NEW YORK, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Vista Research, Inc., a leading provider of primary research. Terms were not disclosed.

"Vista Research is an excellent fit with Standard & Poor's and will enhance the growth prospects of our research product suite," said Hendrik Kranenburg, Executive Vice President, Standard & Poor's. "The knowledge and experience of the talent in their vast network complements Standard & Poor's own proprietary data and investment research."

Vista Research provides clients with access to professionals with direct experience in industries such as technology, media, telecommunications and healthcare. Its network of industry practitioners are able to offer investors fresh, field-level insights about issues and conditions affecting companies and sectors.

About Standard & Poor's

Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is the world's foremost provider of independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research, data and valuations. With 6,000 employees located in 21 countries, Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for more than 140 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit http://www.standardandpoors.com.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 37 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

SOURCE  Standard & Poor's
    -0-                             04/01/2005
    /CONTACT:  Media Relations Contact:
               Michael Privitera
               Vice President, Public Affairs
               (212) 438-6679
               michael_privitera@standardandpoors.com /
    /Web site:  http://www.standardandpoors.comhttp://www.mcgraw-hill.com /
    (MHP)

CO:  Standard & Poor's; Vista Research, Inc.; McGraw-Hill Companies
ST:  New York
IN:  FIN PUB
SU:  TNM

KC
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2806 04/01/200512:56 ESThttp://www.prnewswire.com