As part of its strategy to more tightly focus its publishing program at the college and training level, Thomson Learning is looking to divest three businesses, including its college guide publisher Peterson's. Thomson acquired Peterson's Guides in 1995 and has added a number of online features and other electronic products to its core book line; included in the sale is the Arco imprint of test guides.

The two other units for sale are reference publisher K.G. Saur, and the U.S. operations of Thomson Education Direct, a distance-learning career school. The three units combined for total sales of $145 million in 2005.