Advanstar Acquires POOL Show & Project Trade Show Group; Co. reports results.

Advanstar Communications (New York) has made two separate deals to expand its trade show operations with the purchase of Project Trade Show Group (New York), a series of events that serve the premium contemporary sector of the fashion market, and POOL (Las Vegas, NV), a boutique lifestyle trade show showcasing fashion designers, accessories and music that targets the directional boutique market. No terms for either deal were given.

Launched in New York in 2003, Project trade Show has grown to include four annual events, including two in new York and two in Las Vegas, for the men's wear sector of the fashion industry. Joe Loggia, President and CEO of Advanstar said, "The acquisition of Project is consistent with Advanstar's strategy to focus on markets where we leverage our leading market positions to deliver innovative quality products that meet the ever-changing needs of our customers."

Launched in 2001, POOL is twice annually to focus on the needs of emerging companies and retailers searching for boutique oriented products. It has 500 exhibitors and will become a part of Advanstar's MAGIC fashion industry bi-annual exhibition.

In related news, Advanstar reported revenue of $146.6 million for the first six months opf 2005, a 3.5% increase from the $141.7 million reported in the same period in 2004. Net income in the first half of 2005 was $21.7 million compared to a net loss of $11.7 million in the first half of 2004. The figures include a 53 million gain on the sale of assets to Questex earlier this year and those of a joint venture in France and German trade show business sold by Advanstar in 2004. EBITDA from continuing operations in the first half of 2005 declined 5.8% to $37.7 million from $40.0 million in the first half of last year, due primarily to the second quarter 2005 items already noted and investments made in the Life Sciences and Powersports operating groups.