United Business Media Set to Acquire Leading French Healthcare Media Business

United Business Media Set to Acquire Leading French Healthcare Media Business

LONDON, January 18/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Business Media today announced it has submitted a binding offer to
acquire medical trade press and other professional healthcare business
information services in France, currently owned by MediMedia. The major
products and brands - such as Le Quotidien du Medecin and Le Generaliste -
occupy leading positions in the French medical press with more than half of
total advertising spend directed at general practitioners.



These businesses would become part of CMPMedica France, where they would
complement the existing major drug directory business, Vidal - with
reciprocal promotion and access to advertisers, government and health
professionals. There would be scope to expand the major brands into
customised services and content-based marketing. UBM acquired CMPMedica
during 2004.



The purchase price is EUR36 million in cash, and the completion of the
transaction is subject to satisfactory completion of the contract and related
conditions. In 2004 the business generated approximately EUR60m of turnover
and EUR6m of profit before tax. The proposed acquisition should increase
earnings by more than 2% in its first twelve months.



UBM CEO, Clive Hollick said



"These leading French medical newspapers will enhance the strong
position we have in French healthcare through Vidal, the major drug directory
business. Healthcare is now the largest sector served by United Business
Media and prospects for growth in the 23 markets we cover, and in the
increasing range of products we offer, are most promising."

Additional UBM information update in relation to disposals in 2000



United received a settlement payment of GBP32 million from Granada in
relation to outstanding items following the 2000 disposals.



Notes to Editors:



Trade Press



The three main titles are the pre-eminent daily doctors' paper, Quotidien
du Medecin, a weekly, Le Generaliste, and a bi-weekly for pharmacists,
Quotidien du Pharmacien. Together, the doctors' titles held a 54% share of
the advertising market in 2003. In 2004 Quotidien du Pharmacien took the
leading position in its market.



Trade shows



This division contains a biennial hospital trade show, Hopital Expo, and
the major annual doctors' conference and exhibition, Medec.



CMPMedica, a leading provider of healthcare information, communication
and services, is an international company with a reputation for the quality
and innovation of its products.



United Business Media acquired CMPMedica on 30th July 2004 - details are
on the UBM website at www.unitedbusinessmedia.com



United Business Media plc (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com) is a
leading provider of business information services to the technology,
healthcare, media, automotive, financial services and property industries.
UBM offers services in news distribution, market research, publishing and
events to customers across the globe. Its brands include PR Newswire, the
world's leading corporate news distribution service; NOP World, one of the
largest market research groups globally; and CMP, the B2B media and
exhibition group operating in high tech, healthcare, property,
entertainment, jewellery & fashion in the US, UK, Asia and Europe.



This press release includes statements which are not historical facts and
are considered "forward-looking" within the meaning of Section 27 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect
UBM's current views about future events, business and growth strategy and
financial performance. These forward-looking statements are identified by
their use of terms and phrases such as "believe," "expect," "plan,"
"anticipate," "on target" and similar expressions identifying forward-looking
statements. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because
they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from UBM's expectations. UBM
expressly does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements.
Management does not attempt to update forecasts unless conditions materially
change.



Source: United Business Media Plc

For further information, please contact: Michael Waring, United Business Media +44(0)20-7921-5031, Colin Browne, The Maitland Consultancy +44(0)7733-103800


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