TROY, Mich. - BNP Media, parent company ofThe NEWS, has announced the acquisition of the Professional Services Division of Ascend Media which includes the Food, Beverage and Packaging Group and the Gaming Group of magazines, conferences, Websites, and events.

“All of the titles have been well managed by an excellent staff that has integrated print advertising, events, and online media. We now have robust products for any customer looking to reach each and every corner of the food, beverage, packaging, and gaming markets,” said Taggart Henderson, co-CEO of BNP Media.

“We've been extremely impressed with the way the Professional Services Division team has evolved and grown into a diversified B2B media business. As part of BNP Media, it will have an even more compelling strategic fit that will allow the team and their brands to build on this year’s impressive growth rate,” said Cam Bishop, president and CEO of Ascend Media.

Clear Seas Research, BNP Media’s market research company, is concurrently announcing its entrance into these industries. “Clear Seas will present unparalleled, custom market research in the food, beverage, packaging, and gaming industries via our combination of online communities, industry knowledge, and superior analysis. We look forward to creating research solutions for all companies wishing to gain competitive advantage in these arenas,” said Mitchell Henderson, co-CEO of BNP Media.

This acquisition makes BNP Media the global leader in food, beverage, and packaging information.

“Combined with our current offering of category industry-leading magazines,Prepared FoodsandFood Engineering, along withPackaging Strategies, a conference, newsletter, and multi-client report business, we have improved upon our leadership position in the dynamic and growing food and packaging markets,” said Taggart Henderson.

The Food, Beverage and Packaging Group, based in Deerfield, Ill., which was purchased from Ascend, consists of vertically integrated food industry and retailing information businesses which are accessible to customers through a combined marketing, advertising, and rate program available to take advantage of targeted market penetration.

“We are also very excited about acquiring a platform in the high-growth, worldwide gaming industry,” said Taggart Henderson.

The Gaming Group is based in Las Vegas and is comprised of two leading magazines and the industry’s premier trade shows and events.

Berkery, Noyes represented and advised BNP Media in the transaction.

BNP Media, the largest family owned b-to-b media company in the country, helps people succeed in business with superior information through its portfolio of magazines, Websites, conferences, trade shows, and market research. BNP specializes in the food, beverage, packaging, manufacturing, gaming, architecture and construction, mechanical systems, and safety and security markets. The company owns and operates more than 60 magazines, 40 events, and 75 Websites. BNP Media was incorporated in 1926 and is headquartered in Troy, Mich., with offices around the country. For more information, visit www.bnpmedia.com.

Ascend Media is a diversified business media company that owns and operates professional magazines and journals; organizes trade shows, conferences, and educational programs; and maintains online properties and databases serving the medical and healthcare industry. Ascend Media was formed and incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kan. For additional information, visit www.ascendmedia.com.

Publication date:09/10/2007