Q&As

This week, Meet the Broker features Patricia Coe, a senior account executive in the list brokerage division at Kroll Direct Marketing.

The Reader’s Digest Association Inc., operator of the world’s largest-circulation magazine as well as a direct-marketing business, has agreed to be acquired by a private equity firm.

Marketing technology concern J.L. Halsey yesterday reported a net loss of $445,000 on revenue of $8.4 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2006, compared to a profit of $526,000 on revenue of $3.5 million for the same period a year ago.

Next Generation Media Corp., the parent company of direct mailer and franchisor United Marketing Solutions, reported drops in both revenue and earnings for third-quarter 2007.

Nintendo has launched a multi-million dollar campaign to support the Nov. 19 launch of its new gaming system, Nintendo Wii. And other marketers are trying to get a piece of the action.

The U.S. Postal Service reported a net income of $900 million for the 2006 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. Its total revenues were $72.8 billion, while total expenses were $71.9 billion, according to figures released at the postal Board of Governors meeting.

Lab Safety Supply (LSS) of Chicago has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of direct marketers Inspection Equipment Inc. and Construction Book Express Inc., both based in Hauppauge, NY.

ValueVision Media Inc. reported double-digit sales growth in the third quarter. Revenues for the quarter hit a record $184.9 million, an increase of 16% compared to the same period last year.

Quebecor World Inc. has acquired new equipment to increase the co-mail capacity at its printing plant located in Bolingbrook, IL.

Wal-Mart is starting the holiday season in the black with positive third quarter sales, and is banking on its Christmas marketing strategy to keep the registers ringing.