Move Enhances S&P Research Platform for Institutional Investors

NEW YORK, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) and the leading provider of independent investment research, ratings and indices, today announced it had signed an agreement to acquire Vista Research, Inc., an independent primary research firm. Vista Research facilitates access for institutional money managers and hedge funds to a broad network of industry practitioners across multiple industries and disciplines. The acquisition is subject to NASD approval and is expected to close in early April.

Founded in 2001, Vista Research connects clients to individuals with operational experience in industries such as technology, media, telecommunications, energy, aerospace and healthcare. Through its network of top-quality industry contacts, Vista's Society of Industry Leaders, the firm offers customers in-depth, field-level insights about issues and trends within different industry sectors.

"Vista Research adds an exciting new capability to our suite of research products and information platforms by enabling institutional money management clients to access a broad set of industry practitioners, consumers and thought leaders in their respective fields," said Hendrik Kranenburg, executive vice president, Standard & Poor's. "The institutional knowledge and experience in their network complements Standard & Poor's research and data products."

"Now, more than ever, institutional money managers need good independent, unbiased research services. The tremendous growth of Vista is a testament to Vista's product, service and people," said Stanton Green, CEO and President of Vista Research. "Joining S&P allows us to expand our offering even further, building on Standard & Poor's resources to increase our depth of contacts, information and global reach."

Vista will continue to expand its network of industry leaders to broaden its capabilities for providing fast and accessible information to clients on market developments, new products and technologies, regulations and competition affecting various industries. Jack Hidary, co-founder and chairman of Vista Research, will continue on as an advisor to Standard & Poor's and Vista.

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 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.

About Vista Research

Vista Research, Inc. provides institutional money managers and hedge funds with access to a broad network of top-quality industry practitioners who share fresh, field-level insights with Vista's clients. Vista is a co-founder of Investorside, a trade organization for independent research firms with over 75 members. For more information, visit http://www.vistaresearch.com and http://www.societyofindustryleaders.com.

SOURCE  Standard & Poor's
    -0-                             03/04/2005
    /CONTACT:  Michael Privitera
               Standard & Poor's
               212-438-6679
               michael_privitera@standardandpoors.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.standardandpoors.comhttp://www.vistaresearch.comhttp://www.societyofindustryleaders.comhttp://www.mcgraw-hill.com /
    (MHP)

CO:  Standard & Poor's; McGraw-Hill Companies; Vista Research
ST:  New York
IN:  FIN PUB CPR TLS OIL ARO HEA
SU:  TNM

AA
-- NYF097 --
9934 03/04/200514:40 ESThttp://www.prnewswire.com