dmg world media takes stake in LA showroom

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Tuesday 28 January 2003

(California - 28 January 2003) dmg world media has purchased a significant share of the California Market Center, the 3 million square foot showroom facility in downtown Los Angeles, from the Hertz Group.

This new deal follows an August 2001 announcement of a long-term lease agreement between the two partners. That initial lease was the beginning of the renovation and revitalization of the former CaliforniaMart, including last year's successful opening of a one million square foot permanent showroom facility for the gift and home decor industries. Previously the mart represented only fashion apparel, accessories and textiles. Just this month the facility was renamed and rebranded the California Market Center, the new marketplace for fashion, gift and home. Recently installed interior and exterior signage at the three-building complex touts its core branding message.

dmg world media is stepping up its involvement in this project to realize their vision of the California Market Center as a leading international, year-round destination for fashion, gift and home. "The addition of the gift and home mart provided a natural synergy for the entire complex and enhances what we can deliver to retailers and wholesalers," said Fred Barnes, dmg world media division executive vice-president. The facility location, in the heart of the L.A. fashion district, provides easy access to the Los Angeles Convention Center, home to the biannual California Gift Show, which is owned by dmg world media and produced by George Little Management, LLC. (GLM)

For the California Market Center project, dmg world media will continue to rely on trade show specialist George Little Management for their marketing expertise in the gift and home decor industries, and, in fact, dmg plans on GLM taking a more active role. "Our mutual goal is to better serve our customers through the integration of permanent and temporary venues. This creates a more comprehensive and relevant marketplace," said George Little Management President, Jeff Little.

The Dallas Market Center, who was instrumental in the launch of the gift and home decor mart, will also continue to play a key part in the management and leasing of that burgeoning project. "We are proud of the success we have had to date. Last week's market for fashion, gift and home décor was a resounding success, and we will continue to build upon that success within this restructured organization," said Bill Winsor, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center.

Paul Lentz, general manager of the California Market Center, who was brought in by the property owners in June 2002, will continue to lead an in-house management team that includes mart leasing, marketing and operations professionals. "This restructuring between the owners and partners was orchestrated to improve our effectiveness," stated Lentz.

dmg world media, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daily Mail & General Trust plc (a FTSE 100 company) is recognized as a leading producer of consumer shows and trade exhibitions around the world. dmg world media produces more than 300 events and publishes more than 70 magazines, directories and market reports. With more than 30 offices operating throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, dmg world media employs approximately 800 people.

George Little Management is the largest privately held producer and marketer of tradeshows for consumer goods in the United States. The company is headquartered in White Plains, NY.

Located at Olympic Boulevard and Main Street in the revitalization zone of downtown Los Angeles, California Market Center encompasses three million square feet in three 13-story buildings ­ currently with five floors of gift and home accessories showrooms, as well as over 1,000 apparel, fashion accessories and textile showrooms.

Upcoming markets include Los Angeles Gift & Home Accessories Market, running from March 30-April 1, and Los Angeles Fashion Week & Runway Shows Fall I 2003, running from April 2-8. The next California Gift Show at both the California Market Center and the Los Angeles Convention will be held July19 -22, with Preview Days at the California Market Center July 15-18.

California Market Center can be reached at (800) 225-6278