Babcox Media Inc. is pleased to announce its acquisition of Automotive Video Inc. (AVI), effective Jan. 1, 2012. AVI’s broad range of educational products for technicians and video production capabilities adds to Babcox Media’s portfolio of media properties and marketing services and will enable the company to extend its reach farther throughout the automotive aftermarket, tire, performance, collision, commercial trucking, engine building and powersports markets.

Automotive Video Inc., based in Fort Myers, Fla., was founded in 1994 by President and CEO Paul Louwers. AVI provides industry-leading expertise helping automotive repair technicians and shop owners stay current with the latest automotive technology through cutting-edge DVDs, manuals, and online educational resources. Mr. Louwers will continue to lead AVI as President and CEO.

“Bringing AVI into the Babcox family enables us to further enhance the technical content we currently provide our readers with video resources and ASE test prep materials, and allows us to offer video production to our customers,” said Bill Babcox, President of Babcox Media. “We are proud to welcome the AVI team to Babcox Media.”

“Joining Babcox provides a great opportunity for AVI to bring our technician education and automotive video production capabilities to a wider range of companies,” said Louwers. “As a market leader with a very strong reputation and history in the industry segments they serve, Babcox Media makes an ideal partner for us. Their extensive market knowledge will help AVI more effectively promote and deliver our services throughout the industry.”