Boston Ventures News

Boston Ventures Appoints Jerry Hobbs, Former Chairman & CEO of VNU, Inc., an Operating Partner

Boston, MA - Boston Ventures Management, Inc. announces that Jerry Hobbs has joined the company as an Operating Partner, participating in all future Boston Ventures funds.

Most recently, Jerry Hobbs served as the Chairman and CEO of VNU, Inc., one of the world's leading media and information companies, and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board of VNU N.V. In the United States, VNU includes media and information businesses that provide a wide range of data, research products and communication services to the business community. Under Hobbs' leadership the company published 80 specialized publications and more than 30 annual directories, operated 125 trade shows, conferences and events, and published and distributed hardcover books. It also owns numerous individual research and information companies focused in the areas of marketing, media and entertainment. Sample titles and businesses include: Billboard, Adweek, Mediaweek, The Hollywood Reporter, ACNielsen, Nielsen TV Ratings, Nielsensoundscan and NetRatings, Inc. (NASDAQ - NTRT).

Mr. Hobbs' industry experience dates back to 1969, when he joined BPI Communications' predecessor, Billboard Publications, Inc. In 1984, he led a management buyout of that company partnering with Boston Ventures. Two years later it was sold to Affiliated Publications, publishers of the Boston Globe. After that he continued in his role as CEO of BPI, growing the company both organically and through acquisitions. Then in 1991, he repurchased the majority interest in BPI Communications, again with the support of Boston Ventures. In 1994, VNU N.V., a leading European media and information company based in The Netherlands, acquired BPI. Late in 1994, Mr. Hobbs was appointed CEO of VNU, Inc., where he subsequently initiated and oversaw the numerous acquisitions of media and business information related companies. During his 20-year tenure, the company grew from an initial $36 million in revenue to over $3.5 billion.

Mr. Hobbs is currently a Director of BNA, Inc., Jobson Publishing, and VNU N.V. He has also served as Chairman and Director of American Business Media, BPA International, and The Advertising Council, Inc.

"Jerry is very well known to all the partners of Boston Ventures, having worked closely with him for over 20 years," said Copey Coppedge, Senior Managing Director at Boston Ventures. "Jerry's experience in the media and information businesses will further enhance our ability to identify attractive investment opportunities and provide experienced, active management to our portfolio companies. His operational track record is unsurpassed in many of the fields in which we invest," added Coppedge.

Mr. Hobbs said, "I like the focus Boston Ventures has on the media, entertainment, and business information sectors, areas in which I am experienced. Although I have an operations background, I also led my company through some 60+ acquisitions and their integrations in the period from 1995 to 2001. The aggregate investment of $7.5 billion served to transform that business both geographically and structurally and in the process created a new model for traditional publishing organizations by incorporating data collecting and market research activities into a B2B environment. Having worked with Boston Ventures since 1984 in numerous capacities, I have a solid feel and appreciation for the firm, its activities, and partners."

About Boston Ventures:

Boston Ventures Management, Inc. (www.bostonventures.com) is a private equity firm that has been an active investor in middle-market companies in the media, entertainment, information and communications sectors since 1983, earning the firm a franchise position in the private equity community. Boston Ventures' managing directors and partners are accomplished and experienced professionals who have a diverse and complementary range of skills and a broad network of domestic and international relationships. The existing Boston Ventures Fund VI Partnership has attracted leading U.S. institutions and individuals from 16 countries.

For more information, contact:

Tim Smith, Director of LP Relations at Boston Ventures (617) 350-1530