D&B Completes Acquisition of Hoover's.

Business Editors

SHORT HILLS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2003

D&B (NYSE: DNB), the leading provider of global business information and technology solutions, said today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Hoover's Inc., a provider of industry and market intelligence on public and private companies.

The transaction was valued at $7.00 per share in cash, for a total of approximately $119 million, or approximately $81 million net of Hoover's cash. D&B funded the acquisition with cash on hand.

"Hoover's is a good strategic fit for D&B for many reasons, as we said when we announced this transaction in December," said Allan Z. Loren, D&B chairman and chief executive officer. "Its core subscription business has a track record of growth and the potential for much more. In addition, Hoover's has a solid presence in the sales & marketing area, a focus on small business customers, and the majority of its revenues delivered over the Web - all of which are consistent with key elements of our Blueprint for Growth strategy."

"We are excited to be joining the D&B team and look forward to working together to generate new growth and profit opportunities," said Jeffrey R. Tarr, Hoover's President. Tarr will continue to lead the Hoover's business, which will become part of D&B's E-Business Solutions group.

D&B (NYSE: DNB) provides the information, tools and expertise to help customers Decide with Confidence. D&B enables customers quick access to objective, global information whenever and wherever they need it. Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions to manage credit exposure, D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions to find profitable customers and D&B Supply Management Solutions to manage suppliers efficiently. D&B's E-Business Solutions are also used to provide Web-based access to trusted business information for current customers as well as new small business and other non-traditional customers. Over 90 percent of the Business Week Global 1000 rely on D&B as a trusted partner to make confident business decisions. For more information, please visit www.dnb.com.