Skokie, IL, - Bell & Howell Company (NYSE:BHW) today announced that it has agreed to sell its Imaging unit to Kodak for approximately $150 million in cash. The sale is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close prior to year-end. The Company plans to use the proceeds of the sale to pay down debt. James Roemer, Bell & Howell Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased to have entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Imaging business to Kodak. The combination of these two organizations should benefit our customers by leveraging the resources, experience and best practices of both organizations. Furthermore, Kodak is getting a strong business with loyal customers while joining with an outstanding group of employees who have made Bell & Howell Imaging one of the most respected companies in the industry." This agreement underscores our intention to take advantage of growth opportunities in the worldwide document imaging marketplace," said Candy Obourn, president of the Document Imaging division. "It will enable us to better leverage technologies and resources to provide customers around the world with an easier way to do business, access to an expanded portfolio of products and an unmatched field service capability." Roemer added, "With the pending sale of Imaging, we are well on our way to launching the new ProQuest Company, consisting of our Information & Learning and Publishing Services businesses. The ProQuest Company will be a global leader in research, learning and publishing services. It enables individuals, institutions and dealers to access, manage and utilize high-value, specialized information quicker, more efficiently and with better results." The Company recently reported third quarter sales growth of 12%, from continuing operations on a comparable basis and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) growth of 18%. On a year to date comparable basis, sales grew 9% and EBITDA grew 20%. From that basis, Roemer also affirmed the Company's outlook for the remainder of 2000. "We are expecting sales growth of about 10%, with EBITDA growth in the mid-teens, including our significant investments in our Internet initiatives. We have a solid platform for growth and look forward to finishing this year strongly and transitioning our Imaging business to Kodak."