Paris and New York, June 29, 2001 - Vivendi Universal (ParisBourse: EXFP; NYSE: V) confirmed today that waiting period under the Hart-Scott-RodinoAntitrust Improvements Act of 1976 relating to the proposed acquisition of HoughtonMifflin (NYSE: HTN) expired on June 27, 2001, clearing the way for VivendiUniversal's tender offer to proceed. The waiting period expired without request foradditional information from U.S. antitrust authorities - the Department ofJustice/Federal Trade Commission.
Assuming that at least two-thirds of the Houghton Mifflin shares havebeen tendered by July 6, 2001, and the other conditions to the tender offer have beensatisfied, it is expected that Vivendi Universal would close successfully the tender offeron that date and achieve the scheduled closing date for the acquisition of HoughtonMifflin.
Important Disclaimer
This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitationof an offer to sell shares of Hougthton Mifflin. Vivendi Universal has filed a TenderOffer statement that contains important information that should be read carefully beforeany decision is made with respect to the offer.
The Tender Offer Statement (including an offer to purchase, a relatedletter of transmittal and other offer documents) is available at no charge at the SEC'swebsite at www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders are urged to read those documentsat the Commission's web site at www.sec.gov. Those documents may also be obtained free ofcharge from Vivendi Universal.
