Internet Sports Network Acquires Sports Fantasy Publishing Company

Posted on July 6, 1999

Internet Sports Network, operator of SportsRocket, has announced the acquisition of Ultimate Sports Publishing, a sports magazine publishing company in North America. Ultimate Sports, which produces pre-season sports magazines for hockey, baseball, basketball and football, currently has a circulation of 1.1 million.

Internet Sports Network completed the transaction with a combination of cash and stock. Under the terms of the agreement, the Seattle-based Ultimate Sports' current management will continue to manage the day to day operations of the company.

"As our third acquisition this year, Ultimate Sports, a major player in the business of sports annuals, represents another platform investment propelling us toward becoming the number one source for online interactive sports games and entertainment," said Andrew A. DeFrancesco, chairman of Internet Sports Network. "This development is a unique opportunity to add a new dimension to our online offerings, which will drive new and repeat activity to our site and increase profit margins through enhanced value for our advertising partners."