This move underlines Haymarket's commitment to the print and packaging industry giving it a third major UK title in the sector to join market leading weekly PrintWeek and the recently launched bi-monthly PrintBuyer. The publisher also has firm plans to continue its international expansion of the PrintWeek brand, which began in 2004 with the acquisition of Druck & Medien in Germany - relaunched at Drupa to reflect the PrintWeek identity - and the licensing of the brand in The Ukraine last autumn.

The Quantum portfolio acquired by Haymarket also includes MediaWeek, Eye, and AV magazine. Confirming satisfactory completion of the discussions, Martin Durham, chairman and managing director of Haymarket Business, said: "The opportunity to acquire this portfolio makes sound sense for Haymarket, as it enables us to strengthen our position in several market sectors with good quality publications and events which complement our existing portfolio well."

QBM's Chief Executive, Neil Thackray commented that he was "delighted that the four titles are being acquired by Haymarket, who are extremely well placed to develop the titles and their associated events alongside existing Haymarket titles."