AUGUSTA, Ga.— William S. Morris IV, president of Morris Communications, today announced that Fairway Outdoor Advertising, a division of Morris, has purchased the Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina assets of Williamson Outdoor Advertising, Athens, Ga.

The newly acquired properties consist of advertising displays in 28 counties throughout the three states, expanding the presence of Fairway in the Southeast. Fairway currently serves markets in California, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

"This purchase provides an excellent opportunity for our outdoor division to establish its brand in the fast-growing counties of northern Georgia and eastern Alabama, and to strengthen its footprint in South Carolina," Morris said. "There is great potential in these markets."

Mark Moyer, president of Fairway, added, "Williamson Outdoor has developed quality outdoor advertising structures at prime locations in the areas they serve. We look forward to continuing their exceptional service to the local business communities."

Fairway Outdoor Advertising, formerly Naegele Outdoor Advertising, was purchased by Morris Communications in 1985 and became a division under the Morris corporate banner. Headquartered in Augusta, Fairway has branches in four additional states.

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 online services. For more information, visit www.morris.com.