Augusta, Ga. - Morris Communications Corp. today announced its intent to purchase Abenaki Publishers Inc. of Bennington, Vt., publishers of American Angler, Fly Tyer and Saltwater Fly Fishing.

The three outdoor-life publications represent the largest group of fly fishing magazines in the United States, with a combined circulation of more than 135,000. American Angler, Abenaki's signature publication, has been a trusted companion for fishermen for decades.

"These publications are recognized leaders in their field," said William S. Morris III, chairman and chief executive officer of Morris Communications. "They are an ideal complement to our other upscale outdoor magazines and nicely expand our outdoor group to provide more options for our readers."

"The combination of our fly fishing magazine group with the Morris media group, especially their Gray's Sporting Journal, offers tremendous growth potential," said Abenaki Chairman Tom Stoneback. "The combined resources will allow the company to serve the fly fishing community worldwide through cable TV, books, the Internet and other media."

Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, and computer services. For more information see www.morris.com and www.flyfishingmagazines.co