Minnesota-based Adams MultiMedia is purchasing the Cedar Rapids Gazette and 11 community newspaper titles, the companies announced Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
The agreement between Tom Pientok, president and CEO of Folience, Inc., and Mark Adams, president and CEO of Adams MultiMedia, is expected to close by Dec. 1. Most Gazette employees will join Adams MultiMedia at that time.
According to a news release, the transaction keeps the publications under family-owned control, a structure The Gazette has maintained through much of its 143-year history. Founded in 1883, The Gazette publishes a daily digital edition and prints three days a week.The newspaper was most recently part of employee-owned Folience, Inc.
“Media companies across the country are facing unprecedented challenges, and local journalism is no exception. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some of the most dedicated, talented, and award-winning journalists delivering exceptional coverage to our community for more than 140 years. In today’s environment, sustaining a 100% independent newspaper has become increasingly difficult,” Mr. Pientok said in a statement.
“From day one, our goal has been to preserve local journalism. Mark and his family have a long history and passion for local media. By aligning The Gazette with Adams MultiMedia, we’ve provided the opportunity for our community’s voice to continue to be heard and for local journalism to remain strong for years to come.”
The sale includes 11 community newspaper titles and three community shopper publications.
“We’ve considered dozens of news organizations in recent years, and I can say with utmost confidence that very few have come with the credibility and promise that we have here today,” Mark Adams said in a prepared statement to Gazette staff. “The Gazette and its commitment to serving the local community – strong journalism and unmatched local business relationships – was a no-brainer for us.”
The purchases mark Adams MultiMedia’s first titles in Iowa. Founded in 2014 as Adams Publishing, the company owns more than 120 newspapers and more than 220 media-related and digital products in 19 states.
According to the release, Adams MultiMedia plans to expand digital content for subscribers and advertising solutions for local businesses.
Community newspapers included in the purchase are the Southeast Iowa Union, Hometown Current, Washington Evening Journal, Mount Pleasant News, Fairfield Ledger, Marengo Pioneer Republican, Williamsburg Journal Tribune, Poweshiek County Chronicle Republican, Winfield Beacon-Wayland News, New London Journal and Pekin Clarion Plainsman. The acquisition also includes three shopper publications: The Pennysaver, Hometown Marketplace and Southeast Iowa Shopper.
Folience is an employee-owned portfolio of companies that includes Life Line Emergency Vehicles in Sumner, Iowa, and Cimarron Trailers, with locations in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Manhattan, Kansas.
