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Exhibit (a)(1)(I)
21 August 2000
PEARSON PLC ANNOUNCES TERMINATION OF THE HART-SCOTT-RODINO WAITING PERIOD IN
CONNECTION WITH ITS PENDING ACQUISITION OF NATIONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.
Pearson plc announced today that it has received early termination of the
waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976
relating to its proposed acquisition of National Computer Systems, Inc. In
addition, Pearson has received regulatory clearance from the German Federal
Cartel Office for the proposed acquisition.
As previously announced, Pearson entered into a definitive agreement to acquire
National Computer Systems, Inc. Pursuant to such agreement, PN Acquisition
Subsidiary Inc., a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Pearson commenced a
tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of National
Computer Systems, Inc., including the associated preferred stock purchase
rights, for $73.00 per share in cash. The tender offer is scheduled to expire at
12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, September 7, 2000, unless
extended. The tender offer remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of
other customary conditions.
For more information:
Communications Department Pearson plc Tel: +44(0) 207 411 2310
