LONDON, September 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Business Media
plc today announces that it has sold a portfolio of non-core, consumer and
enthusiast media assets from its US-based subsidiary CMP Technology to The
Wicks Group of Companies LLC for a cash consideration of $47.0m. The
portfolio is predominately print media (85% of 2005 revenues) and includes
titles such as Guitar Player, Bass Player, Pro Sound News and Systems
Contractor News. In the year ended 31 December 2005, the portfolio
generated revenues of $41.3m.
    United Business Media continues to develop its US-based CMP Technology
business as a 'pure play' media company focussed on serving the needs of
B2B technology buyers and sellers worldwide across print, events and online
media. In the past 12 months UBM has invested $120m in acquiring six
businesses to enhance CMP Technology's portfolio, particularly its events
and online media. CMP Technology is now organised around market-facing
groups addressing Enterprise, Channel, Communications, Software
Development, Electronics and Game Development. In the first half of 2006
CMP Technology's revenues, including acquired company revenues but
excluding those of the portfolio noted above, grew by almost 30% to more
than $185m.
    Notes to Editors
    1. Disposal details
    Music Player portfolio: The portfolio includes titles such as Guitar
Player, Bass Player, Keyboard, Frets & EQ, as well as the Music Player
network of websites.
    Entertainment portfolio: Audio titles include Pro Sound News and
Medialine. Video publications include Digital TV, DV Magazine, Videography,
Government Video, Digital Cinematography and Xtreme Video Magazine, as well
as Creative Planet websites and events such as the GVExpo and Digital Video
Expo. Systems Group publications include Systems Contractor News and
Residential Systems.
    Education: Technology & Learning portfolio, comprising a magazine and
website, email newsletters and Forum events.
    2. About United Business Media plc
    United Business Media is one of the world's leading global business
information companies. UBM brings together the world's buyers and sellers,
helping their markets work effectively and efficiently through PR
Newswire's news distribution network, Commonweath's trade and
transportation business intelligence, and through CMP's portfolio of
events, print and on-line publications. For more information, go to
http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com
    2.1. About PR Newswire
    PR Newswire is the world's leading corporate news distribution service.
Headquartered in New York, PR Newswire provides news distribution,
targeting, measurement and broadcast services on behalf of some 30,000
customers including many of the world's top companies and agencies. PR
Newswire has offices in 11 countries and routinely sends its customers'
news to outlets in 135 countries and in more than 40 languages. PR
Newswire's services include ProfNet Experts, eWatch, MEDIAtlas, Search
Engine Visibility (SEV), MediaRoom, MediaSense and MultiVu. For more
information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com
    2.2. About CMP / Commonwealth
    CMP's portfolio of more than 200 newspapers, magazines and directories,
200 websites and 300 events brings together buyers and sellers from a range
of global sectors including technology, healthcare, the built environment,
lifestyle, fashion and ingredients. CMP operates globally through four
divisions:
    2.2.1. CMP Asia: Headquartered in Hong Kong with offices throughout the
region, CMP Asia is a leader in exhibitions and online and print business
information publications for Asian markets. Working with partners from
around the world, CMP Asia stages a range of leading events which includes
the largest international jewellery, leather and fashion, beauty and
furniture trade shows in Asia, as well as the definitive health show for
the Japan market. For more information, go to http://www.cmpasia.com
    2.2.2. CMP Information: Operating in the UK and internationally, CMPi
provides professional media solutions to around 20 industry sectors. Its
products include magazines, exhibitions, conferences, awards events,
information products and websites, targeted at business professionals
across a range of markets such as the built environment, travel, licensed
trade, agriculture, security and ingredients. For more information, go to
http://www.cmpi.biz
    2.2.3. CMP Technology: CMP Technology is the USA's leading high tech
B2B media company, providing marketing solutions for the global technology
industry. Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information
brands, CMP Technology has earned the confidence of more technology
professionals than any other media company. As a result, CMP Technology is
the premier provider of access, insight and actionable programs designed to
connect sellers and buyers in ways that yield superior return on
investment. For more information, go to http://www.cmp.com
    2.2.4. CMPMedica: CMPMedica provides information and education to
healthcare professionals and patients around the world. It has a unique
portfolio of professional media products including newspapers, magazines,
drug directories, electronic databases, websites and events. For more
information, go to http://www.cmpmedica.com
    2.2.5. Commonwealth Business Media: Commonwealth Business Media is the
leading information provider to the global trade and transportation market
with comprehensive proprietary data, news and analytical content. Its
leading brands include Port Import Export Reporting Service ("PIERS")
Global Intelligence Solutions, BACK Aviation Solutions ("BACK"), The
Journal of Commerce and a number of directory databases covering the
international trade, railroad and trucking markets.
    In addition to its information data businesses, Commonwealth publishes
eight magazines, one newsletter and a series of custom-published
directories serving the U.S. seaport market. Through the Journal of
Commerce Conference division, Commonwealth also produces a number of
industry-leading events including Trans-Pacific Maritime and Breakbulk
Conference and Exhibition. Commonwealth is headquartered in East Windsor,
New Jersey with offices around the US and internationally. For more
information, go to http://www.cbizmedia.com

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