Growth in third quarter M&A activity.

There were 148 transactions in 10 publishing, information and training categories during the third quarter of 2006, according to Whitestone Communications' (New York) "Who's Buying Who," an increase of 42% over last year's third quarter total of 104, which itself was up 35% over the same period in 2004. For the first nine months of the year, deals are up 30% to 400 versus 307 last year and 286 in 2004.

While the number of deals increased, total dollar value of the deals was down 14% for the quarter, going from $4.66 billion in 2005 to $4.03 billion this year, and 16% for the year. The largest deals in this year's quarter included the buyout of MediMedia by management and Vestar Capital for $634 million, Euromoney's purchase of Metal Bulletin for $416.8 million and InvestTools acquisition of online financial services company thinkorswim Group for $340 million.

There were 23 deals valued at $841 million in the Trade Magazines/Trade Shows category for the quarter, an increase of 21% and 56%, respectively, over the 19 deals valued at $538 million reported in the same period last year. "The Business Publisher" reported on 23 deals in this year's quarter for that same category, including 15 deals involving trade magazine publishers, compared to 24 deals, including 14 deals involving trade magazines, completed in the third quarter of 2005.

Other categories showing significant activity include: Business/Legal, with 24 deals valued at $655 million; Internet, with 21 deals valued at $492 million; Finance/Real Estate, with 17 deals valued at $896 million; and, Training, with 21 deals valued at $562 million.