Wednesday February 9, 9:02 am ET

New report from Simba Information indicates growth in revenues and market share for independents in 2004; echoes findings from research commissioned independently by the Association of Directory Publishers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ - According to research commissioned by the Association of Directory Publishers (ADP), independent yellow pages publishers' revenues are expected to grow 16.7 percent to $2.8 billion for 2004, driven by new directory launches and expanding penetration in existing markets. As a result, independent publishers are expected to expand their share of the $15.2 billion U.S. yellow pages market to 18.2 percent for 2004, an increase of 2.2 percent over 2003.

A recent report released by Simba Information, entitled "Independent Yellow Pages Markets 2004," echoes the findings of ADP's research. Simba forecasts independent publishers' revenues will increase 14.3 percent in 2004, reaching $2.63 billion. Further, Simba expects independents will increase market share during the same period, reaching 16.97 percent of the total U.S. yellow pages market, which it estimates to be $15.5 billion.

"The actual numbers, which vary slightly, from these two independent bodies of research, are not the central story," said Larry Angove, president and CEO of the Association of Directory Publishers. "What is significant is the clear trend of continued growth and health for the independent sector of the directory publishing industry."

According to ADP's research, further confirmation of the bright outlook for independents is indicated by the fact that total U.S. yellow pages industry revenues are forecast to grow to $15.2 billion for 2004, an increase of 2.9 percent over 2003, which is almost entirely attributable to independent sector growth.

Approximately 250 independent publishers -- those not affiliated with local telephone companies -- publish yellow pages directories throughout the United States. For the ADP study, market size and growth estimates are based on an analysis of data collected from 113 independent publishers operating in the U.S., primarily through telephone interviews. The figures reflect independent publishers that are not owned by or affiliated with any telephone company. Several of the independent publishers interviewed also publish directories for local telephone companies under contract, in which case, the telephone company directories were excluded from the industry totals.

About ADP

Founded in 1898, the Association of Directory Publishers (ADP) is the oldest and largest trade association representing telephone directory publishers in the United States. It provides value to its members through the conduct of conventions and trade shows, a robust communications effort, diligent public policy oversight and activity, and a variety of membership programs and services. Visit http://www.adp.org to learn more.

Press Release Source: Association of Directory Publishers (ADP)

For More Information Contact:

Ara E. Chekmayan
Tactical Public Relations
+1-212-794-8757 ara@tacticalpr.com