EBSCO Industries Inc. today has confirmed that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire the European operations of RoweCom, Inc., a subsidiary of divine, inc., a leading provider of solutions for the extended enterprise.

EBSCO and divine are proceeding with the definitive purchase agreement. The transaction requires French regulatory approval.

“Adding a major European agency to our existing business will enable us to strengthen our global activities,” said F. Dixon Brooke Jr., vice president and division general manager of EBSCO Subscription Services. “EBSCO already has a major presence in Europe and this acquisition only solidifies the amount of customer service and support we can bring our customers worldwide.”

The European operations of RoweCom service primarily customers located in Europe and have offices in France, the U.K. and Spain.

Also today, divine announced its intention to exit the content subscription business as it streamlines the organization to focus on three solution areas: Web, Content and Collaboration Solutions; Customer Interaction Solutions; and Managed Services and Infrastructure Solutions. See the press release, “New Organizational Alignment Strengthens divine’s Ability to Offer End-to-End Solutions for the Extended Enterprise,” for additional details.

About divine, inc.
divine, inc., (Nasdaq: DVIN) is focused on extended enterprise solutions. Through professional services, software services and managed services, divine extends business systems beyond the edge of the enterprise throughout the entire value chain, including suppliers, partners and customers. divine offers single-point accountability for end-to-end solutions that enhance profitability through increased revenue, productivity, and customer loyalty. The company provides expertise in consulting, collaboration, interaction, hosting and knowledge solutions that enlighten, empower and extend enterprise systems.

Founded in 1999, divine focuses on Global 5000 and high-growth middle market firms, government agencies and educational institutions, and currently serves over 2,000 customers. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.divine.com

Released: Dec. 20, 2002