FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. and NEW YORK, Aug. 19 — (PRNewswire) — Universal Map Group, LLC ("Universal"), an affiliate of Kappa Media Group, Inc. ("Kappa"), announced today it has reached an agreement to acquire certain intellectual property and other assets of American Map Corporation; Hagstrom Map Company, Inc.; Alexandria Drafting Company; and Hammond World Atlas Corporation; subsidiaries of Langenscheidt Publishers, Inc. ("American Map"), a New York based publisher of national and local maps sold throughout the United States. The transaction is scheduled to close shortly. Universal plans to retain the American Map, Hagstrom and ADC trade names, and expand on its presence throughout the United States by marketing under the American Map, Universal and Kappa brand names.

"American Map is the premier regional map publisher in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The acquisition of the American Map product line provides Universal with the ability to extend its brand and further enhance its proprietary map coverage," stated Nicholas Karabots, Chairman of Universal. "Our acquisition of the American Map product line will result in an expansion of service to our retail customers, which is critical to the success of this industry."

"American Map and its parent, Langenscheidt Publishers, Inc., are proud of the brand they have created in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions and other markets throughout the United States and are confident that being part of Universal will further the legacy," noted John Muchnicki, President of American Map. "This divesture of American allows Langenscheidt to fully focus its efforts in the international expansion of its foreign language and travel products and services."  

About Universal

Headquartered in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, Universal is one of the leading publishers of national, regional and local premium map products, Atlases, Wall Maps, and Custom Mapping Solutions sold throughout the United States and Canada. Universal products are sold through national and online retailers, and major convenience stores. Universal employs approximately 100 people in Fort Washington, PA and Deland, FL, as well as thirty other distribution points throughout the United States.

About Kappa

Kappa Media Group, Inc. and its affiliates, located in Fort Washington, PA, are the largest publishers of puzzle magazine and books in the United States. Kappa's product offerings also include children's activity books and licensed printed product sold principally in the U.S. and Canada.

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SOURCE Universal Map Group, LLC