Maritz Inc. Acquires Librix Learning LLC

$1.3 billion Maritz® signals intent to become major player in e-learning arena

October 1, 2001

Fenton, MO -- Maritz Inc. (www.maritz.com) today announced that it has acquired Librix Learning LLC (www.librix.com). Maritz, ranked 157th on the most recent Forbes list of "500 Biggest Private Companies," will combine the resources of its Maritz Learning Systems Group (www.maritzlearning.com), which specializes in instructor-led, video and CD-ROM training, with Librix's learning management technology and e-learning development expertise. The new combined organization will be called Librix, a Maritz Company, which Maritz plans to launch as a new business unit later this year.

Maritz made a strategic investment in Librix 18 months ago and has worked closely with them on several strategic client opportunities.

"For more than a century we have been committed to helping businesses worldwide improve performance," said Steve Maritz, CEO. "The acquisition of Librix is a logical expansion of our custom training solutions business because it helps us strengthen relationships with our current customers and better meet their expanding needs. This acquisition also positions us to grow with the vast opportunities presented by the e-learning marketplace."

Librix widens the offerings of Maritz Learning Systems through a combination of leading edge technology and a broad range of professional services. The LIBRIX Performance Management System™, which provides clients the ability to track and manage all enterprise learning events, was recently rated a top system for competency management and a leading learning management system (LMS) overall in customer satisfaction in a recent study conducted by Brandon-Hall.com. Librix's professional services include custom
e-learning development as well as learning systems deployment and integration.

Brian Carlin, CEO of Librix, will head the combined organization. Carlin notes: "Maritz has been a leader in the performance improvement industry for decades, driving business results through an integrated process of targeted learning, focused communications, timely measurement and feedback as well as innovative incentives. The new combined company will be ideally positioned to serve clients seeking both the ability to blend e-learning with traditional training techniques and the capacity to drive performance improvement results throughout the enterprise."

The acquisition expands and enhances the capabilities of Maritz Learning Systems to handle logistical and reporting functions of training, match learning to business competencies, create individualized learning networks, direct and validate certification criteria, and establish ROI based on business performance against learning accomplishments. Also, the acquisition integrates two sets of alliance partners that address content and specialty skills requirements, including validated assessment instruments, experimental learning options, and soft skills and technical skills across all delivery platforms.

The new, combined organization will offer learning solutions that blend custom and off-the-shelf content, leading edge technologies such as broadcast-quality video conferencing, web based training, and web-based collaboration tools with traditional delivery techniques to provide both synchronous and asynchronous learning on-site or to remote locations around the globe. Among the business needs addressed by these solutions include: employee retention and development; sales force training; compliance and certification; channel development; product knowledge training; and market research.

In addition to its long history in the learning and performance improvement industries, Maritz has received several recent accolades for its technological prowess. Maritz ranked 178th in this year's "InformationWeek 500 Leading IT Innovators," an annual list of companies that demonstrate a pattern of technological, procedural and organizational innovation. Two years ago Maritz was named 13th in PC Week's Fast-Track list, top 500 innovators in e-business.

About Maritz

Maritz Inc., which ranked 157th on the most recent Forbes list of "500 Biggest Private Companies," is based in the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, MO. Maritz offers marketing research, travel, and performance improvement services, which are delivered through 20 operating companies located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Further information can be found at www.maritz.com.

Maritz® and the Maritz logo are registered service marks of Maritz Inc.