The Wicks Group Announces Acquisition of VIBE, the Country's Leading Urban Youth...

NEW YORK -- Eric Gertler Joins as CEO, Ari Horowitz as President; Danyel Smith Named Editor-in-Chief; Len Burnett Continues as Group Publisher

The Wicks Group of Companies, L.L.C., a New York-based private equity firm, announced today its acquisition of VIBE, the world's leading

Eric Gertler joins as chief executive officer of the company. Ari Horowitz has been appointed president. Danyel Smith has been named editor-in-chief of the title. Len Burnett will continue as group publisher.

The acquisition underscores management's commitment to extend the VIBE brand into multiple media platforms and distribution channels, while strengthening its unique position among its base of young multicultural consumers.

"The power of VIBE is its appeal to the diverse, trendsetting young style makers who enjoy and are passionate about urban music, fashion and culture," said Gertler. "We think there are tremendous growth and value-creation opportunities to leverage the brand across multiple media platforms and we are excited to build upon the great relationship that VIBE has with its community."

Gertler has spent more than 15 years in a variety of senior management positions in the media industry, most notably serving as the president of the media group that published U.S. News and World Report, Fast Company and The Atlantic Monthly. Gertler was also president and CEO of Privista, a credit management and identity theft company sold to Equifax in 2003. He authored the critically acclaimed book entitled Prying Eyes; Protect Your Privacy From People Who Sell To You, Snoop On You And Steal From You, published by Random House Reference Group. He is currently a principal of Keith Glen Media Corp., and most recently served as CEO of Blackbook Media Corp.

A former editor-at-large for Time Inc., Smith joined VIBE in 1993 and was appointed music editor a year later. In 1996, she was awarded a National Arts Journalism Program fellowship and was appointed editor-in-chief upon her return, serving until 1999.

"I have always been a strong supporter and believer in the VIBE brand, and I am thrilled to rejoin as editor-in-chief," said Smith. "I look forward to strengthening our editorial traditions and our overall music, fashion, culture and style coverage on behalf of VIBE readers."