RNS Number:9573M
EMAP PLC
30 June 2003



30 June 2003



Emap plc



Emap France Completes Acquisition of Excelsior Publications SA



Emap plc announces that it has received competition clearance for the
acquisition of Excelsior Publications SA announced on 2 April 2003 and the deal
has now been completed with effect from 27 June 2003. Emap will become France's
second largest consumer magazine publisher.



Under the terms of the agreement Emap has acquired 100% of the share capital of
Excelsior Publications SA. The overall transaction amounts to a total
consideration of euros 90 million (#62 million) plus the value of any cash in
the business, paid in cash from existing banking facilities.



Proforma revenues from the acquired assets were euros 63 million (#43 million)
and proforma operating profits before interest and taxation were euros 6.3
million (#4.3 million) for the calendar year 2002, based on unaudited management
accounts.  The net assets attributable to the business at 31 December 2002 were
euros 54 million (#37 million) on the same basis.



The newly acquired titles will be run by the existing Emap France management
team, led by President Directeur General Arnaud de Puyfontaine.  The transaction
will be earnings-enhancing in the current financial year.



- ENDS -



Notes to Editors:



Emap France is a division of Emap plc, one of the UK's leading media companies.
Emap plc leads the marketplace with a strong portfolio of over 400 products
including FHM, Kiss, Heat, Nursing Times, Health Service Journal, Spring Fair,
MaxPower, Kerrang!, Smash Hits!, Telestar, Telepoche and Pleine Vie.  It owns
and develops leading edge brands in radio, TV, consumer magazines and B2B
(magazines, conferences and exhibitions) in the UK, France and around the world.



Excelsior Publications SA owns a portfolio of magazines in the science and
knowledge, women's fashion and men's lifestyle markets in France. The magazines
include Science & Vie, Science & Vie Junior, Biba, 20 Ans, Vital and Max.







For further information, please contact:


Emap plc
Miranda Acland                                         020 7396 2332
Group Communications Director

Sarah Taylor                                           020 7396 2327
Group Communications Manager

Brunswick Group
Patrick Handley                                        020 7404 5959
Partner






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