Elsevier Press Release on RoweCom

["Menefee, Daviess (ELS)" <D.Menefee@elsevier.com>]

*Apologies for cross-posting*

The following press release is now being distributed to the media.  
Readers may find it valuable in addition to the company statement released
here on March 20.

Daviess Menefee
Library Relations

Continuity from Elsevier for Former RoweCom Customers 

"Period of uncertainty" over for libraries

Amsterdam, 20 March 2003 - Elsevier, one of the leading global STM
publishers today announced that former RoweCom customers will continue to
receive delivery of Elsevier products, thereby preventing "gaps" in
library collections.  Elsevier believes that good progress has been made
in the takeover by EBSCO of the RoweCom subscription agent business and
remains committed to the process. "Libraries have had enough worry during
the period of uncertainty in this affair, and we are glad to help put
customers' minds at ease, " said Derk Haank, Chairman of Elsevier.  "Our
sales and marketing teams are being briefed so that they can share
logistical details with their customers over the next several weeks." 

In January 2003, Elsevier, along with several other publishers within the
RoweCom creditors group, announced that customers would continue to
receive "graced" subscriptions.  In Elsevier's case this meant that all
subscriptions to Elsevier journals and services would be graced through
March 2003.  On 13 March 2003, Elsevier signed the prepaid order agreement
under US bankruptcy procedure, and is supporting the similar processes in
Europe and Australia.  Given inaccuracies in the 2003 subscription orders
received from RoweCom, Elsevier sales and marketing and customer service
representatives are hopeful that direct contact with customers will lead
to complete order and subscription information.  

Customers with RoweCom-related questions can contact Elsevier customer
service at the following e-mail address: orderinfo@elsevier.com.

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