The Negotiator magazine is acquired by Property Drum

The Negotiator magazine has been acquired by its former rival, Property Drum, for an undisclosed price. The two publications will now be sister titles, both distributed to estate and letting agents nationally.

The Negotiator is the oldest surviving magazine for estate agents and had passed through several ownerships, most latterly as part of Ocean Media.

Last year, The Negotiator abandoned fortnightly publication to go monthly, and it will remain monthly in its new ownership, although it will not resume publication until next month. Clare Bettelley will continue as editor.

Property Drum managing director Grant Leonard said: “This is great news for the industry. Across the two titles we can now reach more offices, giving us a near-total market coverage.

“Both titles are very popular with agents, most of whom still prefer to receive printed publications, and each has its own focus and editorial style. We intend to develop both magazines to meet the interests of all agencies, large or small, corporate or independent.”

Sheila Manchester, Property Drum editorial director, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Clare, who we consider to be one of the most talented journalists in property.”

The Negotiator awards are part of the deal, which completed just before Christmas, along with its website and e-newsletter.  

Property Drum will continue to run its conferences for estate and letting agents, and said that it intends to develop The Negotiator’s Survive & Thrive conference brand and its Round Table events.

The Negotiator was launched some 25 years ago and for most of that time its main print competitor was Estate Agency News, which has ceased to appear.