The current News Online companies are market leaders in Sweden and Norway in terms of Nordic media data, with their information used by around 4,000 information departments and PR agencies in their communication with journalists and editors. The information is available in the form of books, CDs and online databases. Recognized brands in the industry include Svenska Massmedia, the Norwegian Media Handbook, Leading Nordic, the Swedish Media program and the Norwegian Media program. The group also distributes clients' press releases to the media by mail, fax, e-mail and the Internet.

Observer is acquiring the News Online group from Drax-owned Dicom and News Online's management. The group had a turnover of approximately SEK 22 million in 2000, with around 30 employees in Sweden and Norway. The acquisition is expected to have a positive impact this year on Observer's profit per share excluding goodwill amortization and items affecting comparability.

According to Observer CEO Robert Lundberg, "The acquisition is an important step in our further development of the Communications division. There are considerable synergies between BIT and the News Online companies. With this acquisition, we can further develop the client solutions for communicating with the media and stock market that we are striving for."