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NATPE today announced its acquisition of Budapest-based content market DISCOP East as part of a continued strategy for expansion within the international arena. Following the 2011 edition of the market, which takes place 21st - 23rd June, the event will become NATPE/BUDAPEST in June of 2012.

Taking over full organizational and managerial responsibilities, NATPE will run the June event as a companion to its highly successful Miami-based international content market, which takes place in January. To further streamline its service to the international market, NATPE will create incentives to benefit exhibitors participating in both events.

NATPE will continue to partner with DISCOP organizers Basic Lead on regional events DISCOP Africa (7th - 9th September 2011) and DISCOP Istanbul (28th February - 1st March 2012). Patrick Jucaud, General Manager of Basic Lead, will continue to oversee operational activities in these events and remains vested in DISCOP East, continuing to work with NATPE as the market transfers in 2012.

"We are very pleased to take this next step in the evolution of our relationship", Rick Feldman, President and CEO, NATPE commented. "The acquisition offers many positives for NATPE and our clients, driven both by our strategy to enhance the value of NATPE in financial terms and our ability to serve our clients in growing international markets."

He continued, "The organization of two major global content markets in January and June will allow us to have a more consistent relationship with our clients throughout the year. We will continue to develop our partnership with Patrick in Africa, the broader Middle East and Central Asia and will benefit from his guidance as DISCOP East is transferred over to NATPE in preparation for June 2012."

Patrick Jucaud added, "This is a significant development for our Budapest-based event, as it expands into a truly globally focused market. As emerging markets continue to grow, this new arrangement also gives us the means to expand our events in strategic regions such as Africa, the broader Middle East and Central Asia. The success of the recent inaugural edition of DISCOP Istanbul underscored the continued importance of our geographically focused market formula and we look forward to enhancing these events and maximizing opportunities in all regions."

About NATPE
NATPE is a global, nonprofit organization committed to being a catalyst for the content revolution. Evolving to meet the needs of a changing media landscape, NATPE through its many activities including exclusive videos, live streaming events and vibrant annual market is at the nexus of the multiplatform content world. Now in Miami, a major international destination, NATPE 2012, January 23-25 is where creativity meets connectivity and commerce. Visit us at www.natpe.org

About Basic Lead
BASIC LEAD is an event and database management firm, specialized in identifying business opportunities in regional marketplaces on behalf of international entertainment content and brand licensing players with a mandate to explore overseas opportunities.

For further information contact:

Debbie Lawrence
The Lippin Group - London
T: +44 203 008 5406
E: dlawrence@lippingroup.com

Cassy Salyer
The Lippin Group - Los Angeles
T: +1 323 965 1990
E: csalyer@lippingroup.com