Overview of business performance: net sales and operating income reached record highs

In fiscal 2008, Benesse recorded record-high net sales, operating income and ordinary income for the sixth consecutive year on the back of strong growth, particularly in its core Education Group.
On the other hand, net income dropped for the second year running despite Benesse recording a gain on the sale of shares of Telemarketing Japan, Inc. The lower net income was due to the booking of a goodwill amortization charge under special losses, which was associated with the share value impairment of the Company's shareholding in Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, Inc.