Hobsons Acquires Academic Engine

Cincinnati, OH—Hobsons announced today that it has acquired Academic Engine, one of the leading communications and recruitment technology providers in higher education. The integration of Academic Engine further strengthens the Hobsons EMT (enrollment management technology) product line.

Academic Engine is an Internet software development firm with a powerful suite of recruitment tools including the industry leading Virtual Advisor, a natural language question/answer system. The addition of these technologies, combined with Hobsons online and offline recruiting products and services, creates a world-class organization that helps guide students from prospect to alumnus.

“This acquisition positions Hobsons as a leading provider of solutions for higher education,” said Craig Heldman, president of Hobsons Americas. “Combining Hobsons’ global reach in the education marketplace with Academic Engine's technology development and support competencies will result in an integrated package of solutions that is unique to our market.”

Currently, Academic Engine serves more than 150 higher education clients. When joined with Hobsons extensive client list, the combined organization will provide recruitment solutions to nearly 800 institutions this year alone.

“We are excited to join what we feel is the most well respected organization in the industry,” said Paul Freedman, president of Academic Engine. “The institutional strength of Hobsons will enable us to create innovative solutions and provide unparalleled service to our world wide client base.”

About Academic Engine
Academic Engine is the leading communications and recruitment technology provider in higher education. Their mission is to provide innovative technology solutions to fulfill recruitment and communications needs at institutions of higher learning. Academic Engine strives to accomplish this mission by continual innovation and adaptation to meet their clients’ needs.

The Communication Management Suite comprised of Virtual Advisor, Knowledge Builder, and Mass Reach are key components to a successful Internet electronic communications strategy with prospective students. Academic Engine recognizes the unique needs and challenges of each university client, so every Virtual Advisor and Knowledge Builder is entirely customized. Academic Engine solutions are totally hosted and can be deployed on a new website quickly and easily. For more information contact Academic Engine at 800-439-4056 or visit them on the web at www.academicengine.com.

About Hobsons
Hobsons EMT, a division of Hobsons, produces totally customizable Web-based software packages designed to improve the efficiency of the modern college admissions office. Offerings include EMT Connect, EMT Apply, EMT Survey, EMT Impress, and EMT Answer. All of these modules work together or independently to help schools effectively handle Web and e-mail inquiries. For more information, visit www.emt.hobsons.com.

Hobsons is a member company of DMG Information, a division of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc. The DMGT is one of the oldest and most successful media organizations internationally. With 28 years of publishing experience, the London-based company has become a global presence. With nearly three million copies of more than 200 publications distributed annually, Hobsons is the single largest provider of education and recruitment information worldwide.