MAKEOVER: Reed Elsevier may be shopping around Reed Business Information, publisher of titles like Variety, but the B2B division is doing some shopping of its own and has snapped up French trade press group Cosmédias. WWD previously reported speculation that Reed Elsevier had inked a Cosmédias deal.

RBI plans to develop Cosmédias' Internet activities through synergies with its other businesses, according to a statement. "The acquisition of Cosmédias is an important step in Reed Business Information's strategy, developing its product offer with strong brands and new professional content that will benefit from multichannel distribution," stated Antoine Duarte, president of RBI in France.

Cosmédias publishes B2B beauty titles including ICN, CosmeticNews, Coiffure de Paris and CosmétiqueMag. It also runs Internet sites. — Brid Costello

FORE FOR BROOKS: Taylor Leon, a 21-year-old LPGA golfer, is Brooks Brothers' first female spokeswoman. Leon was appointed as the brand ambassador for Brooks Bros.' Country Club Collection and will represent the brand on the golf course. She will make her debut in the Brooks Bros. Country Club spring 2008 catalogue but, so far, there aren't any plans for ad placement in magazines, said a spokesman. — Amy Wicks