For more information contact:

In Europe:              In U.S.A.:

Bryan Ingleby           Vernon W. Cain
Group Chief Executive   President & CEO
Dawson Holdings PLC     Dawson's N. American Operations

Tel:  0303-850101       Tel: 815-732-9001
Fax:  0303-851186       Fax: 815-732-2123

October 3, 1994

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Folkestone, U.K.-Dawson Holdings PLC announced today that final terms for the
purchase of The Faxon Company, Inc. and the remaining subsidiaries have been
agreed, pending U.S. Government approval, and that the Company has arranged for
the line of credit to meet the seasonal funding needs of Faxon.

The Faxon Company, Inc. announced with Dawson, September 5, 1994, their
agreement to accept Dawson Holdings' offer to acquire The Faxon Company, Inc.
and all subsidiaries, making Dawson the second largest library information
services organization in the world.

Gerry Connolly, Group Financial Officer of Dawson Holdings, said, "The
established line of credit will provide financing to return Faxon to normal
trading terms with all publishers at the soonest possible time and assure
clients of both Dawson's and Faxon's commitment to maintain the highest degree
of service."

In addition to Mr. Connolly's statement, Bryan Ingleby, Group Chief Executive
of Dawson Holdings PLC, said, "I appreciate the patience, understanding and
support received from clients and publishers, and am pleased about the
increased financial stability and reliability which is created by the
acquisition, allowing Dawson and Faxon to further serve the needs of the
international library community."

Dawson Holdings PLC, established in 1809, is a publicly traded, worldwide
supplier of information services to the library and business communities.