F+W Publications, Inc. Announces the Acquisition of The Great American Scrapbooking Conventions and Scrapbook Retailer magazine

CINCINNATI (January 26, 2006) - F+W Publications, Inc., a leading special interest media company dedicated to serving the needs of hobby and crafts enthusiasts, has announced their purchase of The Great American Scrapbook Conventions and Scrapbook Retailer magazine. F+W Chairman and CEO David Steward commented, “The acquisition of these popular shows and influential magazine reflects our ongoing commitment to the scrapbooking category on both the trade and consumer levels.”

Jeanne Wines-Reed, the founder of both Great American Scrapbook Conventions and Scrapbook Retailer, will continue to oversee the entities in addition to joining F+W as Group Publisher of their Memory Makers publishing franchise. Memory Makers, celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2006, was the first major consumer scrapbooking magazine published in the market. Memory Makers features the latest and best scrapbook products and supplies available with top-notch designs and how-to techniques. Scrapbook Retailer reaches nearly 20,000 trade customers with industry news, current products, and important business development and management information.

William-Reed, F+W Magazine’s Group President, said, “We’re thrilled to begin the second decade of Memory Makers side by side with Jeanne—she is a creative force who challenges the norm and continues to move the industry forward. Our mission is to reinvigorate, refocus, and redefine the scrapbooking marketplace by infusing new energy, direction, and touch points for the scrapbooker and scrapbook retailer. With Jeanne’s drive and determination, we’re well on our way.” CNA magazine, F+W’s general crafts industry trade magazine, will also operate under the direction of Wines-Reed and undergo a redesign later this year.

Wines-Reed will work in conjunction with the creative and publishing teams that support the entire Memory Makers brand—including the magazine, Memory Makers series of bestselling instructional and inspirational books, the ScrapBook Club, and the Company’s Internet properties. Sara Domville, Book Group President commented, “Jeanne’s experience, leadership, and industry knowledge will help F+W further our reach into the scrapbooking category. On a personal level, her enthusiasm for the hobby and ability to inspire others to create, perfectly complements F+W’s commitment to helping consumers achieve their creative pursuits.”

Wines-Reed’s enthusiasm is reflected in her response to her new role: “I’m looking forward to working closely with David, Bill, and Sara. Being part of one of the largest special interest publishers provides me a unique opportunity to further expand our scope within the scrapbook and general craft industries. I am delighted to be part of the Memory Makers brand and to help fulfill the mission we all embrace for the continued growth and success of this industry.”

About Jeanne Wines-Reed

Since Wines-Reed founded The Great American Scrapbooking Conventions in 1996, it has grown to become the largest consumer convention of its kind. Founded in 2002, Scrapbook Retailer is published six times per year for retailers in the gift, photo, and scrapbooking industries.

About ABRY Partners, LLC.

ABRY Partners is one of the most experienced and successful media-focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since 1989, ABRY has completed over $18 billion of leveraged transactions and other private equity and mezzanine investments, representing investments in more than 450 media properties.

About F+W Publications, Inc.

Founded in 1913, F+W is an established special interest publisher and marketer of magazines, books, book clubs, and conferences. F+W’s publishing programs focus on consumer enthusiast and hobbyist markets providing value added content across multiple platforms. In June 2005 the Company was acquired by Boston-based ABRY Partners, LLC. The Company is led by Chairman David Steward, former Martha Stewart Omnimedia COO and president of publishing.

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