Contact Information: Contacts: David Gutierrez Dresner Corporate Services 312.780.7204 dgutierrez@dresnerco.com Gregg Pollack Dresner Partners 312.780.7207 gpollack@dresnerco.com
Dresner Partners Advises Learning Resources in Acquisition of Educational Insights
| Source: Dresner Partners
CHICAGO, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 18, 2006 -- Dresner Partners, a leading middle-market
investment bank, announced today that it acted as the financial advisor to
Learning Resources, Inc. in the acquisition of Educational Insights, Inc.
(PINKSHEETS : EDIN ), a leading California-based designer, developer and
marketer of innovative learning products. The $24.2 million transaction,
which was structured as a merger, closed on October 16, 2006. Dresner
Partners also assisted Learning Resources in procuring a new senior debt
facility to fund the transaction and refinance existing senior debt.
Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, Learning Resources markets and
distributes its products to over 80 countries around the globe. For more
than 20 years, educators and parents have trusted Learning Resources as a
source for quality, award-winning educational products in language, math,
science and early childhood.
Educational Insights is well known for its educational products with a
"hands-on" approach. The Company is also a highly successful developer and
marketer of popular electronic learning aids including GeoSafari® Talking
Globe and Classroom Jeopardy!®, as well as best sellers like the popular
Blokus®strategy games, CoinStruction® building sets and The Amazing Live
Sea-Monkeys® Activity Sets. Its products are highly regarded in both the
educational (school) market and the specialty toy sector.
"The acquisition of Educational Insights strengthens the solid foundation
that Learning Resources has built in the educational products industry,"
said Steven M. Dresner, president of Dresner Partners. "We are pleased
that we were able to facilitate the company's efforts to complete this
highly synergistic transaction, and we look forward to assisting the
company as it continues to pursue attractive growth opportunities in its
core markets."
"With its track record of successful and award-winning products,
Educational Insights is a natural fit for Learning Resources. Both
companies are committed to developing innovative hands-on products that
make learning faster, easier and more fun," said Richard Woldenberg, Chief
Executive Officer of Learning Resources. "We believe that the addition of
Educational Insights to our corporate family, following our recent
acquisition of the Safe-T Products and Extra Measures companies, offers our
dealers and consumers access to the most extensive hands-on learning
product line in the world."
About Dresner Partners
Dresner Partners is a NASD-registered, middle-market investment bank based
in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1991, Dresner Partners provides financial
advisory services to business owners and managers throughout the United
States, including institutional private placements of debt and equity,
merger & acquisition advisory, and valuation and strategic consulting. Its
affiliate company, Dresner Corporate Services, is a strategic
communications firm specializing in investor and public relations. More
information is available via the Internet at www.dresnerpartners.com.
About Learning Resources
Learning Resources, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on
educational materials for classrooms and learning toys for the home. For
more than 20 years, educators and parents have trusted the company as a
source for quality, award-winning educational products teaching language
and reading, math, science and early childhood. Headquartered in Vernon
Hills, Illinois, Learning Resources markets and distributes its products to
over 80 countries around the globe. For more information about Learning
Resources, visit http://www.LearningResources.com.
About Educational Insights
Educational Insights, Inc. is a leading designer, developer, and marketer
of innovative learning products dedicated to teaching children the
fundamentals of geography, math, reading, science, and other subjects.
Educational Insights' award-winning product line comprises more than 750
educational products and includes electronic learning aids, strategy games,
activity books, science kits, manipulatives and learning toys for use in
both schools and homes. Educational Insights, Inc. was founded by Burt
Cutler in 1962 and is based in Rancho Dominguez, California. More
information on Educational Insights can be found at
www.EducationalInsights.com.