Alphen aan den Rijn (February 22, 2012) - Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company focused on professionals, today released its 2011 full-year results which highlight portfolio resilience and steady improvement in operating performance despite macro-economic uncertainty. The company also announced its intention to execute a share buy-back program of up to €100 million in 2012.

NOTE: The information in this press release is based on continuing operations and growth rates cited are at constant currencies, unless stated otherwise.

Highlights
Revenues up 4% (1% organic) fueled by 8% growth in electronic and services revenues.
Electronic and services revenues now represent 71% of total revenues.
Springboard run rate savings reach €191 million in 2011.
Ordinary EBITA up 4% (2% organic) supported by growth in electronic products and Springboard savings, resulting in an ordinary EBITA margin of 21.7%
Profit for the year including discontinued operations decreased to €118 million largely due to an impairment charge of €112 million.
Diluted ordinary EPS up 3% to €1.47.
Solid ordinary free cash flow of €443 million.
Results in line with financial guidance.

Key Figures
(All amounts are in millions of euros unless otherwise indicated)

Full Year 2011 2010 D D CC D OG
Continuing operations:
Revenues 3,354 3,308 1% 4% 1%
Electronic and services revenue % of total 71 68
Ordinary EBITA 728 716 2% 4% 2%
Ordinary EBITA margin (%) 21.7% 21.6%
Ordinary net income 444 436 2% 3%
Profit for the year 242 296 (18%) (17%)
Diluted ordinary EPS (€) 1.47 1.45 2% 3%
Ordinary free cash flow 443 446 (1%) 1%

Including discontinued operations:

Profit for the year 118 287 (59%) (59%)
Diluted EPS (€) 0.40 0.96 (58%) (59%)

D - % Change; D CC - % Change constant currencies (EUR/USD 1.33); D OG - % Organic growth

Looking Forward

Management expects continuous improvement in operating performance in 2012, despite uncertain market conditions.
Announced intention to execute a share buy-back of up to €100 million in 2012.
Proposed dividend increase to €0.68 per share in line with progressive dividend policy.
Nancy McKinstry, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, commented on the full-year performance:
"I am encouraged by the progress that we have made in 2011. The company delivered steady improvements in operating performance. The fundamentals of our business are attractive, with strong global market positions, a high proportion of recurring revenues, and a growing portfolio of online and software solutions. Our strategy to drive growth through innovation and global expansion continues to improve the quality of our business and strengthen our financial results. Our strategic decisions in 2011 have positioned the company well for 2012 and our confidence in the business enables us to propose a €0.68 per share dividend."