SkillSoft Customer SUBWAY(R) Restaurants Honored with Top Spot in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500(R)

Food industry giant recognized for financial strength and stability, size, and growth rate

NASHUA, N.H., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading provider of e-learning and performance support solutions, today congratulated its customer The SUBWAY(R) restaurant chain for being recognized as the top global franchise operation in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500(R). The Franchise 500 is the most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world.

"We are delighted to see our customers recognized for the growth and success of their enterprises," said Jerry Nine, Chief Operating Officer at SkillSoft. "We believe their commitment to training and e-learning has benefited them in the areas of worker productivity and customer service and helped to differentiate Subway in a highly competitive market."

This is the 15th time that SUBWAY(R) restaurants has topped the list. With approximately 27,000 locations worldwide, the chain has nearly 7,000 restaurants internationally in more than 85 countries, including England, France and Germany. Subway management feels that continuing to build the brand in new countries is a challenge they're well prepared for.

"As our international growth expands, providing training opportunities is an integral part of our overall corporate strategy," says Bonnie Zownir, Director of Worldwide Training at Subway. "For a franchise system to grow, it's vital to have e-learning initiatives that can reach our field audiences quickly and accurately to help promote management excellence and operational success."

Global franchise organizations are challenged with providing personnel with the skills necessary to excel on the job and contribute to the organization's success and growth. Subway has partnered with SkillSoft to build an Online University that includes custom courseware on restaurant policies and processes, food safety, and product recipes. With comprehensive e-learning programs underway, Subway can improve workforce performance by linking learning strategy with overall business objectives.

SkillSoft works with over 2,000 global enterprises providing the best of breed e-learning and performance support solutions to support corporate initiatives.

About SkillSoft

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading provider of e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables companies to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.

Content offerings include business, IT, desktop and compliance courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as SkillSim(TM) simulations, KnowledgeCenter(TM) portals and online mentoring services. The Books24x7(R) division offers online access to more than 10,000 unabridged IT and business books in its Referenceware(R) collections, as well as book summaries, executive reports and best practices. Technology offerings include the SkillPort(R) learning management system, Search-and-Learn(R), SkillSoft(R) Dialogue(TM) virtual classroom, SkillView(R) competency management software and the Enterprise Learning Connection Suite(TM), a set of platform-neutral modules that can be used to create learning programs tailored to business needs.

SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, Ahead of the Learning Curve, SkillPort, Search-and-Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, Referenceware, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Contacts:

    Donna Keenan                         Ed Hadley
    SkillSoft                            PAN Communications, Inc.
    603.821.3211                         978.474.1900
    Donna_Keenan@SkillSoft.com           SkillSoft@pancomm.com

SOURCE SkillSoft PLC

Released January 30, 2007