New York City, July 29, 1999: Wicks Business Information, LLC today announced that it has acquired Briefings Publishing Group, an indirect subsidiary of Pearson plc.

Briefings Publishing Group is an information provider currently publishing four newsletters, Communication Briefings, Managers Edge, Team Management Briefings, and The Competitive Advantage, as well as videotapes and books. Briefings Publishing Group is a leading and well-respected producer of media aimed at improving workplace and managerial performance. The company is located in Alexandria, VA.

In announcing the acquisition, Douglas J. Manoni, President and CEO of Wicks Business Information, said: "We are very pleased to acquire this strong, well-recognized brand along with an excellent staff and an outstanding array of products. This organization will serve as a strong platform as we expand the product line and revenue base of the Briefings Publishing Group in the months and years ahead."

Wicks Business Information, an affiliate of The Wicks Group of Companies, L.L.C., operates in the business-to-business information services market and is concentrating on growth by acquisition and development of business magazines, newsletters, trade shows, conferences and specialized information products. The company is located in Norwalk, CT.

The Wicks Group of Companies, L.L.C. is a New York-based investment firm specializing in communications, information and media businesses.