FNET Future

RNS Number:5345P
Future Network PLC
7 January 2002


7 January 2002

                      FUTURE SELLS BUSINESS IN POLAND



H Bauer acquires Polish company and enters exclusive licensing agreement with
                                    Future


The Future Network plc (LSE:FNET) today announces that it has sold its Polish
magazine publishing business Silver Shark Sp. z.o.o. to Wydawnictwo H. Bauer,
the Polish subsidiary of German publishing group H. Bauer Verlag GmbH, for a
consideration of #2million (net).



In addition, Future has entered into an exclusive ten year licensing agreement
with Bauer, entitling Bauer to use original licensed content from Future in
the magazine titles CD Action, Action Plus, and PC Format in Poland.



Silver Shark, based in Wroclaw, was acquired by Future in July 2000 for #2.2
million and has made a useful, though modest, contribution to group revenues
and profits since then. All of the staff have been taken on by Bauer.



The proceeds of the sale will be used to make a modest reduction to the level
of Future's net debt. At its peak in June 2001, Future's debt level amounted
to #77.9 million. It is now estimated not to exceed #20 million.





Commenting on the transaction, Greg Ingham, Chief Executive of Future, said:



"This is part of our strategy of developing internationally more through
licensing than through ownership. It's a good outcome for Future as it enables
us to continue to target the computer and video games market opportunities
that clearly exist in Poland. Bauer are one of Europe's largest and most
successful magazine companies, and I am pleased that we have been able to find
such a strong buyer and licensing partner for Future in Poland. Much of our
technology and games magazine content has international appeal and we already
license content in a number of countries."



For further information:

The Future Network 01225 442244

Greg Ingham, Chief Executive

John Bowman, Finance Director


Hogarth Partnership 0207 357 9477

Georgina Briscoe

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