Future Network USA, the continental arm of Future Network plc, has purchased Guitar World and its three sister publications (the bimonthly Guitar World Acoustic, the soon-to-be-bimonthly Guitar
World's Bass Guitar and the quarterly Guitar World Legends). The deal marks Future Network's first US acquisition. In a press release, the company touted the Guitar World stable of publications as a
"perfect compliment" to its video game and computer-enthusiast titles. "This acquisition is the first significant step as we seek to diversify our portfolio while staying true to our core competency
of serving markets where there is a real thirst for expert knowledge and advice," said Future Network USA president Jonathan Simpson-Bint. "Our strategy mirrors the success of our parent company,
which already owns 92% of the European market share for enthusiast musician magazines." Guitar World boasts a circulation of 200,000. Future Network USA recently announced plans to launch Mobile PC
magazine, a consumer monthly targeted at the mobile/wireless market, in January 2004.
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