Exhibit 99.5

                     THOMSON TO ACQUIRE PRIMARK CORPORATION
                     --------------------------------------

Thomson announced today that it had agreed to acquire Primark, a provider of
financial, economic and market research information products and solutions to a
broad spectrum of customers worldwide, for a cash tender offer for all shares of
Primark stock at US$38.00 per share -- or approximately US$842 million. Thomson
will also assume approximately US$235 in Primark debt.

A copy of the press release is attached for your review.

>>   An Investor Conference Call has been set up for 10:30 AM today. CEO Dick
     Harrington and CFO Bob Daleo of Thomson will be available to answer your
     questions about the acquisition of Primark. You may participate in the call
     as follows:
     o   From North America   800-288-8967
     o   International        612-332-0637
     o

>>   STRATEGIC RATIONALE:
     1.  Primark is a major addition to the Thomson Financial market group,
         immediately enhancing its position as a leading, global e-information
         and solutions provider to the financial services industry.

     2.  The addition of Primark's extensive data, analytical tools, and
         workflow solutions significantly broadens Thomson Financial's customer
         offerings.
         o    Key data categories:
              o    Fundamental Corporate Data
              o    Market Data
              o    Economic Data
         o    Branded analytical products and new workflow solutions:
              o    Online Services
              o    Analytic Tools

    3.   Primark's strong European presence, coupled with its operations in
         North America, Asia and Latin America, immediately expand Thomson
         Financial's global presence and capabilities - a key requirement to
         capitalize on high-growth market opportunities.
         o    The international financial information market is growing twice as
              fast as the US.
         o    TF revenues outside North America will more than double (from 9%
              to 20%).
         o    Primark's strengths in Europe include:
              o    UK Real-Time Equities Information and Electronic Trading
              o    Equity Research, Earnings Estimates and Broker Research
              o    Portfolio Management and Investment Accounting

    4.   With Primark, Thomson Financial will have the increased scale and
         resources to more effectively serve its customers on a global basis.
         o    Nearly $2 billion in combined revenue and more than 10,000
              employees worldwide.
         o    Talent and resources to more strategically invest in and develop
              state-of-the-art technology and solutions to further enhance and
              broaden capabilities.
         o    Achieve synergies by leveraging the combined data collection and
              processing activities, technology infrastructure and sales and
              marketing organizations.

OTHER ITEMS:
>>   The offer commences the week of June 12th. The acquisition is expected to
     be completed during the second half of this year.
>>   Further information on Primark (including historical financial results) may
     be found at their corporate web-site at http://www.primark.com


Regards,

John Kechejian
Thomson Investor Relations