GSP provides publications such as The Australian Pipeliner, PPO Latest and Pipeline Asia.
The newly formed company has a truly global scope, with head offices in the UK and the Asia Pacific as well as a strong presence in Houston and contacts throughout South America, Europe and the Middle East.
The new business will trade as Great Southern Press and will continue to produce the full range of pipeline products previously produced by both companies. A cornerstone of the new venture will be an exciting new print magazine, Pipelines International, of which John Tiratsoo will be editor-in-chief.
Editor-in-chief John Tiratsoo said Pipelines International will be fully supported by a comprehensive online presence and will reflect the diversity of the pipeline industry across the continents.
Launching at Rio Pipeline in September 2009, Pipelines International will include region reviews; project reviews; and project, company and regulatory news, as well as features on important industry areas.
As part of the merger, the Journal of Pipeline Engineering, along with the comprehensive database of technical papers pipedata, and the training courses will be produced under the new business division titled Tiratsoo Technical, reflecting the great reputation of John Tiratsoo in providing quality technical information.
GSP will continue the strong partnership with BJ Lowe and Clarion in Houston, and in addition to the world-leading International Pipeline Pigging & Integrity Management Conference and Exhibition in Houston each February, will explore new major conferences and exhibitions, as well as training, into regions such as the Middle East and Asia.
The partnership will also strengthen the companies’ other existing products, for example by providing greater resources and technical expertise to The Australian Pipeliner magazine.
Editor of The Australian Pipeliner Scott Pearce said the historic merger meant GSP could further share John Tiratsoo’s extensive technical information and pipeline industry resources globally.
“John’s reputation among major pipeline owners the world over is unparalleled. John Tiratsoo, quite literally, wrote the book on pigging and we are eager to take his expertise to a wider audience and in new ways making best use of today’s technology,” said Mr Pearce.
John Tiratsoo said the merger is a perfect match as GSP has long been known for its outstanding production values, innovative marketing and dynamic approach, as well as four decades of commitment to the pipeline industry.
“Pipelines International will set a new standard for industry publications and will provide companies that are active in the industry with an incredible opportunity to communicate directly with decision makers.
“Our new range of online products, integrated under the same Pipelines International brand, will include free content at the Pipelines International website as well as paid premium content. The paid premium content will launch in coming months,” said Mr Tiratsoo.