**Veronis Suhler acted as financial advisor to Copernicus.

New York --March 20, 2001-- Aegis Group, the media communications and market research group, has announced that it has acquired Copernicus: The Marketing Investment Strategy Group Inc. for $16.5 million. Veronis Suhler, the New York-based media merchant bank, represented Copernicus and acted as the company’s financial advisor.

Jack Clarke, a managing director at Veronis Suhler handled the Copernicus sale. Mr. Clarke joined Veronis Suhler in May 2000 and since then has focused his expertise on transactional work with specialty media and marketing services companies.

Copernicus, which will remain headquartered in Auburndale, MA, provides marketing consultancy and research services to a number of blue-chip clients including AT&T, Exxon Mobil, and IBM. These services include marketing strategy, marketing planning, market simulation, implementation coaching, and marketing performance measurement and are based on proprietary technology. The acquisition of Copernicus complements the existing portfolio of products and services within Aegis Research.

Under the terms of the Veronis Suhler-brokered deal, London-based Aegis will pay an initial consideration of $6 million and make deferred payments worth up to a maximum of $10.5 million over a period of three years, subject to the satisfaction of challenging performance criteria.

The acquisition of Copernicus is consistent with Aegis’ strategy of developing leading global positions in both media services and market research by expanding its range of products and services to meet the changing needs of its clients. Aegis first moved into the market research business through the acquisition of Market Facts Inc. in June 1999.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Veronis Suhler. Founded in 1981 by publishing industry executives John J. Veronis and John S. Suhler, the firm is today a leading independent merchant bank exclusively dedicated to the media, communications, and information industries. Since its formation, Veronis Suhler has acted as a financial advisor across the full spectrum of media industry segments including Broadcasting, Cable & Entertainment; Newspaper Publishing; Consumer Magazines; Business Information Services; Consumer, Professional & Educational Books; Business-to-Business Communications; Specialty Media & Marketing Services; and the Internet.

Veronis Suhler (www.vss.com) has more than 125 professionals in its investment banking and private equity operations, with headquarters in New York and a London affiliate.

From:
David Hillstrom
Allan Ripp