the rest of the team, I will continue to work my socks off but, for me personally, without the distraction of running the business.”
While unable to reveal any details on how the website will change shape in the coming months, Robinson told db that members won’t be short-changed.
“There are all sorts of little improvements I’ve been dying to implement and now can due to increased tech capability,” she said.
Founded in 2000 as an independent publisher, JancisRobinson.com has steadily grown its subscriber base of wine enthusiasts across 82 countries.