The Learning Company Continues to Broaden Its Home Design Market Appeal by Signing Agreements with Ten More Manufacturers

Business Wire, Oct 8, 1998

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1998--

Value of 3D Home Software Series Increases with

Addition of Window, Door, Lighting, and Cabinet Companies

The Learning Company (NYSE: TLC), today announced the completion of ten additional agreements, coupling its Broderbund Software unit with leading manufacturers of windows, doors, lighting, and cabinets. Earlier this month, The Learning Company announced similar agreements with manufacturers in six other home design categories, including: wallcoverings, window coverings, fabrics, paints, countertops and flooring.

"When you talk about windows, doors, lighting and cabinets in conjunction with home renovation, you're talking about some of the more significant adjustments to your home with regard to cost and structural changes," said Sheila Dahlgren, Director of Marketing for The Learning Company's Broderbund Home Design Unit. "Using our 3D Home series of products helps take the worry out of planning such renovations; you can realistically view your home designs, make major changes and revisions easily, and compare these changes before spending a single dime on a project that could potentially run in the thousands of dollars."

Broderbund has signed agreements with the following manufacturers: Andersen Windows, Inc. (makers of Andersen Windows and Patio Doors); Aristokraft, Inc.(makers of Aristokraft Kitchen, Bath and Home Cabinetry); Cooper Industries (makers of Halo and Homelux); Kichler(R) Lighting; Lightolier(R) (makers of Lightolier, Lytespan, and Lytecaster); Marvin Windows and Doors; Merillat Industries, Inc.; Pella(R) Corporation (makers of Pella Windows and Doors and The Windowscaping Collection); Premdor, Inc.; and Schrock Cabinet Company (makers of Schrock Handcrafted Cabinetry).

"Short of holding an actual window up to your wall, it can be difficult to imagine what a new window will look like in your home," said Diane Utzman-O'Neil Brand Marketing Account Manager for Andersen Windows. "This software gives customers a chance to realistically see all the possibilities, and still be able to change their mind."

Since 1993, Broderbund has developed and published the number-one-selling home design software brand on the market: the 3D Home series. Broderbund continues to lead the category with four of the top ten best-selling home design titles, including PC Magazine Editor's Choice winning titles, such as 3D Home Architect Deluxe(R) and 3D Home(tm) Design Suite, as well as products like 3D Home Interiors(tm), according to the latest September 1998 figures from PC Data, an independent market research firm.

About The Learning Company

The Learning Company, Inc. (NYSE: TLC) is one of the country's leading developers of consumer software for the entire family. The company publishes some of the best-known education, reference, personal productivity and family entertainment brands in the U.S., including Reader Rabbit, The Oregon Trail, Sesame Street, Carmen Sandiego, National Geographic, American Greetings, The Print Shop, Family Tree Maker, 3D Home Architect and Myst.

The company's products are sold in more than 23,000 retail stores in North America and through multiple distribution channels including school sales, online, direct marketing and OEM. The Learning Company also develops, publishes and distributes products internationally through subsidiaries in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Holland, Japan and Australia, and with distributors throughout Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Rim.

The Company's headquarters are located at One Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, Mass. 02142; telephone 617/494-1200; fax 617/494-1219. The corporate Web site is located at www.learningco.com, and Customer Service can be reached at 617/761-3000.

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