VNU, the publisher of the music industry bible Billboard, is set to acquire the 33-year-old industry rag Radio & Records. The deal will be finalized August 1.

VNU president Mike Marchesano — he of the "overall growth strategy in meeting the needs of our audiences and marketers and building our portfolio of brands" talk — alerted staffers via this e-mail on Friday:

Memo
To: All Employees
From: Mike Marchesano
Date: 7 July 2006
RE: Acquisition of Radio & Records

I am pleased to announce that VNU has reached an agreement to acquire Radio & Records (R&R), one of the leading news and information companies serving the radio and record industries. This is a significant move that reinforces our overall growth strategy in meeting the needs of our audiences and marketers and building our portfolio of brands. R&R will be integrated into the Billboard Information Group complementing Billboard's leading position in the music and associated industries. The deal will be finalized August 1st, and we are working as quickly as possible to implement an integration plan that will maximize the strengths of both brands.

R&R offers a broad line of print, Internet and digital services, research, convention and seminar products providing radio and record industry executives with access to vital research information, news, analysis and integrated marketing programs. Since its inception in 1973, R&R has helped solidify the relationship between record companies and radio. With the added resources of the Billboard Information Group, Nielsen BDS, and Nielsen SoundScan, R&R will continue to grow as a vibrant brand.

Erica Farber, R&R's publisher, will continue her leadership role with R&R and in growing the business. Her long-term affiliation with the brand will help drive R&R even deeper into its pivotal role in the industry. We will continue to update you on our plans to merge R&R into the Billboard Information Group. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.