Phillips Business Information to Purchase Launchspace

Posted on October 4, 1999

Phillips Business Information, Inc. (PBI) has signed a letter of intent to purchase Launchspace magazine, the International Space Industry Report (ISIR) newsletter, launchspace.com and other assets from Launchspace Publications, Inc. PBI publishes Via Satellite, a magazine serving the worldwide satellite business, as well as Satellite News. The Launchspace properties will be integrated into PBI's Satellites & Space Group.

``The publications included in the letter of intent serve technical and engineering readers,'' explained Scott Chase, vice president and group publisher of PBI's Communications and Satellite Group. ``That readership will complement the business orientation of Via Satellite's circulation, allowing us to extend PBI's satellite and commercial space franchises even further.''

Marshall Kaplan, founder of Launchspace and an acknowledged expert in the commercial-space field, will relocate to PBI's Potomac headquarters, assisting the company to grow the Launchspace products while he continues his consulting practice.

``We are especially pleased that we will have an ongoing relationship with Marshall Kaplan,'' said Chase. ``His knowledge, experience and reputation will lend additional editorial leadership to our array of satellite and space-information services and publications.''