Bowker Acquires International PubEasy® Service from VISTA

Strategic Acquisition by PubNet Owner Promises Significant Benefits

New Providence, N.J. USA - February 11, 2003 - R.R. Bowker, owner of Pubnet and one of the world’s leading sources for book, serial, and publishing data, has acquired ownership of PubEasy®, the 24/7 online customer self-service center for the publishing industry, from VISTA International. As a key player in the management and distribution of product information throughout the world, Bowker’s acquisition of PubEasy will bring enhanced services and development to the PubEasy community. Over 11,000 bookselling users in 110 countries currently access PubEasy to place orders, check price and availability and find information from more than 3300 publishers and imprints. The PubEasy service will strengthen Bowker’s preeminent position in the publishing supply chain, complementing existing information services such as Pubnet and Global Books in Print and further broadening Bowker’s presence globally.

Michael Cairns, President of Bowker commented, "Bowker is excited to build on the industry solution that the PubEasy service affords.  We are committed to continuing the development of this product and together with our Pubnet service bring to the publishing industry a 'one-stop' solution for product ordering and customer service."

VISTA will continue to play a significant role in the PubEasy service and in partnership with Bowker will run the day to day operations and continue with planned enhancements and developments to the service. Brian Gibson, Group CEO of VISTA, added, “We strongly believe in the value and strategic role of PubEasy to the worldwide publishing community and see this as an extremely positive move that will accelerate the growth and development of the PubEasy service.”

As a key player in the management and distribution of product information throughout the world, Bowker's acquisition of PubEasy will enable continued development of enhanced services to support the industry.  Bowker is the owner of Pubnet, an EDI service for US retailers and publishers and it is Bowker's intention to make the PubEasy/Pubnet industry offering a universal tool for publishers, booksellers, librarians, and wholesalers.