The Economist Group acquires GalleryWatch

The Economist Group, whose businesses include The Economist, the Economist Intelligence Unit, CFO magazine and Roll Call, announced today that it has acquired GalleryWatch. The company is a leading provider of real-time online information and tools for searching, tracking, managing and analysing the Federal and Texas legislative, regulatory and appropriations processes. GalleryWatch serves thousands of government affairs professionals at government agencies, trade associations, corporations, law and lobbying firms, and universities - an audience that The Economist Group already targets through Roll Call, widely regarded as the leading title for Congressional news and information in Washington, DC.

The Economist Group's strategy is to invest in media brands for senior business people and decision-makers. And Roll Call is one of the most effective publications for reaching influential readers inside the Beltway. The acquisition of GalleryWatch is an excellent fit - launched in 1996 in Austin, Texas, GalleryWatch's current service offerings are available in two markets in the United States: the federal market in Washington, DC and the state market in Texas.

The acquisition is the Group's second this year. In January the Group acquired EuroFinance Conferences, a leader in global and regional cash and treasury management events, which joined the Group's CFO publishing business.

GalleryWatch will become part of Roll Call. The title's publisher, Laurie Battaglia, will become the head of GalleryWatch and will oversee plans to invest in its growth. GalleryWatch will enable Roll Call to address even better the needs of Capitol Hill decision-makers and those who follow their activities, while GalleryWatch will benefit from Roll Call's marketing and editorial expertise, as well as from its strong ties to government affairs professionals.

"We are delighted to have acquired GalleryWatch, and look forward to strengthening our position in this important market and continuing to increase our presence in the US," said Helen Alexander, chief executive of The Economist Group. "GalleryWatch will sit well within the Group, and will provide an excellent platform for providing more valuable content and services to this key audience".

(October 30th 2006)