NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--Feb. 11, 2003--R.R. Bowker, owner of Pubnet and one of the world's leading publishers of bibliographic information, has acquired ownership of PubEasy, the 24/7 online customer self-service center for the publishing industry, from VISTA International. As a key player in the management and distribution of product information throughout the world, Bowker's acquisition of PubEasy will bring enhanced services and development to the PubEasy community. Over 11,000 bookselling users in 110 countries currently access PubEasy to place orders, check price and availability and find information from more than 3,300 publishers and imprints. The PubEasy service will strengthen Bowker's preeminent position in the publishing supply chain, complementing existing information services such as Pubnet, an EDI service for U.S. retailers and publishers and Global Books in Print(TM), Bowker's searchable database of more than 7 million English language titles. Michael Cairns, President of Bowker, commented, "Bowker is excited to build on the industry solution that the PubEasy service affords. We are committed to continuing the development of this product and together with our Pubnet service bring to the publishing industry a 'one-stop' solution for product ordering and customer service, a universal tool for publishers, booksellers, librarians and wholesalers worldwide." VISTA will continue to play a significant role in the PubEasy service and, in partnership with Bowker, will run the day-to-day operations and continue with planned enhancements and developments to the service. Brian Gibson, Group CEO of VISTA, added, "We strongly believe in the value and strategic role of PubEasy to the worldwide publishing community and see this as an extremely positive move that will accelerate the growth and development of the PubEasy service."