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Keywords Learning, Publishing industry
Thomson Learning Europe, a division of the Thomson Corporation, has acquired Macmillan's vocational publishing list. Thomson Learning, a leading provider of lifelong learning solutions, will combine the acquired list with existing UK product and current offerings from their Delmar and Wadsworth divisions to offer customers a wide range of products and services in the UK Further Education market. All the staff working on this list have been redeployed within Macmillan Press as part of the company's expansion plans in Higher Education. Industry experts estimate the Further Education/Vocational market is a key growth area in the UK; vocational student numbers are increasing each year by approximately 7 per cent. The acquisition enhances Thomson Learning's current product line in several key vocational studies including cosmetology; hair and beauty; early childhood education; motor vehicle and mechanical engineering; catering and hospitality; and caring.
Macmillan Press Managing Director Dominic Knight said, "Macmillan Press is engaging in a major investment in its global publishing for Higher Education. The divestment of largely local sub-degree level publishing will help us re-focus our business."
Bob Christie, president and chief executive officer of Thomson Learning said,"As the need for training and certification programs continues to increase,Thomson Learning is committed to expanding our business into vocational markets. The combination of Macmillan's list and our current product offerings will put Thomson Learning in a strong position to become a leading global provider of lifelong learning material."
As part of Thomson Learning Europe, the acquired titles will be handled by a newly launched lifelong learning sales force and editorial department. "Thomson Learning is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to our customers around the world. The Macmillan list gives us the critical mass to put the necessary resources in place for the UK marketplace," said Bob Cullen,president and chief executive officer of Thomson Learning's International Division. "Macmillan's superb authors, combined with our existing product, will allow us to meet the unique needs of our UK customers now and in the future."
Thomson Learning (http://www.thomsonlearning.com)is among the world's largest 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. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with multiple offices worldwide, Thomson Learning is a division of The Thomson Corporation. The Thomson Corporation, with 1999 revenues of US$5.8 billion, is a leading electronic information and solutions company. The Corporation's common shares are traded on the Toronto and London Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit the Thomson Corporation's Internet address at http://www.thomson.com
