Michael Duckworth is the CEO of Source Interlink Companies, Inc..
Source Interlink Companies, Inc. became a major player in consumer magazine publishing with the purchase of Primedia Enthusiast Media from Primedia, Inc. in 2007. Valued at $1.3 billion, the aquisition was completed on August 1, 2007.
In the Primedia deal, Source Interlink acquired 76 consumer magazines, 90 related web sites, over 65 events, 2 television programs, 1 radio program and about 400 branded products. The company is now one of the leading special interest magazine publishers in the United States, with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer.
Source Interlink Companies (NASDAQ: SORC) is a leading marketing, merchandising, content and fulfillment company of entertainment products, including DVDs, music CDs, magazines and books. The company manages the distribution and fulfillment of entertainment products to major retail chains throughout North America and handles the import and export of periodicals sold in more than 100 markets worldwide. Source Interlink is also involved in the coordination of product selection and placement of impulse items sold at checkout counters, the processing and collection of rebate claims as well as management of sales data obtained at the point-of-purchase.
Source Interlink is backed by billionaire Ron Burkle through The Yucaipa Companies, a Los Angeles-based private investment firm specializing in acquiring and operating companies in the retail, distribution, and logistics areas. A former grocery store bag boy, Burkle is a prominent Democratic party activist and fundraiser. He is a close friend of former President Bill Clinton, and investments in Yucaipa made by Clinton and his wife Senator Hillary Clinton have generated millions of dollars in income for them.