Card Briefs: Transmedia Acquires Spinoff's Operations

Western Transmedia Co. has completed the sale of its Transmedia Network franchise and all of its operating assets to Transmedia Network Inc., the discount dining card company.

The regional group's shareholders decided to sell the franchise back to the parent company, which had greater resources for marketing purposes, said Roger Pondel, a spokesman for Western Transmedia.

For four years Western Transmedia operated in California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of Nevada.

Transmedia Network will assume responsibility for the western region's more than 125,000 cardholders.

The sale is expected to net $8.8 million after taxes and expenses, said Stuart Pellman, chief executive officer of Western Transmedia.

Western Transmedia will now be known as Western Systems Corp. and "will use its cash assets to pursue other business investments," Mr. Pondel said. He said it was doubtful they would include any card enterprises, given the competition in the industry.

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