New Century Press Acquires Flatland Publishing in North Dakota

Jon Flatland, owner and president of Flatland Publishing Inc., on Wednesday announced the sale of the company to an Iowa-based firm. New Century Press Inc., headquartered in Rock Rapids,IA, has acquired the Steele County Press in Finley and the Griggs County Courier in Cooperstown, as well the company’s advertising specialties division. Julie Bergman of Grimes, McGovern & Associates represented Flatland Publishing in the sale. Flatland has a previous connection to the new owners, having served as an editor for New Century Press in Iowa prior to purchasing the Press in January 2004 and the Courier in January 2006. “It’s a well-established and well-managed company,” he said. “Plus, they have a tremendous amount of experience in specialty publications, particularly those geared toward tourism and economic development, which could be a huge asset to local efforts in those areas.” Flatland, who served as president of the North Dakota Newspaper Association from 2009-2010, added he will remain involved in the production of the newspapers for a short time to assist in the ownership transition. New Century Press Inc. is the parent company of five weekly newspapers in Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota, and two agricultural publications in Iowa and South Dakota.