GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 2, 2006 – Zondervan, the world’s leading Christian communications company, today announced it has acquired Youth Specialties, a youth ministry organization that provides quality publications, resources, training, and encouragement for youth workers and youth-oriented organizations around the world.  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The acquisition marks the culmination of a 30-year business relationship, including a co-publishing and distribution partnership, between the two companies.  To date, the Youth Specialties/Zondervan partnership has published more than 500 resources that help youth workers connect with kids and help them experience the adventure and excitement of faith.

“Youth Specialties has consistently proven itself as an innovator and trusted resource committed to meeting the unique needs of youth ministries,” said Doug Lockhart, Zondervan President and CEO.  “Our three decade relationship has been extremely positive and complementary and our respective missions are closely aligned.  This acquisition is a natural fit as Zondervan continues to look for ways to expand our impact.  We look forward to embracing the entire YS team into our family and to supporting their efforts to reach the next generation.”

Each year, Youth Specialties serves more than 100,000 volunteer and career youth workers through conventions, training seminars and youth worker retreats.  The company also serves youth ministries with books, CD-ROMS, videos, the magazine Journal of Student Ministries and online resources.  Youth Specialties reaches beyond the borders of the U.S. through its Spanish division, Especialidades Juveniles. 

Youth Specialties will remain based in San Diego and will retain its current staff of approximately 35.  President Mark Oestreicher will remain in his current role providing leadership and overseeing the daily operations of the company.

“Our team is excited to work even more closely with everyone at Zondervan as we strive to continue Youth Specialties’ tradition of service to youth workers” said Oestreicher. ”I’m confident this will be a smooth transition all the way around as we’ve already felt like part of the Zondervan family for many years.”

In addition, former owner Karla Yaconelli will continue to maintain an active role within the company.  Karla is the widow of Youth Specialties founder Mike Yaconelli, who passed away after a tragic car accident in October 2003.

A longtime Zondervan partner and a true visionary in youth ministry, Mike Yaconelli was passionate about creating a company that could inspire youth leaders to change the world, “one kid at a time.”

“I am confident that Mike would be 100% supportive of this decision,” said Karla Yaconelli.  “This partnership will enhance who Youth Specialties is and what we do.  Our focus will remain the same – equipping youth workers – yet teaming with Zondervan provides us with both long-term stability and additional resources to increase our reach and offerings and continue to try new and innovative things.  That is what my husband always hoped and prayed for.”


About Youth Specialties
For nearly 40 years, Youth Specialties has worked alongside Christian youth workers of nearly every denomination and youth-serving organization.  Each year, Youth Specialties serves more than 100,000 youth workers worldwide through training seminars and conventions, resources and the Internet.  Youth Specialties produces the YS National Youth Workers Convention for more than 15,000 youth workers each fall; and in the spring hosts the CORE™ training day for 20,000 youth workers.  For more information, visit www.youthspecialties.com.