6-K 1 pson200801256k.txt ACQUISITION UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of January 2008 PEARSON plc (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) N/A (Translation of registrant's name into English) 80 Strand London, England WC2R 0RL 44-20-7010-2000 (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: Form 20-F X Form 40-F Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Yes No X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Report includes the following documents: 1. A press release from Pearson plc announcing Acquisition 24 January 2008 PEARSON'S ACQUISITION OF HARCOURT ASSESSMENT CLEARED BY U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT Pearson, the international education and information company, today announces that its purchase of the Harcourt Assessment business from Reed Elsevier has received clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice. The transaction is expected to be completed on 28 January 2008. As a condition for approval, Pearson will divest up to three diagnostic assessment tests and one further test in development. Pearson announced on 4 May 2007 that it had agreed to acquire Harcourt Assessment and Harcourt Education International from Reed Elsevier for $950 million in cash. The transaction extends Pearson's position as the world's leading education company by adding new capabilities, complementary products and international reach. The acquisition of Harcourt's international education business was completed in 2007. ENDS For more information: Luke Swanson/ Simon Mays-Smith/ Charles Goldsmith +44 (0)20 7010 2310 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. PEARSON plc Date: 25 January 2008 By: /s/ STEPHEN JONES ----------------------- Stephen Jones Deputy Secretary