Amsterdam, 11 September 2006 – Uitgevers Maatschappij NV, part of Sanoma Magazines, the magazine division of SanomaWSOY, is taking over EPN International NV in Belgium with retrospective effect from 1 September 2006. The parties involved in the transaction do not disclose the take-over price.

EPN International is Belgium’s leading niche publisher in the home and decoration segment and market leader in the green and hobby segment and publishes 17 magazines in Belgium and the Netherlands. As a spin-off EPN International has some small operations in Germany and France as well. The consolidated turnover in 2005 amounted to € 10,608,000.

EPN International's portfolio, which includes successful magazine brands such as Special Wonen Engelse Stijl, Special Decoreren and Special Bloemschikken, is complementary to the portfolio of Uitgevers Maatschappij. Uitgevers Maatschappij already publishes the lifestyle magazines Loving You, Attitude and CommunieKrant and is substantially expanding its niche activities with this acquisition.

"With this acquisition we are strengthening the position of Uitgevers Maatschappij in the niche magazine segment. By expanding to the home and decoration, building and renovation, gardening and hobby sectors, we are able to further develop the existing activities and embark on new activities," says Philip Van Bost, CEO of Uitgevers Maatschappij.

EPN International is located in Pulderbos, Belgium and employs 45 people of which most are located in Belgium and the Netherlands. Eight people work in the offices in Germany and France. The current management will stay on at EPN International.

Sanoma Magazines Belgium
Uitgevers Maatschappij NV (UMIJ) is an affiliate of Sanoma Magazines Belgium. Sanoma Magazines Belgium publishes the Dutch-language magazines evita, Feeling, Feeling Wonen, Flair, Glam*it, HUMO, Libelle, Libelle Lifestyle Magazine, Marie Claire Vlaamse editie, Story, TeVe-blad, and the French-language magazines Femmes d’Aujourd’hui, Flair, Gael, Gael Maison, Marie Claire Belgique, Télé Moustique and Télé Pocket. Sanoma Magazines Belgium, which has over 500 employees, is also owner of ZappyBaby.be, Xquis.be and Fitfixers.be.

Sanoma Magazines

Sanoma Magazines Belgium is part of Sanoma Magazines, one of the largest consumer magazine publishers in Europe.The company publishes more than 230 magazines in 13 different countries. Apart from developing its strong portfolio of magazine brands for various reader communities, Sanoma Magazines is expanding its business to other media platforms, with a clear focus on interactivity.

For further information, please contact (not for publication):
Uitgevers Maatschappij
Philip Van Bost

Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: +32 (0)477 48 48 50

p.vanbost@sanoma-magazines.be

EPN International NV
Bas Dalm

Commercial Director
Telephone: +32 (0)495 52 37 90
b.dalm@epninternational.com