NEW YORK, Jan 17, 2002/ --- Modern Bride has a new family: Conde Nast Publications has agreed to purchase the title from Primedia for $52 million. The deal also includes the acquisition of Modern Bride Connections regional magazines.

Primedia put Modern Bride on the block as part of its debt-reducing effort. The troubled company plans to sell off more than $250 million of its non-core assets.

Modern Bride will be the second bridal title in the Conde Nast stable, as the magazine giant already publishes Bride's magazine. Bride's is seen as the stronger title, with wider circulation (451,096) and a higher number of ad pages (3,853.53).

In comparison, Modern Bride has a circulation of 406,183 and 3,180.4 ad pages. Both magazines are bi-monthly.

Conde Nast has not said what its plans are for Modern Bride or the magazine's personnel. The deal is set to close in the first quarter.