LONDON, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Business Media today
announced an agreement to acquire "Theme" magazine and the "Bar" exhibition
from Mondiale Publishing.
    The assets featured in today's announcement complement the "Publican"
group of publications and events which UBM acquired in February, and which
have now been fully integrated. Integration of today's titles into UBM's
operational infrastructure will reduce overheads and generate cross-selling
opportunities.
    The purchase price is GBP5m million in cash. "Theme" and "Bar Show"
generated GBP2.1m of revenue and GBP0.6m of EBITA in the year to end of June
2004. The proposed acquisition should be earnings enhancing in its first
twelve months and is expected to exceed UBM's hurdle rate of return in its
first year. The transaction is subject to approval by the OFT.
    These businesses will report into Bernard Gray, CEO of CMP Information
(CMPi) and United Advertising Publications (UAP).
    Bernard Gray, said
    "These leading publishing assets will give further breadth and depth to
the range of specialists products available to our clients. The financial
case is attractive and we have identified operating efficiencies and the
opportunity to develop new and existing revenues streams."
    UBM CEO David Levin, said
    "These assets represent another good "bolt on" opportunity for UBM,
allowing us to further consolidate our chosen markets. The transaction meets
our strict financial criteria and moves forward the implementation of our
continuing strategy."
    Notes to Editors:
    Theme
    Theme Magazine is a leading monthly publication for the hospitality
sector, read by buyers, specifiers, designers, architects, brand managers and
decision makers in the bar and restaurant business.
    Since its launch in 1995, Theme has held a mirror up to the changing face
of bar and restaurant design throughout the UK, championing innovation,
experimentation and excellence in new venues and their operation, whilst
following developments in all aspects of the industry.
    Bar Show
    The Bar Show is a leading event for the hospitality industry. It is
dedicated to bringing together over 200 suppliers with over 8,381* visitors
(*ABC audited) to do business in a vibrant atmosphere full of new products
and ideas.
    It covers every aspect of opening, running or refurbishing a bar.
Exhibitors range from interior designers and furniture manufacturers to
alcoholic drinks brands and mixers, to the very best in audio-visual
technology and entertainment.
    United Business Media plc (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com) is a
leading provider of business information services to the technology,
healthcare, media, automotive, financial services and property industries.
UBM offers services in news distribution, publishing and events to customers
across the globe. Its brands include PR Newswire, the world's leading
corporate news distribution service; and CMP, the B2B media and exhibition
group operating in high tech, healthcare, property, entertainment, jewellery
& fashion in the US, UK, Asia and Europe.
    This press release includes statements which are not historical facts and
are considered "forward-looking" within the meaning of Section 27 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect
UBM's current views about future events, business and growth strategy and
financial performance. These forward-looking statements are identified by
their use of terms and phrases such as "believe," "expect," "plan,"
"anticipate," "on target" and similar expressions identifying forward-looking
statements. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because
they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from UBM's expectations. UBM
expressly does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements.
Management does not attempt to update forecasts unless conditions materially
change.

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