The Bulletin
After 30 years of ownership, the founders of The Bulletin determined it was time to retire. They were on the brink of shutting down the newspaper when Jeffrey Sullivan, a reporter who had been with the newspaper for 10 years, recognized both the community value of the publication and the business opportunity it represented. Jeff reached out to the Massachusetts SBDC to assist him in exploring the possibility of purchasing The Bulletin newspapers. While Jeff possessed deep editorial expertise, purchasing and operating a business required skills and resources outside his experience.
The Massachusetts SBDC - Boston Region worked closely with Jeff and provided the following assistance:
- Developed a comprehensive business plan that demonstrated the viability of the acquisition and future growth opportunities.
- Assisted in the preparation of financial information and supporting documentation needed for the commercial loan application.
- Introduced the client to lending partners and helping evaluate financing options.
- Provided guidance throughout the lender due diligence process, helping the client respond to questions and strengthen the overall financing package.
- Served as an ongoing strategic advisor and thought partner for the client during each stage of the purchase and post-acquisition transition.
The Massachusetts SBDC also helped Jeff in developing a deeper understanding of the newspaper’s advertising sales cycle and identifying strategies to improve advertising revenue. The advisor discussed methods to better demonstrate readership value to advertisers by surveying distribution locations and tracking newspaper pickup rates, providing more meaningful data to support advertising sales. Evaluating opportunities to modernize technology infrastructure and streamline outdated computer systems. Advised the client on expanding the newspaper’s digital presence and online operations to complement its long-established print distribution.
As a result of this preparation and support, the client secured
financing from Middlesex Bank and
successfully completed the purchase of Bulletin News. The
acquisition retained the 13 employees and the newspaper’s network of
contract reporters, ensuring continuity for readers, advertisers,
and the surrounding communities.
"Deb Thompson at the Massachusetts SBDC has been an amazing guide in the process of purchasing, operating and maintaining our business. It's been incredible to have a go-to person that we can trust in what is a whole new world for us. Deb has been resourceful, insightful, and very understanding with all of our questions and regularly thinks of things we probably wouldn't have thought of in a million years." ~ Jeffrey Sullivan, Owner & Publisher
Read articles about transition:
www.bulletinnewspapers.com/article/boston-norwood-newspaper-transition
www.universalhub.com/2025/editor-bulletin-papers-buying-chain-plans-web-site-will-continue-free