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Sylvan Learning Franchise Sales Grow 150 Percent in 2008

Company's Success Showcases Strength of Supplemental Education Despite Economy

Sylvan Learning, Inc., North America's most recognized provider of supplemental education, announced today its franchise sales grew more than 150 percent in 2008. Despite the challenging economy, Sylvan Learning sold a total of 94 domestic franchise territories in 2008 compared to 37 territories in 2007.

Strong sales are a result of a strategic decision by Sylvan Learning to focus on franchising to local entrepreneurs and business operators who can respond to the particular needs of each community while utilizing the tools, resources and brand equity of the Sylvan name.

"The impressive results of our franchising efforts illustrate the priority families continue to place on supplemental educational services," said Jeffrey Cohen, president and CEO of Sylvan Learning, Inc. "Coupled with a proven concept that has been refined over 30 years, owning a Sylvan franchise offers personal and professional satisfaction few other occupations can match."

Building on the sales momentum, there are additional opportunities in hundreds of communities across the U.S. for prospective franchisees to purchase a territory and start their own Sylvan Learning Center. Sylvan also has identified 47 existing company-owned centers in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Houston, Washington D.C. and Milwaukee that the company is interested in converting to franchised centers. In those markets, interested franchisees have the potential to generate revenue from these existing centers ranging from $200,000 to $1 million.

Sylvan franchisees benefit from a $40 million advertising and marketing program designed to drive enrollment and conversion. In addition, all franchisees experience an unparalleled training program that prepares them, with or without educational experience, with the tools they need to succeed as business owners.

"Despite an economic environment where many businesses are struggling, the supplemental education market is proving resilient, and as a result, there is increased interest by entrepreneurs in aligning themselves with Sylvan," said Curt Hapward, Sylvan Learning's vice president for franchising. "With brand awareness twice as strong as any competitor in the industry, our franchisees benefit from the proven, 30-year success of Sylvan's well-established franchise system as they work collaboratively with families and businesses in their own backyard."

Sylvan currently operates nearly 1,200 centers in 49 states in the U.S. and six provinces in Canada and has served more than two million students since 1979. In 2008, Sylvan Learning was ranked number 57 in Franchise Times magazine's "Top 200 Systems" based on total number of units and has been ranked 24 times in Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500 Ranking," the industry's premier franchise ranking.

About Sylvan Learning

Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. With 30 years of experience and nearly 1,200 centers located throughout North America, Sylvan's proven process and personalized instructional methods have inspired more than two million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan's trained and certified instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan helps transform unique kids into uniquely inspired learners with the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else.

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