EBSCO and RoweCome, another release

[Ann Okerson <ann.okerson@yale.edu>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
	FROM: Regina Kennamer
	Corporate Communications
	(205) 981-5145
	email: rkennamer@ebsco.com

EBSCO Industries Confirms Intention to Acquire Operations of RoweCom 
Europe

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., U.S.A. -  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 in 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 2000 customers. For more information, visit the 
company's Web site at www.divine.com.

About EBSCO Industries, Inc.
EBSCO Industries, Inc. is a global corporation with sales, service and 
manufacturing subsidiaries at work in 19 countries around the world. 
EBSCO's business interests include information management services, 
journal and periodical subscription services, real estate development, 
commercial printing and more. EBSCO, an acronym for Elton B. Stephens 
Company, is based in Birmingham, Alabama and employs 4,000 people around 
the world. Additional information on EBSCO Industries is available from 
www.ebscoind.com.


Released: December 20, 2002
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