Universal Map Group, LLC Acquires Assets of Universal Map Enterprises, Inc.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Map Group, LLC, an affiliate of Kappa Media Group, Inc. and other Kappa related companies ("Kappa"), announced today that it has concluded its acquisition of the assets of the business formerly conducted by Universal Map Enterprises, Inc. ("Universal"), a leading publisher of national, regional and local maps sold throughout the United States and Canada.

"Universal is one of the leading map publishers in the United States and this acquisition represents further diversification in publishing on the part of Kappa," stated Nicholas Karabots, Chairman of Kappa. "The entire Kappa management team is excited about entering this new publishing segment and looks forward to improving Universal's capabilities to compete with the other national map publishers. Further, the style of Universal's product line and its field force will work very well within the varied strengths of the Kappa group of companies which are involved in magazine and book publishing, printing, fulfillment and distribution and Kappa's recently announced investment in Bendon Publishing International, Inc."

About Universal

Headquartered in Williamston, Michigan, Universal publishes national, regional and local maps and atlas publications sold throughout the United States and Canada as well as wall maps and custom map products for industry. Universal employed approximately 160 people in its former business, including warehouse and sales locations in Daytona, Orlando and Lake Mary, Florida as well as sixty other distribution points throughout the United States. Scott Horner has been named President of the new entity to lead the Universal business.

About Kappa

Kappa Media Group, Inc. located in Fort Washington, PA, is the largest publisher of puzzle magazine product in the United States. The varied Kappa product offerings also include children's activity books and licensed product sold principally in the US and Canada. Kappa recently concluded its previously announced acquisition of an equity interest in Bendon Publishing International, Inc., based in Ashland, Ohio. Bendon produces a product line that includes coloring and activity books, educational workbooks, flash cards and complete learn at home sets, game cards, picture, board, pop-up and novelty books, puzzles, gift and travel packs. Bendon holds licensing agreements associated with many children's products, including Disney, Barbie(TM), Barney, Garfield, Sesame Street, Spiderman and many others.