Definition
Europress was a British magazine and software publishing company headquartered in Adlington, near Maccleson, Cheshire, United Kingdom. It operated in both print media and interactive software, with a particular focus on computer magazines, educational titles, and video games.
Overview
Founded in 1965 by Derek Meakin, Europress began as a traditional print publisher, originally known as Database Publications. During the 1980s the company expanded into the emerging home‑computer market, establishing a software division that released titles for platforms such as the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, and Commodore Amiga. In 1991 Europress acquired Newsfield Publications, creating the subsidiary Europress Impact, which launched several computer‑gaming magazines. The software arm was later spun off as Europress Software and, in 1999, was renamed Actualize. Throughout the 1990s Europress changed ownership several times: the magazine business was sold to IDG (becoming IDG Media), Hasbro Interactive purchased the company in 1999, and after Hasbro’s acquisition by Infogrames in 2001 the Europress brand was sold to Trend Systems Limited (the Meakin family) and subsequently to Koch Media in 2002. The brand was eventually used as a publishing label for educational software before the company entered liquidation in the early 2000s.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Europress” combines the prefix “Euro‑,” referring to Europe or a European market focus, with “press,” a common term for publishing enterprises. The construction reflects the company’s aim to serve a pan‑European audience in both print and software media.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Business | Magazine publishing (e.g., Amiga Action, Atari User, PC Home) and software publishing (educational titles such as the Fun School series, games like Red Arrows). |
| Key Divisions | • Database Publications – original magazine imprint. • Europress Software (later Actualize) – software development and publishing. • Europress Impact – subsidiary created after the Newsfield acquisition, handling additional gaming magazines. |
| Notable Products | • Mini Office II (office suite). • Fun School educational series. • Magazines covering Amiga, Atari, PC, and gaming platforms. |
| Acquisitions & Ownership | • Purchased Newsfield Publications (1991). • Magazine business sold to IDG Media (1994). • Acquired by Hasbro Interactive (1999). • Brand transferred to Infogrames (2001) and later to Trend Systems Ltd./Koch Media (2002). |
| Later Developments | After the sale to Koch Media, the Europress name was used as a label for licensed educational titles. The original company ceased operations, and the brand was eventually discontinued. |
| Geographic Base | Headquarters in Adlington, Cheshire, England; operations primarily served the United Kingdom and broader European markets. |
Related Topics
- British publishing industry
- Video game publishing in the United Kingdom
- Educational software development (e.g., Fun School series)
- IDG Media (formerly the magazine division of Europress)
- Hasbro Interactive and its acquisition of UK software firms
- Infogrames Learning (successor entity after the 2001 sale)
- Koch Media (later owner of the Europress brand)
- Newsfield Publications (magazine publisher acquired in 1991)
All information presented is based on documented historical sources, including the company’s Wikipedia entry and reputable industry references.