Cengage Learning Completes Acquisition of National Geographic Society's School Publishing Unit and Unveils National Geographic Learning Brand

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cengage Learning, a leading global provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions, has completed its acquisition of National Geographic Society's (NGS) digital and print school publishing unit and today unveiled the new brand, National Geographic Learning, for its English Language Learning business. Through this acquisition, Cengage Learning now has expanded rights to distribute NGS's content, including images, maps, videos and articles in the academic and library markets worldwide. The acquisition includes the National Geographic Science series, National Geographic Explorer! magazines, and Hampton Brown's literacy and language programs.

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The new global brand, National Geographic Learning, will provide a consistent and unified identity for the former Cengage Learning ELT and National Geographic School Publishing imprints and sub-brands. Over time, the new brand will replace several existing brands in the English Language Learning market.

"The acquisition of National Geographic School Publishing and the creation of the new National Geographic Learning brand is very exciting for us and for our customers in the English language teaching and learning space," said Ron Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cengage Learning.   "The combined business will provide access to a portfolio of products that incorporates National Geographic's long tradition of quality, trust and inspiration with Cengage Learning's demonstrated track record of achievement in key learning metrics and commitment to improving classroom engagement. The acquisition further strengthens our existing English language learning business and offers customers a wider variety of rich materials for the education and library markets."

Cengage Learning and NGS have collaborated since 2007 to produce English language learning materials for kindergarten through adult education in the global marketplace. Cengage Learning will continue to be NGS's exclusive international English language teaching partner. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Cengage Learning

Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. The company's products and services are designed to foster academic excellence and professional development, increase student engagement, improve learning outcomes and deliver authoritative information to people whenever and wherever they need it. Through the company's unique position within both the library and academic markets, Cengage Learning is providing integrated learning solutions that bridge from the library to the classroom.  Cengage Learning's brands include Brooks/Cole, Course Technology, Delmar, Gale, Heinle, South-Western and Wadsworth, among others. For more information on Cengage Learning please visit www.cengage.com.

SOURCE Cengage Learning