Bryan Publishing Company of Bryan, Ohio, Agrees to Acquire The Napoleon (OH) Northwest SignalBack to News

BRYAN, OH, November 5, 2003 – Bryan Publishing Company of Bryan, Ohio, which publishes the Bryan Times, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with the Kuser family to acquire The Northwest Signal of Napoleon, Ohio. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Northwest Signal has a circulation of 5,600 and is published Monday through Friday. Included in the sale is the Spotlight, a shopper mailed to 8,500 households each week.

Dirks, Van Essen & Murray, a newspaper merger-and-acquisition firm in Santa Fe, New Mexico, represented the Kuser family in the transaction.

The paper traces its roots to the North-West News, first printed in 1852. The Henry County Signal began publishing in 1865. The two newspapers merged in 1959. The Northwest Signal, which serves Henry County, Ohio, has been owned and operated by the Kuser family since 1966. Jim Kuser recently retired as publisher; his son Jamie has been serving as general manager. John Kuser, Jamie’s brother will continue in his position as circulation director under the new owners.

Christopher Cullis, president and chairman of the Bryan Publishing Company, said the Northwest Signal will continue its strong tradition of serving Henry County. He added that he is looking forward to working with the existing staff of the Northwest Signal now and in the future.

The Bryan Times has daily circulation of 11,200, Monday through Saturday, and serves readers in Williams County. In addition to the Times, the Bryan Publishing Company owns and operates the Montpelier Leader Enterprise, the Countyline and Realty Northwest.

For further information contact Philip Murray at Dirks, Van Essen & Murray, phone 505/820-2700, fax 505/820-2900.