August 31, 2007

TROY, MI. – August 31, 2007 - BNP Media 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, web sites 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 their 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 undisputed global leader in food, beverage and packaging information.

“Combined with our current offering of category industry-leading magazines, Prepared Foods and Food Engineering, along with Packaging 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.

The Food, Beverage and Packaging Group, based in Deerfield, Illinois which was purchased from Ascend, are 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.

The Gaming Group is based in Las Vegas, Nevada 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, tradeshows and market research.  BNP specializes in the food, beverage, packaging, manufacturing, gaming, architecture & construction, mechanical systems and safety & security markets.  BNP owns and operates more than 60 magazines, 40 events and 75 websites.

BNP Media was incorporated in 1926 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, 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, Kansas.  For additional information, visit www.ascendmedia.com.

For Further Information, Contact
Taggart Henderson
Co-CEO BNP Media
248.244.1291
Cameron Bishop
President & CEO Ascend Media, LLC
913.344.1401