Bonnier Publications acquiring shares in a Russian magazine publishing company.

JUNE 2008

Bonnier Publications – the largest magazine publisher in the Nordic area – is establishing itself in Russia by acquiring the majority of shares in Vkusnaja Zhizn, a Russian magazine publishing company.

“Russia is a unique country in terms of magazine publishing,” says Bonnier Publications CEO Michael Cordsen. “The market is the fastest growing in the world, and profitability is very good. Vkusnaja Zhizn is a well-managed magazine publishing company that will serve as a springboard for further expansion.”

“We are impressed by what Bonnier Publications has achieved and by the company’s expertise,” says Elena Trukhina, CEO of Vkusnaja Zhizn. “Bonnier Publications is an excellent international partner that can ensure our continued growth.”

Bonnier Publications will acquire 51% of the shares in Vkusnaja Zhizn, while the current owners will retain the remaining shares.

The company’s management consists of its two founders, Elena Trukhina and Natalia Chernysheva, who will retain their management positions. Vkusnaja Zhizn will be operated as an independent company within Bonnier Publications. It will change its name to Bonnier Publications in conjunction with the transaction. The plan is for part of the company’s growth to be the result of launching some of Bonnier Publication’s titles in Russia.

“One of the most important key competencies within Bonnier Publications is the ability to publish magazines in several countries and in several languages, an opportunity we plan to take advantage of,” says Michael Cordsen.

Vkusnaja Zhizn was founded in Moscow in 2001, and has around 125 employees. The company publishes Gastronom, Sadovnik and Ruchnaja Rabota, among others. The company is also investing heavily in the Internet as well as organizing events and courses in collaboration with the magazines.

Bonnier Publications is headquartered in Copenhagen. It publishes over 50 magazines in the Nordic area. Two of its most well-recognized titles are Illustrerad Vetenskap and I Form. The company’s sales reached SEK 2.5.