TECHNOLOGY - Dec. 1, 1995

Software Takeover Fight Heats Up: A rare hostile takeover battle in the software industry escalated with Cambridge, Mass.-based SoftKey International Inc. gaining a financial boost in its pursuit of Learning Co. of Fremont, Calif. SoftKey bought Compton’s New Media Inc. for $106.5 million and obtained a pledge of support from Compton’s current owner, Tribune Co., for $150 million in financial assistance if it succeeds with the takeover bid. Learning Co. filed suit alleging violations of federal securities by SoftKey. The pressure is growing on Learning Co. to hold a Dec. 11 vote by its shareholders on a friendly takeover offer from another bidder, Novato, Calif.-based Broderbund Software Inc. SoftKey offered $606 million in stock for Learning Co.