ACP Media scores first win of the Lions Series

Media Statement
14 March 2005

ACP Media scores first win of the DHL British & Irish Lions Series

ACP Media announced today that it has signed a three-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union to become their publishing partner and produce the official programs for the upcoming DHL British and Irish Lions Series and all the All Blacks’ home Test matches.

Under the agreement, ACP Media will publish a British Lions Series preview magazine, souvenir match programs for the three Tests, and match programs for the eight games against provincial sides and New Zealand Maori. The agreement also includes production of the official match programs for this year’s All Blacks home Tests against Fiji, South Africa and Australia.

“ACP Media is excited to be creating superb mementos of the British Lions Series and we look forward to a long relationship with the New Zealand Rugby Union,” says ACP Media Chief Executive, Heith Mackay-Cruise. “The Series brings together the two premier brands of international rugby - The All Blacks and The British Lions. The partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Union demonstrates the strength of the ACP Media brand and reflects our position as New Zealand’s leading magazine publisher.”

ACP published the programs for the British Lions Series in Australia in 2001, selling one program for every two match-goers. The same high level of interest is expected in this tour as well as attention from sports memorabilia collectors. A limited number of bound and boxed set of programs will also be produced to meet the demand for premium tour souvenirs.

“The DHL Lions Series is capturing the imagination of rugby fans worldwide” say Steve Tew, NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Officer. “We sought to select a publishing partner who could deliver the best possible product, and ACP’s rugby expertise is unique.”

“ACP Media is looking forward to making this significant tour a memorable experience for fans, collectors and companies wanting to be involved,” says Mr Mackay-Cruise.

Advertisers will be able to sponsor segments of the tour preview magazine and match programs, including columns on great games from the past, coaching tips and guides to some of New Zealand’s best tourist destinations.

“We want to provide sponsors with the chance to share every moment of the tour with the fans,” says Mr Mackay-Cruise. “Advertisers and column sponsors will reach a wide domestic and international audience, and will gain exposure for their brands up to two months before the tour starts and long after the final whistle.”

The official tour preview magazine will be on sale in New Zealand and Australia from retailers prior to the arrival of the British Lions, with programs available for sale prior to each match.
ENDS

About ACP Media

ACP Media is New Zealand’s leading magazine publisher. The company’s Consumer Division publishes some of the country’s most popular magazines, including Woman’s Day, The Australian Women’s Weekly and Next, and iconic titles such as Metro and North & South. Trader Group’s stable includes, Auto Trader, Motor Buyer’s Guide, The Car Dealer, Trade-A-Boat and Buy Sell & Exchange, as well as a number of associated online services including traderpoint.co.nz, autopoint.co.nz and autobuy.co.nz. ACP Media’s Property Classifieds Division publishes a range of real estate advertising titles including Property Press and Real Estate magazines and websites. ACP Media operates a national distribution network through its subsidiary Netlink, which distributes publications to retailers across the country. ACP Media is a subsidiary of Australian Consolidated Press Limited, a division of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited.

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