Statement regarding Groupe Les Echos

Pearson confirms that it is considering strategic options for Groupe Les Echos.

This process will establish whether a potential sale of Groupe Les Echos may create value for Pearson's shareholders and enable Les Echos' editorial independence to continue and its people to prosper under a new owner.

Groupe Les Echos includes Les Echos, France's leading business newspaper; lesechos.fr, France's leading business media website; Enjeux, a leading business magazine; and other specialist financial information services. In 2006, Groupe Les Echos contributed €126m of sales and €10m of operating profit to Pearson.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

For more information:   

Luke Swanson: + 44 (0)20 7010 2310