In a stock-for-cash swap estimated at $38.6 million, Maxim Magazine General Manager Robert Munford today announced a planned merger with gardening enthusiast magazine Bonsai Today of Sudbury, Massachusetts.  The new publication will be called BonsaiBLENDER.  Maxim Art Director Doug Fisher will be assuming publication responsibilities, continuing the Maxim tradition of slick photo layouts. Bonsai Today Editor Emeritus, W. John Palmer, will retain a seat on the board of directors of the new organization.

"After reviewing the two publication's similar demographic of affluent, predominantly male readers, the fit became an obvious one. As we expand into Asian markets, the merger will allow us to direct our attention to produce the best possible publication to serve that market segment," Munford wrote in a March 31 press release.

 

Immediate plans include the incorporation of the Maxim's bold graphic color scheme in the BonsaiBLENDER layout, and celebrated bonsai artist Masahiko Kimura will be hosting this month's Maxim Lounge.

 

In related news the publishers announced plans for a 2006 Bonsai Swimsuit calendar to be photographed on location in Tokyo, Japan.