FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McGraw-Hill Construction Information Group (CIG) and the
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Form Strategic Alliance

CIG's Sweet's Division to Co-Brand and Co-Publish ASLA's 'Product Profiles &
Directory' and Acquires Exclusive Rights to Advertising Sales

NEW YORK (July 18, 2001) -The McGraw-Hill Companies' (NYSE: MHP) Construction Information Group (CIG) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced a strategic alliance that will result in the co-management of ASLA's Product Profiles & Directory. This first initiative of a multi-year strategic alliance will be managed by CIG's Sweet's division and is designed to significantly expand CIG's design and construction marketplace community as well as provide strong market channels for ASLA's products and services. ASLA has published a product profile and directory for its members and subscribers to Landscape Architecture magazine for 15 years. Total current circulation of the Directory is over 26,000, more than 13,500 of which are ASLA members. Both parties anticipate growing Product Profiles & Directory to a circulation of 50,000 by 2003.

As part of the agreement, Sweet's and ASLA will co-brand the publication beginning with the 2002 edition. Subsequent editions will be co-published by the two organizations. Additionally, beginning with the 2002 edition, Sweet's will obtain exclusive advertising sales rights to the publication. Revenue sharing details were not disclosed.

"This agreement to co-brand, and eventually co-publish ASLA's Product Profiles & Directory is a perfect marriage and ASLA is an organization that we are proud to partner with," said Howard Mager, vice president and general manager of Sweet's. "We believe by utilizing the strengths of each organization, the publication will reach heights previously not imagined."

"Growth is the key to this alliance. By teaming with CIG and its Sweet's division, we immediately elevate the organization and its products and services to higher recognition level within the entire construction community. We look forward to working closely with our new partners in achieving our growth goals," said Nancy Somerville, executive vice president, American Society for Landscape Architects.

The agreement between the two parties also extends to the Internet. Construction.com, the point of convergence for all CIG electronic properties, with sweets.com, will co-host all product information currently accessible via www.asla.org. Web links and cross content hosting will be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2001.

Also in the works is an e-newsletter provided via construction.com, a Professional Practice Library, which includes a technical information series, business indicators and salary surveys, annual meeting proceedings, and a research and reference collection.

About ASLA
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association representing the more 30,000 landscape architects nationwide. Beginning with 11 original members, ASLA has grown to more than 13,500 members and 48 chapters, in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and 42 countries around the world. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication and networking. For more information, visit ASLA OnLine, www.asla.org.

About Sweet's
As the construction community's leading aggregator of building product information, Sweet's designs and organizes all of the building industry's content types to satisfy the needs of both manufacturers and construction professionals -- architects, engineers, specifiers, facility managers, building owners, interior designers and contractors. Sweet's catalogs are available in print, on CD and on the web via www.construction.com.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in financial services, education and business-to-business information through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than 300 offices in 33 countries. Sales in 2000 were $4.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

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