Thomas Nelson, Inc. Announces Partnership of Thomas Nelson Gifts Canada With Word Entertainment Canada

Business Wire, May 25, 1999

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 1999--

Thomas Nelson, Inc. (NYSE:TNM) today announced that its Thomas Nelson Gifts Canada division is partnering with Word Entertainment Canada in its gift and publishing distribution activities.

According to Joseph Moore, president of Thomas Nelson Gift Division, the combined companies will benefit from greater industry presence and growth.

"This partnership will provide our combined organizations with greater industry leverage through increased volume and increased product opportunities," said Moore. "These factors will be instrumental in growing our Canadian gift business."

Word Entertainment Canada President, Terry Dawes, said, "The synergies and opportunities afforded by this partnership will allow us to diversify our business and increase our growth. The strength of Thomas Nelson's Canadian sales team will be a strong asset as we proceed. We also welcome the opportunity to continue and enhance our relationship with our primary toy supplier, Eden LLC."

The arrangement is effective June 1, 1999 and calls for Word Entertainment to maintain all sales personnel of Thomas Nelson Gifts Canada. Approximately 20 administrative and support functions will be consolidated in Toronto and Vancouver.

Word Entertainment (Canada), Inc. is a subsidiary of Gaylord Entertainment Company and Word Entertainment of Nashville, Tennessee. Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE:GET) is a diversified entertainment company operating in three business segments: hospitality and attractions; broadcasting and music; and cable networks.

The Thomas Nelson Gifts family includes C.R. Gibson(R), Creative Papers(R), Toccata(R), Markings(R) and Kids Kollections(R). Thomas Nelson Gifts is a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements and a number of factors may affect future results, liquidity and capital resources. These factors include softness in the general retail environment, the timing of products being introduced to the market, the level of returns experienced by the operating divisions, the level of margins achievable in the marketplace and the ability to minimize operating expenses. Although the Company believes it has the business strategy and resources needed for improved operations, future revenue and margin trends cannot be reliably predicted and may cause the Company to adjust its business strategy for the remaining portion of fiscal 2000. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is a leading publisher, producer and distributor of books emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes, and believes it is the largest publisher of Bibles and inspirational books in the English language. The Company also designs and markets a broad line of gift and stationery products. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.thomasnelson.com.