Financial Profiles Inc. Purchases Vernon Publishing From Dearborn Publishing; Industry Leaders in Financial and Insurance Software and Training Systems Join Forces.

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 1997--Financial Profiles Inc. (www.profiles.com), one of the oldest and most established firms in the needs analysis software industry, has purchased Vernon Publishing and all of its products from its parent company, Dearborn Publishing Group Inc.

Together, the two companies offer more than 60 years of insurance sales and training expertise to agents and financial advisers around the world.

Vernon Publishing, founded in 1968 by Thomas J. Wolff, CLU, ChFC, is the publisher of nationally and internationally recognized needs-based selling systems,including Financial Need Analysis (FNA), Personal Financial Plan (PFP), and Business and Estate Asset Review (BEAR).

Wolff is a recognized leader in the field of insurance sales and one of the visionaries in the development of new insurance technologies. Many of today's insurance professionals grew up on Wolff's selling systems. Agents from many companies, including New York Life, Metropolitan, American General and Jefferson-Pilot, use Vernon Publishing's products.

When asked about the sale, Wolff commented, "I am very pleased that these two recognized leaders are coming together. I know the industry will benefit greatly from this alliance."

Financial Profiles is a leading provider of needs-based planning software, services and support to financial advisers, life insurance agents and independent planners. The company is currently expanding its base of services and products through acquisitions and strategic alliances.

The FNA selling system is a comprehensive package including software, sales guides, fact-finding brochures, telephone guides, audio tutorial tapes and step-by-step interview tapes. To ensure the success of planners and agents using the FNA system, the company also offers a complete guide for trainers and session leaders.

Dearborn has decided to sell Vernon Publishing in order to better focus on its rapidly growing license training and education business.

"We have been looking for vehicles to enhance the services and products available to our clients, as well as increasing our presence in the marketplace. The acquisition of Vernon Publishing continues to expand our reach and capabilities in the life insurance and advising industries," said Tom Hansch, CLU, CFP, president of Financial Profiles.

"The Vernon Publishing products mix well with our product and company philosophy," added Hansch. "Both are designed to increase a planner's knowledge, performance and sales. We are pleased to be joining forces with one of the giants in this industry."

Financial Profiles' flagship planning software program, Profiles+, integrates concepts and tools essential in creating financial plans for clients. There is also multimedia help for presentation pages, designed to make the presentation easy to follow and less intimidating for the client.

Profiles+ has been the cornerstone of Financial Profiles' success in providing easy-to-use, highly powerful and visually appealing software to financial planning, insurance sales and accounting executives.

Founded in 1969, Financial Profiles began as a service bureau, providing needs analysis reports for insurance and financial planners worldwide. Financial Profiles has grown to more than 25,000 users, and provides national training and sales support materials to its client advisers and companies.

CONTACT: Financial Profiles Inc., Carlsbad

Mindi Weinstock, 760/431-9400

[e-mail]

http://www.profiles.com

or

The Gable Group, San Diego 

Aimee Cebulski, 619/234-1300

[e-mail]