11/15/2006 -- Last month, Thomson Corp. announced that it is looking to sell off assets in its Thomson Learning division, which includes the worldwide testing center network Prometric.

Prometric is one of two leading networks that deliver certification exams worldwide, including those for Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and many others.

"Thomson Learning is an excellent business, but it does not fit with our long-term strategic vision," said Richard J. Harrington, president and chief executive officer of Thomson, in a released statement. Thomson is selling the assets as part of an overall restructuring.

The company has already found a buyer for one of its Learning units, NETg. Bidding for Prometric will open in January.

Prometric itself does not expect the sale process to affect the company's operations. "During the sale negotiations, Prometric is committed to ensuring that its relationships with clients and candidates remain its top priority," the company said in a statement posted on its Web site. "Prometric's management structure and people will remain unchanged, as will the high quality and range of products and services it provides."

According to media reports, the combined sale of all Thomson Learning assets could bring Thomson Corp. as much as $5 billion. -Becky Nagel