Penton enters into partnership; acquires MSD2D.

Penton Media, Inc. (Cleveland, OH) has formed a strategic alliance with eMedia Asia Ltd, a joint venture between Global Sources (Hong Kong) and CMP Media (Manhasset, NY), to launch "Electronic Design-China," a simplified Chinese edition of Penton's leading electronics magazine, "Electronic Design." The new magazine will provide the latest technology and application methodologies to 40,000 design engineers and engineering managers in China. It will be published monthly starting in March 2006.

Penton said the alliance will "extend 'Electronic Design's' position as the leading authority on emerging technologies and application methodologies in North America and Europe to mainland China." Global Sources will draw content from Penton's electronics publications including "Electronic Design," "EE Product News" and "Microwave & RF."

Mark A. Saunderson, president of the Global Sources and CMP Media joint venture, said: "China is gaining momentum in electronics design, and there is a need among China-based design engineers for new insights and skills. 'Electronic Design-China' is highly complementary to the biweekly title, 'Electronic Engineering Times-China,' published by eMedia Asia. 'Electronic Design-China' will provide design engineers with breakthrough technology and technical information they need to complete projects and stay competitive." Also, Penton announced has acquired MSD2D (Lake Forest, CA), a high-technology media company. MSD2D (Microsoft Developer-to-Developer) is a information resource for the Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, .NET, and Security communities of IT professionals. The company provides tools for information technology system administrators and developers, such as sample code, administration tips and discussion rooms. MSD2D also offers Microsoft Search Engine to provide access to all the information available on all of Microsoft's product platforms and services. MSD2D's current array of products includes Web sites, directories, email newsletters, trade show programs, and Web seminars. The business, founded in 1990, will become part of Penton's Windows IT Pro Group (Loveland, CO). Penton's Windows IT Pro Group includes flagship print publication "Windows IT Pro," three monthly paid subscription print newsletters, 12 direct-request email newsletters, and a Web site resource for more than 2.5 million IT professionals each month. Launched in 1995, "Windows IT Pro" has a paid subscription base of 105,000.

David Nussbaum, CEO of Penton, said, "The acquisition of MSD2D is consistent with Penton's growth strategy. We are sharply focused on developing a comprehensive media tripod in all the markets we serve so that our customers have high-quality print, online and in-person opportunities to connect, communicate and develop successful business relationships."