2006 News Releases

United Business Media sells non-core US media portfolio

14 September

United Business Media plc today announces that it has sold a portfolio of non-core, consumer and enthusiast media assets from its US-based subsidiary CMP Technology to The Wicks Group of Companies LLC for a cash consideration of $47.0m. The portfolio is predominately print media (85% of 2005 revenues) and includes titles such as Guitar Player, Bass Player, Pro Sound News and Systems Contractor News. In the year ended 31 December 2005, the portfolio generated revenues of $41.3m.

United Business Media continues to develop its US-based CMP Technology business as a ‘pure play’ media company focussed on serving the needs of B2B technology buyers and sellers worldwide across print, events and online media. In the past 12 months UBM has invested $120m in acquiring six businesses to enhance CMP Technology’s portfolio, particularly its events and online media. CMP Technology is now organised around market-facing groups addressing Enterprise, Channel, Communications, Software Development, Electronics and Game Development. In the first half of 2006 CMP Technology’s revenues, including acquired company revenues but excluding those of the portfolio noted above, grew by almost 30% to more than $185m.

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Notes to Editors

1. Disposal details

Music Player portfolio: The portfolio includes titles such as Guitar Player, Bass Player, Keyboard, Frets & EQ, as well as the Music Player network of websites.

Entertainment portfolio: Audio titles include Pro Sound News and Medialine. Video publications include Digital TV, DV Magazine, Videography, Government Video, Digital Cinematography and Xtreme Video Magazine, as well as Creative Planet websites and events such as the GVExpo and Digital Video Expo. Systems Group publications include Systems Contractor News and Residential Systems.

Education: Technology & Learning portfolio, comprising magazines, a website, email newsletters and Forum events.

2. About United Business Media plc

United Business Media is one of the world's leading global business information companies. UBM brings together the world's buyers and sellers, helping their markets work effectively and efficiently through PR Newswire's news distribution network, Commonweath’s trade and transportation business intelligence, and through CMP's portfolio of events, print and on-line publications. For more information, go to www.unitedbusinessmedia.com

2.1. About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the world's leading corporate news distribution service. Headquartered in New York, PR Newswire provides news distribution, targeting, measurement and broadcast services on behalf of some 30,000 customers including many of the world's top companies and agencies. PR Newswire has offices in 11 countries and routinely sends its customers' news to outlets in 135 countries and in more than 40 languages. PR Newswire's services include ProfNet Experts, eWatch, MEDIAtlas, Search Engine Visibility (SEV), MediaRoom, MediaSense and MultiVu. For more information, go to www.prnewswire.com

2.2. About CMP / Commonwealth

CMP's portfolio of more than 200 newspapers, magazines and directories, 200 websites and 300 events brings together buyers and sellers from a range of global sectors including technology, healthcare, the built environment, lifestyle, fashion and ingredients. CMP operates globally through four divisions:

2.2.1. CMP Asia: Headquartered in Hong Kong with offices throughout the region, CMP Asia is a leader in exhibitions and online and print business information publications for Asian markets. Working with partners from around the world, CMP Asia stages a range of leading events which includes the largest international jewellery, leather and fashion, beauty and furniture trade shows in Asia, as well as the definitive health show for the Japan market. For more information, go to www.cmpasia.com

2.2.2. CMP Information: Operating in the UK and internationally, CMPi provides professional media solutions to around 20 industry sectors. Its products include magazines, exhibitions, conferences, awards events, information products and websites, targeted at business professionals across a range of markets such as the built environment, travel, licensed trade, agriculture, security and ingredients. For more information, go to www.cmpi.biz

2.2.3. CMP Technology: CMP Technology is the USA's leading high tech B2B media company, providing marketing solutions for the global technology industry. Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information brands, CMP Technology has earned the confidence of more technology professionals than any other media company. As a result, CMP Technology is the premier provider of access, insight and actionable programs designed to connect sellers and buyers in ways that yield superior return on investment. For more information, go to www.cmp.com

2.2.4. CMPMedica: CMPMedica provides information and education to healthcare professionals and patients around the world. It has a unique portfolio of professional media products including newspapers, magazines, drug directories, electronic databases, websites and events. For more information, go to www.cmpmedica.com

2.2.5. Commonwealth Business Media: Commonwealth Business Media is the leading information provider to the global trade and transportation market with comprehensive proprietary data, news and analytical content. Its leading brands include Port Import Export Reporting Service (“PIERS”) Global Intelligence Solutions, BACK Aviation Solutions (“BACK”), The Journal of Commerce and a number of directory databases covering the international trade, railroad and trucking markets.

In addition to its information data businesses, Commonwealth publishes eight magazines, one newsletter and a series of custom-published directories serving the U.S. seaport market. Through the Journal of Commerce Conference division, Commonwealth also produces a number of industry-leading events including Trans-Pacific Maritime and Breakbulk Conference and Exhibition. Commonwealth is headquartered in East Windsor, New Jersey with offices around the US and internationally. For more information, go to www.cbizmedia.com

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