A Message from Stephen Wilson, Group Managing Director, Coutts Information
Services

In late September, Franklin Book Co., Inc. discontinued doing business.
Since that time, Coutts has been in communication with the attorneys of
Franklin's former CEO. On October 11th, we came to an agreement that
allows Coutts to have access to Franklin?s systems and customer lists,
including their approval plan profiles, open firm orders and standing
orders. Coutts is prepared to honor all orders placed with Franklin Book,
both firm and standing, and to maintain FBC approval plan profiles. We
have begun the process of confirming these details with former Franklin
customers via telephone and email.

Some background about Coutts may be helpful. Our North American office is
staffed by over one hundred thirty people, comprised of experienced work
teams concentrating on firm orders, standing orders, comprehensive
approval plans, cataloging and technical services, IT, management, and
sales.

As a result of discussions separate from Franklin Book's legal issues, we
are delighted that Bob Schatz has agreed to become Coutts? Director of New
Business Development for academic libraries in the U.S. Bob will work with
our Vice-President of Sales, Andrejs Alferovs in close coordination with
our US sales team, and will act as an ambassador to the US library
community. We are also confident that his knowledge of and contact with
former Franklin Book customers will be especially helpful during this
period of transition

While events surrounding the Franklin closure are unfortunate to say the
least, we at Coutts hope we have provided a positive response to this
situation.

For those desiring more information about these events, the following
contact names may be of use:

Andrejs Alferovs, Vice-President of Sales: aalferovs@couttsinfo.com
Bob Schatz, Director of New Business Development: bschatz@couttsinfo.com
Dolores Radolli, Manager of Customer Service: dradolli@couttsinfo.com

Those wishing to contact Coutts North American offices, may do so at:
800-263-1686.

Stephen Wilson, Group Managing Director
Coutts Information Services
swilson@couttsinfo.com