Thomson Learning Partners with Universitas 21 to Develop Global e-University; Venture to Design and Produce New Curricula and Courses Capitalizes On Potential of Online Learning

Business Wire, Nov 20, 2000

Business Editors

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2000

Thomson Learning, one of the world's largest providers of lifelong learning information, today announced plans to develop and deliver online learning materials for the growing global e-education market with Universitas 21, an international network of eighteen highly regarded universities in ten countries.

This agreement is subject to due diligence review by both parties. Thomson Learning will be responsible for the course design, content development, testing and assessment, student database management and translation for the project.

As part of the agreement, Universitas 21 and Thomson Learning will develop international higher education and advanced training courses, delivery platforms and an international quality assurance structure. Universitas 21 will award degrees, diplomas, or certificates to students who successfully complete established course requirements. Universitas 21 member universities span the globe throughout Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and East Asia.

The unique structure of Universitas 21 enables it to take a powerful international brand, credible quality assurance, and multi-jurisdictional certification and add Thomson Learning's expansive content and course development experience. The end result is a highly regarded and capable e-university built in a fraction of the time at a fraction of the cost it would take without a partnership of this magnitude.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with Universitas 21 and its top academic pioneers," said Bob Cullen, president and CEO of Thomson Learning's international division. "The brand recognition, credibility, staff and student body that Universitas 21 brings to the formation of an e-university is phenomenal. Together, we can create a high-quality e-learning experience for

customers around the world."

"Along with its strong commitment to educational quality, it is the genuinely international status and multi-jurisdictional character of Universitas 21 that is its greatest competitive advantage," Alan Gilbert, chairman of Universitas 21 explained. "We are ideally positioned to operate in a global environment where the portability of professional qualifications is becoming increasingly important."

According to a recent Merrill Lynch study, in 1990 there were 48 million people enrolled in higher education courses globally. Industry experts predict this number will grow to 97 million by 2010, and to 160 million by 2025. One of the reasons behind the increased enrollment in higher education programs is that the expanding distance learning market has broadened the accessibility of higher education. Currently, the distance learning market outside of North America is estimated to be US $15 billion. As technological advances allow for effective, high-quality distance learning experiences, an increasing number of people will be able to rely upon e-learning options to meet their education and training needs.

"Thomson Learning is the idea partner for Universitas 21," said Chris Robinson, managing director for Universitas 21. "Universitas 21 provides access to the best available academic expertise and information from sources with internationally respected credentials. Thomson Learning will bring extensive expertise and a solid infrastructure to our venture, along with a proven track record in successfully establishing new technology-based enterprises."

The online learning courses developed as a result of this partnership will not be a conduit for existing courses and courseware. Thomson Learning and Universitas 21 will produce new curricula, courseware and delivery platforms designed specifically to deliver an effective e-learning experience. The courses will be delivered over the Internet, augmented by satellite television when necessary.

"This agreement is further proof of Thomson Learning's commitment to growing our presence in the global electronic learning area," said Bob Christie, president and CEO of Thomson Learning. "We look forward to continuing to play a role in shaping the development of the industry as technology and the Internet change the way learners access and use information."

About Thomson Learning

Thomson Learning (www.thomsonlearning.com) is among the world's leading providers of lifelong learning information. Thomson Learning serves the needs of individuals, learning institutions and corporations with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning. These products and services are sold throughout the world, through direct channels and via a worldwide network of distributors. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with multiple offices worldwide, Thomson Learning is a division of The Thomson Corporation, one of the world's leading information businesses. With an emphasis on electronic information and solutions, and 1999 revenues of more than $5.8 billion, Thomson's common shares are listed on the Toronto and London Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomson.com.