Time Inc. (NYSE: TIME) today announced the sale of SUNSET to Regent L.P., a Los Angeles–based private equity firm led by investor Michael Reinstein. Based in Oakland, California, SUNSET is the defining lifestyle brand of the modern American West, with coverage that includes travel, food, wine, home and garden across its monthly print publication, digital and social platforms, books, events and experiences. The storied brand, which was founded in 1898, has been a forum for literary giants like Jack London, Dashiell Hammett and Sinclair Lewis, a showcase for transformational architecture and design, and a launching pad for the modern environmental movement through its early affiliation with conservationist and Sierra Club founder John Muir.
“As a native Californian, I am honored to take the mantle as the fourth owner of this iconic and beloved institution. For almost 120 years SUNSET has been the definitive, pioneering voice of the promise, hope, values and innovative spirit of the West,” said Michael Reinstein, Chairman, Regent L.P. “We are excited to partner with SUNSET’s talented Editor-in-Chief Irene Edwards and her accomplished team to ensure that SUNSET continues to thrive for generations to come.”
“We’re pleased to have found such a passionate buyer in Michael Reinstein and Regent. For 27 years, we’ve expanded SUNSET’s influence and reach as the defining lifestyle brand of the modern American West serving an audience of 6.5 million across platforms. Now, under the new ownership team led by Michael Reinstein, SUNSET will have the opportunity to reach new heights. We thank the SUNSET team for their talented work, tireless commitment and passion,” said Rich Battista, President and CEO, Time Inc.
SUNSET reaches an audience of more than 6.5 million across its digital, print and social platforms. Its flagship events include the annual Celebration Weekend, which debuted in 1998 and has drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees with celebrity chefs, garden tours, wine seminars and stand-alone experiences, such as the SUNSET Smart Cottage; the SUNSET Idea House program, which will debut its Palm Springs Idea House at the Modernism Week design festival in February; Camp SUNSET, a summer camp-inspired workshop series taught by SUNSET editors that will launch to consumers in 2018; and the SUNSET International Wine Competition, one of the most successful wine competitions launched in US history.
https://www.timeinc.com/about/news/press-release/time-inc-announces-sale-of-iconic-sunset-brand-to-regent/