Sanoma Corporation, a division of SanomaWSOY Group, acquires the publication rights to Uutislehti 100 from Janton Oyj. The operations of Uutislehti 100 will transfer to Sanoma Corporation at the beginning of June.
Uutislehti 100 is a news publication that appears five times a week and is distributed to readers free of charge, mainly on routes of public transport. The paper was established in 1997 and has today an average readership of 243,000. In 2003, Uutislehti 100's net sales totalled EUR 2.3 million.
- Greater Helsinki is a key market for Sanoma Corporation. We believe that a well made news publication distributed on means of public transport complements Sanoma's content and media offering in our core operating area, says Sanoma Corporation's President, Mr. Mikael Pentikäinen.
- We have been closely monitoring the market for free sheets and papers distributed in public transport systems. International examples indicate that these papers will be a growing advertising medium. They also develop potential readers for traditional newspapers, Mr. Pentikäinen adds.
- Our ambition is to develop our business in a balanced way to ensure sustainable growth and profitability. Uutislehti 100 is a good addition to Sanoma's product lines.
The editorial and marketing staff of Uutislehti 100 will continue in the service of the new employer. Sanoma Corporation will purchase the relating distribution services from Janton Oyj. Helsingin Sanomat's printing house Sanomala will start printing Uutislehti 100 at the beginning of August.
Mr. Kari Kivelä has been appointed President of the new company to be established, and he will also continue in his present post as President of Startel Oy.
Additional information:
Mr. Mikael Pentikäinen, President, Sanoma Corporation; tel. +358 9 122 2000
Mr. Kari Kivelä, President, Startel Oy; tel. +358 9 122 4200
SANOMAWSOY CORPORATION
Raija Kariola
Vice President
Investor Relations and Group Communications
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Helsinki Exchanges
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