The McGraw-Hill Companies Completes Sale of Datapro Information Services, NBI

New York, August 1, 1997 -- The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) today completed the sale of its Datapro Information Services and Northern Business Information units to Gartner Group (NASDAQ: GART).

As previously announced, the divestiture of the two computer market analysis units is consistent with The McGraw-Hill Companies' strategy to focus growth and expansion in global financial services and publishing, where the Corporation already holds leadership positions.

The sale price is approximately $25 million. An after-tax gain from the sale will be reported in the third quarter. The gain, however, is expected to be largely offset by a one-time non-cash charge on certain real estate write-offs related to the Corporation's consolidation of office space in New York City.

"The divestiture of Datapro and NBI reflects our continued emphasis on maximizing shareholder value through focusing on the businesses in which we take a leadership role and refining that focus through cross-pollination of ideas among our business units," said The McGraw-Hill Companies Chairman and CEO Joseph L. Dionne.

All of Datapro Information Services and Northern Business Information's approximately 320 employees will be offered employment by Gartner Group. As previously announced, The McGraw-Hill Companies has retained National Software Testing Laboratories and its approximately 50 employees. NSTL has been transferred to the Corporation's Information Technology Communications Group, which now comprises the magazines BYTE, Data Communications, Data Communications International, LAN Times and tele.com

The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading information services provider, meeting worldwide needs in education, business, finance, the professions and government. Founded in 1888, the Corporation today provides information and analysis in multiple media through its rich portfolio of valuable brands. Revenues in 1996 were $3.1 billion.