Acquisition

SMG PLC
17 May 2001


SMG Plc Acquires Music Consumer Magazine Titles

SMG  plc  (SMG) has completed the acquisition of Orpheus Publications  Limited
('Orpheus'), publisher of consumer magazine titles The Strad, Double  Bassist,
Choir & Organ, International Piano Quarterly and Classic Record Collector.

The  titles owned by Orpheus are established specialist music magazines  which
operate  as  franchises  within their respective market  segments.   Based  in
London, they are aimed at professional musicians, teachers, instrument dealers
and music enthusiasts across Europe and North America.

Commenting  on  the acquisition, Des Hudson, Chief Executive, SMG  Publishing,
said:

'Each  of  the  titles  has an excellent niche position  in  their  respective
sectors,  for example The Strad is a strong franchise which is over 100  years
old, and they fit very well within our existing stable of magazines.  They are
classic  examples  of  the type of acquisition that we  seek  to  make  as  we
continue to grow our magazines business.'

SMG will acquire net assets of approximately £20,000.

SMG's existing magazine titles include:

Scottish Farmer
Components in Electronics
Boxing News
The Great Outdoors
The Independent Electrical Retailer
The Independent Community Pharmacist

Further enquiries:                     

George Watt                            Tel:  [phone]
Group Finance Director
SMG plc