Penton completes purchase of Duke Communications

Penton Media recently announced that it had completed the purchase of Loveland, Colorado-based Duke Communications International, which publishes Windows 2000 Magazine, SQL Server Magazine, and numerous Internet publications, including WinInfo Daily UPDATE. Penton Media is a diversified business media company that produces magazines, Web sites, trade shows, and conferences, most notably Internet World. The deal was first announced August 30.

"Duke Communications is an outstanding addition to Penton Media's existing technology media portfolio, which includes the global Internet World franchise," said Penton Media CEO Thomas L. Kemp. "Duke is one of the fastest growing technology B2B media companies in the United States and holds strong leadership positions in each of its target markets. It has been particularly successful in leveraging its brands and respected, authoritative content to build a successful Internet business."

Duke has experienced record growth in the past few years, fueled by Windows 2000 Magazine, with its 130,000 subscribers; SQL Server Magazine, with 30,000 subscribers; 15 Web sites that generate over 8 million impressions per month; and 17 email newsletters that generate over 3.5 million mailings each month. In fact, Duke's online properties were responsible for 20% of its revenues this year. Duke also serves the AS/400 market with NEWS/400 Magazine, with a circulation of 12,500; along with associated Web sites and email newsletters.

"Joining Penton Media is a great step forward for Duke Communications," said Duke CEO Dave Duke. "Penton has a terrific management team, an outstanding array of leading publications, and a culture consistent with our own. We consider ourselves fortunate to be joining Penton, given its strengths in print, electronic publishing, and trade shows and conferences. We hope to become an important part of Penton.