Hart Energy Publishing

Management Buyout Launches Hart Energy Publishing, LP. New CEO Announced

HOUSTON, TX, March 31, 2004 – The formation of Hart Energy Publishing, LP, formerly Hart Publications, is announced today.  A management buyout backed by a prominent Denver energy investment group led by Wiegers Capital Management purchased assets from VS&A Communications Partners of New York.

      Hart Energy Publishing maintains a global presence with offices in Houston and Washington D.C. and representatives in Denver, London, Brussels and Singapore.  The company produces diversified information products and analytical services for the energy finance, exploration and production, pipeline and transportation, power generation, refining, processing and fuels sectors.

      Hart's comprehensive, integrated product portfolio serves the global upstream and downstream energy marketplace with unsurpassed scope.  Offerings include magazines, newsletters and custom publishing products; conferences; databases; multi-client services and studies; Web-based information exchange; and custom consulting services focusing on energy public policy, refining economics and technology.

      "Long recognized as an industry innovator, Hart is now positioned to implement new growth strategies," said Richard A. Eichler, appointed Chief Executive Officer with the inception of the new firm.  "Our Board of Directors are visionary thinkers prepared for significant investment in new launches and product expansion.  They are investing in Hart's strategy of developing an integrated family of products and services for the energy industry and are struck by our track record of steadily building value while others failed to capitalize on market opportunities."

      In announcing the new company, Eichler paid tribute to the Hart management team who formulated the buyout and to each employee who has contributed to exceptional achievements and margins.  "This company was built by highly dedicated teams willing to make smart-risk decisions.  They read markets and proactively develop solutions for customers, often beyond the traditional publishing model.  With the new company in place, each of us will be better able to do what we do best -- define and produce information products and services in partnership with our customers," Eichler said.

      Headquartered in Houston, Hart Energy Publishing's market-leading publications include Oil and Gas Investor, Hart's E&P, Energy Markets, PipeLine and Gas Technology and World Refining. Hart produces nine newsletters, custom publishing products, World Fuels Conferences, and unique multi- and single-client consulting services, such as The International Fuel Quality Center and the World Refining and Fuels Analysis: 2000-2015 annual study.

      Hart Energy Publishing, LP was formed by Hart management and Wiegers Capital to include investors from Denver and New York in the publishing assets purchase.  Compass Advisers, LLP advised on the transaction and is an equity investor.  J.P. Morgan Chase provided debt financing to the transaction.