BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, U.S.A. and Paris, France - EBSCO Industries, Inc. (EBSCO), the global leader for the delivery of integrated information systems and services, has received approval from the French Ministry of Finance for its acquisition of RoweCom's European Operations.

The decision given on the 25th of April 2003, authorizes EBSCO's acquisition of RoweCom France pursuant to the definitive purchase agreement previously executed between the two companies dated the 2nd February 2003, which has been reviewed by the French antitrust authorities.

Assets of RoweCom France are being integrated into a newly created wholly owned subsidiary of EBSCO entitled "EBSCO Information Services, SAS," a company organized under French law.

EBSCO and RoweCom Europe are immediately proceeding forward with the final steps necessary to definitively close the acquisition. Final verification of the closing financial statements of the RoweCom Europe entities will be completed very soon. These verifications are customary and are already in progress. Immediately upon definitive closure, EBSCO will proceed to fund payments owed to publishers on behalf of RoweCom Europe customers.

This business combination of RoweCom and EBSCO brings together the best of the two entities. RoweCom France has been the market leader in France and brings a knowledgeable and committed team who has expertise regarding the needs of the French information community. EBSCO is recognized as a worldwide leader in its field with nearly 60 years' experience in subscription and information management, a strong expertise in electronic serial information, and a solid financial position. These synergies will enable EBSCO Information Services, SAS to consolidate its position as the market leader in France.

Luc Prudhon, Managing Director of RoweCom France said, "This is a real opportunity for RoweCom France. We are happy to become part of a family-owned company, which brings us needed financial stability and new development prospects. Our customers will benefit from a wide range of new products and electronic services. In addition we are also determined to strengthen our business contacts with publishers and develop a real partnership with them."

"EBSCO is very pleased to receive the final approval necessary to complete the acquisition of RoweCom Europe," said F. Dixon Brooke, Jr., vice president and division general manager of EBSCO Subscription Services. "Our immediate goals will include: (1) payment to all publishers for RoweCom Europe customers, (2) stabilizing customer support, (3) introducing all RoweCom Europe customers to the expanded service offerings now available to them through EBSCO, and (4) preparing renewals for 2004 subscriptions." Brooke added, "This acquisition solidifies EBSCO's position as the leading provider of high quality information services to libraries and other organizations throughout Europe."

To view the French Ministry statement, please visit: http://alize.finances.gouv.fr/servlet/phase3.DecisionsFr.

About EBSCO Industries, Inc.
EBSCO Industries, Inc. is a global corporation with sales, service and manufacturing subsidiaries at work in 19 countries around the world. EBSCO's business interests include information management services, print and online journal subscription services, online research databases, real estate development, commercial printing and more. EBSCO, an acronym for Elton B. Stephens Company, is based in Birmingham, Alabama U.S.A. and employs 4,000 people around the world. Additional information on EBSCO Industries is available from www.ebscoind.com.

About RoweCom / divine Information Services
RoweCom, acquired by divine in November 2001, offers a wide range of content sources and innovative technologies and provides information specialists, particularly in the library, with complete solutions serving all their information needs, in print or electronic format. Divine Information Services' leading products are kLibrary and kStore, two Web-based subscription management tools. RoweCom/divine Information Services are the market leader in France and employs 160 people for a 2002 turnover of EURO 125 millions.