Pearson Reacquires Reading, MA Development Site

Former Addison Wesley Longman Campus for Sale; National Development to Serve as Advisor to Pearson

Reading, MA,: January 8, 2010 — Pearson obtained ownership today of the former Addison Wesley Longman campus located near the junction of Routes I-93 and I-95 (Route 128) at Route 28 in Reading, MA. The site was reacquired from an affiliate of Newton-based National Development following an extended delay of National Development’s plans for the property in the face of the continuing pressures affecting the commercial real estate markets.

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National Development has obtained expanded zoning, allowing for the construction of residential units consisting of apartments in multi-family buildings, senior housing units, town houses, and a new 160,000 square foot structure with prime office space. This expanded, by-right overlay zoning is in addition to the original by-right zoning granted earlier to Pearson, which allows for the development of 600,000 square feet of premium office space and a hotel supported by surface and structured parking.

Commenting on the site’s continuing potential, National Development’s Managing Partner Ted Tye stated, “This 24 acre property provides a unique opportunity for a major campus or mixed-use development. While we are disappointed that market conditions have slowed the project, we look forward to assisting Pearson in the sale and future development of the property.”

Pearson has retained National Development to act as an advisor in marketing the site for sale to interested parties. George Nugent and Philip Giunta of the Boston office of Grubb & Ellis are the brokers charged with selling the campus. They are supported by the New York-based Richard Berzine & Company, Ltd., Pearson’s real estate advisor.

Commenting on the availability Nugent opined that “The site has zoning and permits in place, as well as a supportive community, that will provide flexibility and speed for potential users. We will be focusing on combining the right mix of multi-family, senior housing, hotel and/or office users.” Giunta explained Grubb & Ellis’s optimism by saying that “The crisis in finance is transitory while the desirability of Reading as a place to live and work will endure.”

Interested parties should contact Nugent and Giunta at 617-772-7229, Tye at 617-527-9800 or Richard Berzine at 212-641-6303.

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education services, technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, go to: www.pearson.com.