Sep 25, 2007

GLM and dmg World Media Finalize Acquisition Agreement

White Plains, NY – dmg world media and George Little Management, LLC (GLM) have finalized an acquisition agreement – seven years after their initial partnership and three years ahead of dmg world media’s option to purchase a majority interest – to make GLM a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global exhibition and publishing company, as of October 1, 2007.

“I am so pleased to announce this acquisition today as GLM is a very important part of the big picture of dmg world media,” said Mike Cooke, CEO, dmg world media. “After seven years of working together successfully, we know each other pretty well so to take advantage of the strong and effective management arrangement, it’s only logical to combine the dmg world media gift shows with GLM’s shows under a single management structure.”

George F. (Jeff) Little, II, president of GLM, said, “Our original agreement with dmg world media envisaged a phased acquisition strategy, with GLM becoming majority owned by dmg world media in 2010; but we agree with their thinking and share their desire to accelerate the acquisition so that we can start seeing the benefits sooner of having an integrated group of leading trade shows.”

As part of the agreement, William E. (Will) Little, Jr. grandson of GLM founder George F. Little, will retire and Mike Cooke, dmg world media Chief Executive Officer, will assume the role of GLM Chairman and Co-President. Aside from Cooke’s installation as Chairman and Co-President, GLM’s executive staff will retain their current titles and responsibilities. George F. (Jeff) Little, II, also a grandson of GLM’s founder, will be Co-President; Alan E. Steel and Jack Withiam are Executive Vice Presidents; Philip D. Robinson is Senior Vice President; and Richard Pasternak is Senior Vice President and Treasurer.

Mike Cooke, CEO of dmg world media, said, “Through this acquisition, we expand our gift portfolio to include ownership of the New York International Gift Fair, which is the premier gift and home accessories market in the United States.” The company’s gift portfolio consists of market leading events throughout Canada, New Zealand and the U.S. and trade publications serving the wholesale gift industry – The Gift Directory in the UK and Gift and Home Preview in the U.S.

With more than 25 years of experience in exhibition management and publishing, Mike Cooke has led dmg world media to become one of the largest producers of trade and consumer exhibitions in the world. Since his appointment to CEO in 1997, the company has acquired more than 50 companies, extended its reach to 30 countries and grown its revenue from US$ 75 million to more than US$ 290 million.

Established in 1924, GLM, today, is the largest producer and marketer of tradeshows for consumer goods in the United States, serving industries as diverse as giftware, social stationery, home textiles, tabletop, gourmet housewares, contemporary furniture, wellness, hospitality and meeting planning. GLM is involved in the production of nearly 40 tradeshows in 15 cities across the US and Canada. Together, these events showcase some 25,000 exhibitors in nearly 5 million net square feet of exhibit space and attract approximately 420,000 attendees. GLM is the single largest producer of tradeshows in New York City, with 13 wholesale events held annually at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Metropolitan Pavilion and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers. The company is headquartered in White Plains, NY with satellite offices in Los Angeles and Toronto.

dmg world media is an international exhibition and publishing company, producing more than 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs. In addition, the company also produces 45 related trade and consumer magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices around the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail & General Trust plc (DMGT), a member of the FTSE 100, and one of Britain’s largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, contact GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606-1954. Telephone (914) 421-3200. FAX (914) 948-6180. Additional information is available online at glmshows.com.