United Business Media acquires Technonline and two highly complementary online and events businesses for a total of $56.5m

London, August 19, 2005 – United Business Media (“UBM”) today announced that it has acquired three businesses in line with its strategy of adding bolt-on complementary multimedia assets to its existing industry verticals.

The businesses acquired (for cash consideration) are:

(1) TechOnLine, an online electronics business media platform in the US;
(2) Light Reading Inc, an integrated business media company combining online publishing, live events and research/analysis for the communications industry; and,
(3) Informex, an important US chemicals events business

In reflecting on the acquistions, David Levin, the CEO of UBM said “These acquisitions will strengthen UBM in three industry verticals within which we already have a significant presence. Each acquisition will deepen and enrich the offering we are able to provide our customers.”

TechOnLine has created a worldwide online community of more than 335,000 electronics engineering professionals by providing in-depth information, product services and training materials to the electronics technology industry. TechOnLine provides marketing and promotional services (encompassing online webcasting, sponsorship programs and email marketing), E-Training and VirtuaLab, an online electronics evaluation tool. The combination of CMP Media Electronics Group’s more than 14 marketleading media properties such as EE Times, DesignLines and Embedded Systems Conferences with TechOnLine’s leading online services will create the most comprehensive set of news, information and education resources available to the electronics industry.

Gary Marshall of CMP Media said, “The acquisition of TechOnLine creates a unique and powerful online resource for our customers in the Electronics industry. By adding TechOnLine’s offerings to our existing industry leading media and event properties, we will be extending our online presence and enhancing our ability to serve the demanding daily needs of our electronics industry audience.”

About TechOnLine (www.techonline.com)

TechOnLine enjoys a leading position in connecting Electronic Original Equipment Manufacturers (EOEM) with electronics design engineers through its online program offerings and web communities. The EOEM marketplace is a sizeable $200 billion market. TechOnLine works with the world’s top electronic component manufacturers, in addition to almost 400,000 registered users who rely on its websites and program offerings to gain valuable design information throughout the design and manufacturing process.

About CMP Media’s Electronics Group

CMP Media’s Electronics Group is the premier technology and business media brand serving the information needs of the creators of technology worldwide through print, online and conferences. As the most comprehensive and integrated source of electronics technology information, CMP’s Electronics Group offers a full suite of products and services to reach the largest number of electronics systems design professionals throughout the world. With its combination of media properties, CMP Media’s Electronics Group focuses on delivering a targeted audience and actionable information to marketers in the electronics technology community.

United Business Media plc (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, publishing and events to customers across the globe. Its brands include PR Newswire, the world’s leading corporate news distribution service; and CMP, the media and exhibition group serving the Professional and Enthusiast in the high tech, healthcare, property, entertainment, jewellery & fashion markets in the US, UK, Asia and Europe.

About Mirus Capital Advisors

Mirus Capital Advisors provides investment banking solutions to corporate clients in the areas of software, online media, business services and niche manufacturing. Founded in 1987, Mirus provides corporate finance advisory services on engagements including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations and valuations. Additional information about the firm is available at www.merger.com.