Berkery, Noyes & Co. represents Meeks Heit Publishing Company on its sale to Everyday Learning, a Tribune Education company

NEW YORK, November 16, 1999 — Everyday Learning Corporation, a Tribune Education company, has agreed to acquire Meeks Heit Publishing Company, a privately held company that produces health education materials and teacher supplements for the K-12 market. Terms were not disclosed. Closing of the proposed transaction will occur following Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance.

"The Meeks Heit brand is the most recognized franchise in health education with products that are differentiated by their comprehensive nature and ease of use. No other publisher offers a complete and consistent K-12 school health program," Sari Factor, Everyday Learning vice president/general manager, said. "Everyday Learning is noted for distinctive materials that help improve what and how teachers teach and students learn. This acquisition is a strategic way to diversify and expand our product line."

"Health education has become a greater concern for school districts, and spending for wellness and life skills materials is increasing," Alan Aldworth, Tribune Education vice president/operations and development, said. "Meeks Heit products have been well received in adoption states where statewide reviews are used to screen curriculum materials for local use. This acquisition complements Everyday Learning’s strong presence in open-territory states and allows us to effectively market products in both situations."

Meeks Heit, based in Blacklick, Ohio, was founded in 1991 by Linda Meeks and Philip Heit. Both are emeritus professors at The Ohio State University and serve as the primary authors for the company’s products. Meeks Heit core products are "Totally Awesome Health," published for the elementary school and middle school markets, and "Health and Wellness" for the high school market.

Following the acquisition, Meeks and Heit will continue as authors and consultants, assisting in the development of new products. "There are many educational publishers, but we searched for a company that shared our passion for producing products that empower students. We look forward to becoming part of Everyday Learning and working together to set the standard for health education in the 21st century," Meeks and Heit said.

Tribune (NYSE: TRB) is a leading media company with operations in television and radio broadcasting, publishing, education and interactive ventures. It is an industry leader in venture partnerships with new-media companies. In 1999, for the second straight year, Tribune ranked No. 1 among its industry peers in Fortune magazine’s lists of most-admired companies in America and in the world.

Tribune Education develops and markets lifelong learning products and services for use in schools and homes. It is an industry leader in supplemental education materials and a major publisher of children’s books and non-fiction consumer titles. Its business units are The Wright Group, Everyday Learning/Creative Publications Group, NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group, Landoll, Inc., and Instructional Fair Group.