TDS

March 1st, 2002
For Immediate Release

TDS Acquires The Learning Edge
Acquisition adds software application training to TDS’ catalog of products and services

HOUSTON – Barry Hardy, chief executive officer of Training & Development Systems, Inc. (TDS), today announced the acquisition of The Learning Edge (TLE), a Beaumont, Texas-based company that specializes in software applications training. The acquisition will combine TLE’s expertise in information technology with TDS’ growing e-learning division to better meet client needs.

Established in 1988, TLE provides customized one-on-one and group training in Microsoft Office, Web graphics and development, Primavera, Novell, Microsoft Windows Operating systems and Lotus Notes. Known for its superior instructors TLE operates three classroom facilities in Houston, La Porte and Beaumont, serving a number of regional industries including petroleum, healthcare and finance.

As part of the acquisition, TLE will relocate its La Porte classroom facility to TDS’ headquarters in Clear Lake along with TLE’s course material management division and accounting department. As part of the restructuring TDS will upgrade approximately 75 percent of TLE’s classroom computers to meet Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center standards. TDS plans to retain all of TLE’s employees.

“It is our intent to build upon the synergy of our two companies and grow The Learning Edge to its full potential,” Hardy said. “Even though it will be structured as a subsidiary of TDS, the two companies will operate as a team, working collectively to meet the needs of our clients.”

Hardy assigned Michael Van Chau, director of information technology and e-learning with TDS, to lead the acquisition.

"Acquiring The Learning Edge is a strong and positive move for TDS,” Van Chau said. “The acquisition fulfills multiple corporate goals in product and service diversification and in the development of e-learning offerings. The leadership that TDS brings to The Learning Edge will quickly shed some healthy light on a business just waiting to bloom."

Founded in 1993, TDS is a full-service performance improvement consulting firm that uses a systematic approach to helping individuals, work groups and organizations achieve peak performance and results, as well as a competitive advantage.

TDS serves clients in the petroleum, education, information technology, medical, manufacturing, aerospace and financial industries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.tdshou.com.