BERTRANGE, Luxembourg, Feb. 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Metro International S.A. ("Metro") (Nasdaq:MTROA) (Nasdaq:MTROB), the international newspaper group, today announced the launch of two new editions in France. 'Metro' was distributed this morning by hand in France's capital city, covering a target population of 8 million people. In addition, Metro has secured a license from the municipal authorities of the city of Marseille and will distribute a new edition, by hand and from racks, in France's third largest city tomorrow morning. Greater Marseille has a population of 1.2 million.
Metro will gradually increase its circulation to a target of up to 300,000 copies in Paris, making Metro the largest daily newspaper in central Paris, and 100,000 copies in Marseille.
France is the third largest advertising market in Europe, with an annual media spend of US$9 billion in 2000. The newspaper advertising market in France was reported to be worth US$1.7 billion in 2000. Nearly US$700 million of this newspaper media spend is generated in the capital city, and US$80 million in the Greater Marseille area. The free newspaper advertising segment comprises a number of weekly titles throughout the country, and accounted for US$900 million in advertising revenues in France in 2000.
Pelle Tornberg, President & CEO of Metro International, commented: "As one of Europe's largest cities and a major commercial center, Paris is an ideal location for Metro, while Marseille has a similarly concentrated urban population and thriving commercial environment.
"As a result, we expect to be able to attract the same profile of young, professional and educated newspaper readers that pick up our editions in other cities around the world. This audience in France has not typically read daily newspapers up until now, despite the fact that the country is one of Europe's largest media markets. The combination of our two editions will enable us to offer attractive packages to a wide range of existing and new newspaper advertisers."
Metro is the world's largest free newspaper, publishing and distributing 22 editions in 15 countries in 12 languages: Stockholm (Metro), Prague (Metro), Gothenburg (Metro), Hungary (Metro), the Netherlands (Metro), Helsinki (Metro), Malmo (Metro), Santiago (Publimetro), Philadelphia (Metro), Toronto (Metro Today), Rome (Metro), Buenos Aires (Publimetro), Milan (Metro), Warsaw (Metropol), Athens (Metrorama), Montreal (Metro), Barcelona (Metro Directe), Boston (Metro), Madrid (Metro Directo), Copenhagen (MetroXpress), Paris (Metro) and Marseille (Metro).
Metro International S.A. 'A' and 'B' shares are listed on the Nasdaq National Market and on the Stockholmsborsen O-List under the symbols MTROA and MTROB.
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