GE, Pearson will not pursue combination with Dow Jones following discussions

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 21 - General Electric Co. and Pearson plc, in reaction to press speculation, issued separate statements on Thursday regarding discussions with Dow Jones & Co.

In its release, GE said the company and NBC Universal are "always evaluating opportunities to enhance our businesses and shareowner value, particularly when they involve superior global brands such as CNBC, the Financial Times Group and Dow Jones."

GE admitted that it, along with CNBC, held "exploratory discussions" with Pearson. However, GE and Pearson have decided not to pursue a combination.

Pearson said it "regularly reviews a variety of investment ideas" and has had exploratory talks with GE about opportunities in business and financial information, including Dow Jones. Pearson also decided not to pursue a combination of CNBC, the Financial Times Group and Dow Jones, according to a 6-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pearson and NBC Universal continue to discuss co-operating agreements between CNBC and the Financial Times Group.

On Wednesday, Dow Jones said its board of directors will take the lead in addressing a proposal from News Corp. in addition to other strategic alternatives, according to a company news release. Dow Jones is a business news and information services company based in New York.

GE is a diversified technology, media and financial services company based in Fairfield, Conn. Pearson is a London-based publisher of educational, business and consumer materials.

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