Houghton Mifflin Co. - 11/28/07

Houghton Mifflin Company and Its Parent, Education Media and Publishing Group Limited, Announces Expiration of Hart-Scott-Rodino Waiting Period to Acquire Harcourt Education, Supplemental and Trade Divisions from Reed Elsevier

BOSTON — November 28, 2007 — Houghton Mifflin Company and its parent, Education Media and Publishing Group Limited, announced today that they have been notified of the termination of the waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act with respect to the Company's previously announced definitive agreement to acquire the Harcourt Education, Harcourt Trade and Greenwood-Heinemann divisions of Reed Elsevier. No divestitures or other remedies were required in connection with the termination of the waiting period.

With this regulatory condition satisfied, the transaction is expected to close in mid-December.

About Houghton Mifflin
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with more than $1.4 billion in sales. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. In 2006, Houghton Mifflin merged with Riverdeep, bringing together one of the most respected print publishers with the leader in interactive courseware. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin, visit www.hmco.com.