Chuck Leavell’s Mother Nature Network and TreeHugger Combine to Form Leading Eco-Lifestyle Digital Platform

ATLANTA (PRNewswire) — Mother Nature Network and Discovery Communications today announced the completion of an agreement to merge their environmental websites, Mother Nature Network  (www.mnn.com) and TreeHugger (www.treehugger.com) to form a new entity, jointly owned by MNN and Discovery Communications. The agreement brings together the two most visited websites in the world for environmental news and information, with more than seven million combined monthly visitors and a user base that spans 200 countries.

“This merger goes beyond simply having a bigger audience, it’s about having a much bigger opportunity,” said Joel Babbit, co-founder and CEO of Mother Nature Network, who will serve as CEO of the combined companies. “Sustainability is only one aspect of a broader responsible lifestyle and we want to cover the entire spectrum. We are extremely excited to join forces with Discovery Communications and TreeHugger to make this opportunity a reality.”

“TreeHugger and Mother Nature Network are the unequivocal digital leaders in the eco-lifestyle space, and their merger will greatly enhance the platforms’ reach, impact and depth and breadth of content,” added JB Perrette, Chief Digital Officer, Discovery Communications. “Placing TreeHugger under Joel’s strong leadership and in a more exclusively eco-lifestyle focused venture enhances its value and long-term growth. Discovery Communications looks forward to continuing its commitment in the green space – in keeping with our long-standing corporate values – as a proud co-owner in the new venture.”