Platts purchases CBI Research's energy conference division.

Platts, the global energy information division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), recently acquired the energy conference business of CBI Research Inc., also known as The Center For Business Intelligence. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Harry Sachinis, president of Platts, said, "Given the dynamic nature of the energy industry and the growing need for information and analysis of issues relating to it, we are pleased to be able to offer our customers and the industry greater breadth and depth in our conference offerings.

"The addition of CBI's conference expertise to Platts' existing event program positions us as a leading conference producer for worldwide energy markets to function with efficiency, transparency and integrity," Sachinis said.

Launched in 1995, CBI's energy division produces more than 30 conferences for the energy industry each year. The group brings together leading experts to evaluate current regulatory climates and reforms, privatization and development timelines, financing mechanisms, legal issues and risk mitigation strategies on a wide variety of topics.

Following the sale of its energy division, CBI will continue its conference business in non-energy related industries.

Platts is a world leader in providing energy information. For nearly a century, Platts has helped to enable ever-changing energy markets enhance their performance through such offerings as independent industry news and price benchmarks.

Platts covers the oil, natural gas, electricity, nuclear power, coal, petrochemical, and metals markets.

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies had 2003 sales of $4.8 billion.

Platts Jim Keener, 720-548-5624, [e-mail]

McGraw-Hill, www.mcgraw-hill.com