Cowles adds niche title for nautical enthusiasts.

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 1997--Cowles Enthusiast Media, a diversified media company serving special interest markets, has acquired Nautical Collector, a niche title for collectors and enthusiasts of all things nautical. The magazine was purchased from Polestar Publishing, LLC in New London, CT. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

In announcing the acquisition, Philip L. Penny, president of CEM, commented, "The acquisition of Nautical Collector is a perfect fit with our strategy of adding breadth to our coverage of special interest markets with quality information products. We look forward to the title's growth as it benefits from CEM's specialty distribution capabilities and production resources."

Bob McKenna, founder, publisher and editor of the three-year-old publication, said, "Nautical Collector is a classic special interest start up publication, shaped by a passion for the subject matter and the strong belief that a magazine which celebrated the arts and traditions of the sea was needed. Working with Cowles is an ideal arrangement, in that they have evidenced great regard for the magazine's potential as well as expertise in special interest publishing." Mr. McKenna will remain with the magazine as editor-in-chief.

Nautical Collector has a circulation of 5,000, and reports on topics such as: marine art, antiques and artifacts; ship models; classic yachts and yachting; vintage ocean liners; lighthouses; nautical literature; maritime and naval history; nautical travel; decor and furnishings; historic homes and institutions; preservation; and related events and activities. Interest in and appreciation for things nautical reaches from the oceans well inland to lakes and rivers.

Cowles Enthusiast Media, Inc. comprises 28 magazines organized into four magazine groups: Healthy Lifestyles, History, Recreation and Collectibles. Additionally, the company operates specialty distribution and TV/video programming units. Cowles Enthusiast media is based in Stamford, CT, with divisions in Harrisburg, PA; Leesburg, VA; and Middlebury, VT. It is part of Cowles Media company, a newspaper, magazine, and information services company headquartered in Minneapolis.

CONTACT: Leslie Jay, 212/737-5714