Press Release Details

Reuters To Acquire Leading Provider Of Global Economic Data

October 6, 2005 at 12:00 AM EDT

London – Global information company Reuters (LSE:RTR, NASDAQ:RTRSY) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EcoWin, the Swedish company specialising in global macroeconomic data and analysis.

Reuters will acquire 100 percent of the share capital of EcoWin for a cash consideration of $40 million plus an adjustment for cash and working capital at the date of completion. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur by end of 2005.

The acquisition of the privately held company follows Reuters recently announced growth strategy, which includes a focus on high value content to provide greater insight and supplement the news, company information, research and analysis that Reuters currently provides.

EcoWin was established in 1994 and has become a leading provider of in-depth global macroeconomic time-series data. The EcoWin economic database consists of five million economic and financial time series sourced from over eight hundred primary sources, covering more than one hundred countries worldwide, as well as regional aggregates such as the Euro Zone, Europe, Africa, Americas and World.

EcoWin data is delivered through EcoWin Pro software. EcoWin Pro is a dynamic charting and reporting tool that allows for a comprehensive range of analytical possibilities.

EcoWin will be integrated with Reuters Research and Asset Management division. EcoWin products will continue to be sold and supported by Reuters and will be re-branded as Reuters EcoWin. Reuters will enhance its premium desktop offering, Reuters 3000 Xtra, to provide its users near real-time access to a broad range of economic data. Additionally, EcoWin data will also be incorporated into Reuters Knowledge, a leading-edge research and analytics solution that delivers investment management professionals in-depth company fundamental and research data, including Reuters Estimates, Reuters Fundamentals, and Reuters News and Pricing.

Julie Holland, Global Head of Research and Asset Management at Reuters commented: “EcoWin is an excellent fit with Reuters. Their macroeconomic data complements our company and financial content, and our Editorial capabilities. Our clients need and use macroeconomic data and all EcoWin's clients can benefit from additional Reuters content.

“The agreement is a key step towards our vision to become the leading supplier of comprehensive investment intelligence and is key to Reuters strategy in the research and asset management space. The deal is also great news for all of our customers in terms of enhanced service, broader analysis and integrated products.”

Christer Lundgren, CEO of EcoWin, comments: “We at EcoWin are excited to become part of Reuters. We believe that their vast client base and global presence will enable us to accelerate our growth, and provide clients an unrivalled breadth of content and analytics.”

Ends

For further information contact:

Yasmeen Khan
Reuters media relations
+ 44 207 542 0496
yasmeen.khan@reuters.com

Miriam McKay
Reuters Investor Relations
+44 20 7542 7057
miriam.mckay@reuters.com

About Reuters

Reuters (www.reuters.com), the global information company, provides indispensable information tailored for professionals in the financial services, media and corporate markets. Its trusted information drives decision making across the globe based on a reputation for speed, accuracy and independence. Reuters has 15,300 staff in 91 countries, including staff from the acquisition of Moneyline Telerate (MLT) in June 2005. It also includes 2,300 editorial staff in 196 bureaux serving 129 countries, making Reuters the world's largest international multimedia news agency. In the 2004 Annual Report and Form 20-F, Reuters Group revenues were £2.9 billion.

Forward-looking statements

This statement includes certain forward-looking statements relating to Reuters within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those disclosed in such forward-looking statements are described in Reuters Annual Report and Form 20-F 2004 under the heading "Risk Factors" and in Reuters interim results press release included in its Report on Form 6-K dated 27 July 2005. Copies of the Annual Report and Form 20-F and Form 6-K are available on request from Reuters Group PLC, South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EP. In particular, Reuters ability to complete and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition is subject to the risks that the conditions to the acquisition may not be satisfied and risks related to the integration of EcoWin's operations and products following completion, including achieving expected synergies, and general risks associated with EcoWin's businesses. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Reuters speak only as of the date they are made, and Reuters does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

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