Affinity to Buy Camping World, Ehlert

Affinity Group Inc. said it agreed to buy Camping World Inc. and Ehlert Publishing Inc. for about $139 million in an effort to expand its membership services. Ventura-based Affinity sells club memberships to recreational vehicle owners, campers and outdoor vacationers as well as to some golfers and motorcyclists. Affinity will be able to market Bowling Green, Ky.-based Camping World’s merchandise and services, which include specially sized appliances and furniture for RVs, to its members and will be able to market its memberships to Camping World regulars. Ehlert, based in Minnetonka, Minn., publishes sports and recreation magazines for snowmobiling, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and archery. Affinity will be able to sell its products and services through those magazines. All three companies are closely held.