•  World leader in coal information sold in competitive auction

•  £45bn international coal market predicted to grow 10% in 5 years

•  Growing need for accurate data and analysis as coal markets expand geographically

21 December 2007: The van Tulleken Company ("van Tulleken"), leading international corporate finance advisers in media, information and technology, is pleased to announce it has advised the shareholders of The McCloskey Group Ltd ("McCloskey"), the world's largest coal markets information, publishing and research firm, on its sale to NYSE-listed IHS Inc ("IHS").  IHS is a leading global source of critical information and insight in a broad range of industries.  Van Tulleken was appointed earlier this year as sole advisor to the shareholders of McCloskey, advising them on their strategic options for the business.  Van Tulleken led the negotiations, structuring and execution of the transaction.

IHS acquired McCloskey for approximately £14.4 million in an all-cash transaction.

McCloskey's information, insight and news is used throughout the £45bn international coal market, and the $250bn coal derivatives market, with an unrivalled reputation for reliability and market awareness.  The Group was founded in 1987 to provide the Financial Times with coal- and energy-related newsletters.  Based in Petersfield, UK, today McCloskey's customers range from coal producers, traders and shippers to consumer blue-chip companies.  Its offerings include print and online publications, annual conferences and consulting services.

As part of IHS, McCloskey will be managed within Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA).  McCloskey's reporting team will remain unchanged.

Gerard McCloskey, The McCloskey Group founder, Chairman and CEO, said:
"Our sale to IHS supports our goal of extending our reach into other energy sectors and adds significant marketing and commercial strength and expertise.  We were delighted with the insight, professionalism and commitment van Tulleken were able to bring to the sale process.  They are a truly impressive outfit with an unrivalled set of contacts and reputation across the industries they serve."

Andrew Adams, van Tulleken Group Managing Director, London, said:
"McCloskey is an excellent business with attractive prospects and van Tulleken is delighted to have advised the shareholders on their sale to IHS.  Coal provides 25% of global primary energy needs and generates 40% of the world’s electricity, with growth driven by emerging markets and the strength of world energy demand.  McCloskey’s expertise and information is critical for anyone involved in the coal market.”

For further information:
Andrew Adams, The van Tulleken Company 
Tel:  +44 20 7235 1099

Libby Young, Smithfield 
Tel:  +44 20 7360 4900

Notes to Editors
The van Tulleken Company (www.vantulleken.com) is a leading international corporate finance adviser on mergers, acquisitions and strategic developments in the media, information and technology industries.  The company has offices in London and New York, serving large international companies and small and medium sized firms in the UK, Europe and the US.  Clients include corporations, financial sponsors, media executives and entrepreneurs. Companies that have retained The van Tulleken Company on an ongoing or assignment basis include Wolters Kluwer; The von Holtzbrinck Group; VNU; Reed Elsevier; Hearst and Pearson.  The skills and experience of the team are virtually unmatched in the industry, having worked on over 50 publishing and information deals in the last few years, representing both sellers and acquirers.