Boston Ventures News

New York, NY – May, 23 2006 – World Publications CEO Terry Snow announced today a partnership with the Bonnier Magazine Group that positions World to become a  substantial player in the U.S. publishing market.  World, a leader in special-interest publications and related media products, has sold a major stake to Bonnier, a family-owned, Sweden-based media group that is comprised of newspapers, magazines, books and entertainment properties.  This is Bonnier’s first major foray into the U.S. magazine field.

The deal provides World with the backing to fuel an aggressive growth plan that includes new acquisitions, brand extensions and growth of existing magazines.  Revenue is targeted to reach $500 million over the next decade.

Bonnier’s partnership replaces private equity firm Boston Ventures’ investment in World.  “Terry Snow and his team have done an impressive job building the business through organic initiatives and acquisitions, and World has been an excellent investment for us.  We expect that this partnership with Bonnier will further accelerate World’s growth in the coming years,” commented Elizabeth Granville-Smith, a Managing Director at Boston Ventures.  “Boston Ventures’ support and backing has enabled us to more than double the size of our company,” says Snow, who founded World in 1978.  “We now have a strategic partner in Bonnier to take us to the next level in publishing.”

Bonnier (www.bonnier.com) is a 200-year-old company with approximately $2.5 billion in annual revenue.  Based in Stockholm, Bonnier has operations in more than 20 countries, including magazine divisions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Spain.  Some of its best-known titles are Illustreret Videnskab, a popular science magazine; I Form, a health-and-fitness title; and Bo Bedre, a home-and-garden monthly.

Jonas Bonnier, Executive Vice President of Bonnier AB and President of Bonnier Magazine Group, shares Snow’s enthusiasm.  “We have a strong position in Europe and have been looking for an opportunity to establish a presence in the U.S. market.  World Publications is an optimal partner and provides a fantastic platform for future growth,” Bonnier says.  “The high quality of the magazines, the growth opportunities in the U.S. and the significant synergy potential were instrumental to this decision.”

The agreement includes the opportunity for Bonnier Magazine Group to increase its ownership stake in World over time.         

World’s magazines have won numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence.  Headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, with offices in New York City, Santa Barbara, California, and Newport, Rhode Island, the company specializes in travel and luxury lifestyle titles.  World’s market-leading magazines include Saveur, Spa, Islands, Garden Design and Caribbean Travel & Life.

About Boston Ventures Management
Boston Ventures Management is a private equity firm that has been an active investor and financial partner to management teams in the media, business information, entertainment, 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.  Some of Boston Ventures’ investments in its 20 year history have included News Corporation, National Enquirer, CAMP Systems, River City Broadcasting, Survey Sampling International, Six Flags Amusement Parks, Marshall & Swift, Panavision and Motown Records.

www.bostonventures.com

Boston Ventures Management
Tim Smith, Director of Investor Relations
617-350-1530