Atlas Editions Assigns Electronic Rights for Collier's Encyclopedia to Microsoft

Posted on February 12, 1998

Atlas Editions Inc. announced it will assign the electronic content rights of the critically acclaimed Collier's Encyclopedia to the Microsoft Corporation. Atlas Editions will still retain rights to publish print versions of Collier's Encyclopedia.

John Perrachon, president and chief operating officer of Atlas Editions Inc., said: "The fine reputation of Collier's content with critics and educators is well-deserved. The additional resources from this transaction will allow us to continue to build on the sales momentum we're experiencing with our card, binder and children's book continuity publishing programs. These programs are sold through Atlas Editions' high-volume direct marketing channel of distribution. "

"We approached Microsoft for this assignment because we felt its Encarta Encyclopedia was the best fit for the Collier's content and because Microsoft has proven its ability to deliver the highest quality multimedia reference tool on the market," said Julian Trunkfield, senior vice president, corporate development and finance for De Agostini Atlas Editions B.V., who initiated and negotiated the transaction on behalf of Atlas Editions Inc.

Atlas Editions published the Collier's Encyclopedia 1998 multimedia CD-ROM in conjunction with Sierra On-line, a subsidiary of Cendant Software, during 1996 and 1997. Atlas Editions also announced that the relationship between Sierra On-line and Atlas Editions is being dissolved.