Bath-based international media group Future has acquired a 35% stake in Handpicked Media, which represents more than 500 independent websites and blogs, reaching more than 3.5m unique users a month in the UK and 6m globally.
The link-up provides Future with access to London-based Handpicked’s roster of influential blogs and independent sites across a range of lifestyle channels including fashion, beauty and entertainment. In return Future will drive the effective commercialisation of those sites. 
Since its launch in 2009 by entrepreneur Krista Madden, Handpicked has curated a growing portfolio of influential sites across a range of lifestyle channels. It manages the interaction between its community and a range of consumer brands, offering clients an array of opportunities to reach a very-targeted and highly-engaged audience.
Future CEO Mark Wood said: “Handpicked has created a powerful social media proposition, curating a portfolio of leading independent sites and blogs across a range of sectors including beauty, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Our partnership grows Future’s digital audience in attractive new sectors and is another signal of Future’s intention to deliver greater audience engagement and diversified revenue opportunities from digital platforms.”
Krista Madden said: “We are very excited to be working with Future to expand our audiences, while supporting and developing the talent we have. The combined expertise of the new Handpicked Future team brings innovation and a unique proposition across social and digital platforms.”
Future reaches 58m global unique users a month online and in the last year sold more than 5m digital editions of its products for tablet and smartphone devices.
