Active Interest Media and F+W Media Swap Publishing Assets Unique ‘cash-less’ transaction of properties strengthens portfolios for both companies

EL SEGUNDO, CA (January 8, 2009) -- Active Interest Media (AIM) and F+W Media, Inc. (F+W) announced today the two companies have finalized an agreement to swap assets in the log and timber homes and art categories. The agreement will further strengthen the market reach for each Company in these core categories and provide a platform for future growth.

AIM, which already has a niche-leading log and timber group, Home Buyer Publications (HBP), based in Chantilly, VA, has acquired the log and timber group from F+W. The group includes magazines, Country’s Best Log Homes, Log Homes Illustrated, Custom Wood Homes, and Timber Homes Illustrated; its home show, the Log & Timber Expo; and its online operation, the Log & Timber Network (loghomesnetwork.com). F+W in return has acquired Southwest Art, The Collector’s Guide and their respective online properties from AIM. F+W is a market leader in the art category with such print and online properties as North Light Books, The Artist’s Magazine, Watercolor Artist¸ ArtistsNetwork.tv, and WetCanvas.com.

“We are very pleased to acquire titles that will significantly strengthen our home division and give advertisers and consumers more efficient, targeted media options in a tough economic environment,” said AIM President and Chief Executive Officer Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III. “The acquisition also positions us for steady growth when the housing market rebounds. We’re excited to have the best magazines and web sites in this dynamic niche, as well as the leading home show.”

"Adding Southwest Art Magazine and Collector’s Guide to F+W further strengthens our leadership in the art category," said David Nussbaum, Chairman & CEO. "The portfolio perfectly reflects our vision to be media agnostic, with leading brands across magazines, books, online, events, and competitions. We are also excited by the numerous platform opportunities available for these titles, including several new eMedia launches." The transaction also furthers the Company’s goal to focus on its core markets; in December 2008 F+W announced the sale of Scuba Diving magazine to the Bonnier Corporation.

Both Southwest Art (12 times a year) and Collector’s Guide (Annual) will be published without interruption, under the direction of the current staff. HBP will now publish Log Home Living (12 times a year), Country’s Best Log Homes (8 times a year), Custom Wood Homes (6 times a year), and Timber Home Living (8 times a year). In 2009, there will be 32 log and timber titles published in the marketplace—as opposed to 59 issues in 2008. (The titles Log Home Design, Log Homes Illustrated and Timber Homes Illustrated will be folded into the remaining titles and will not be published independently.) Home shows also will be impacted by the acquisition; HBP will consolidate home shows under the umbrella of the Log & Timber Home Shows. The Log & Timber Network will be maintained but have a distinct mission from HBP’s current site, LogHome.com.

About AIM
Based in El Segundo, California, AIM (aimmedia.com) is a consumer enthusiast media company that serves a base of loyal constituents through print, event and online products that connect consumers with their passions. AIM operates in four distinct vertical segments; Healthy Living, Marine, Home, and Western Living. Its titles include Yoga Journal, Backpacker, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition, Optimum Wellness, SNEWS® Whole Foods Market® magazine, American Cowboy, Log Home Living, Timber Home Living, Building Systems, Black Belt, New Old House, Old-House Journal, and Yachts International. AIM produces and markets conferences, DVDs and books, and produces log-and-timber home shows and seminars. The company also produces the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, the largest boat show in the world. AIM is sponsored by Wind Point Partners, LLC.

For more information, contact:
Dayna Macy
(415) 591-0729
dmacy@aimmedia.com

About F+W Media
F+W Media, Inc. (www.fwmedia.com) is an integrated media company with industry-leading magazines, books, events, digital and online properties in the fields of writing, fine art, outdoors, antiques and collectibles, and design, among others. The Company’s mission is to inspire, inform, and connect community. F+W Media, Inc. is owned by ABRY Partners, LLC.

For more information, contact:
Stacie Berger
(513) 531-2690 x 11457
stacie.berger@fwmedia.com

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