Renaissance Learning merges with California firm

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. - Renaissance Learning, Inc. and AlphaSmart, Inc. announced today the completion of the merger of AlphaSmart with a subsidiary of Renaissance Learning, Inc.

Renaissance Learning, headquartered in Wisconsin Rapids, provides monitoring systems used by more than 67,000 schools. They are designed to track student progress and give constructive feedback. Renaissance Learning has four U.S. locations and subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.

Los Gatos-based AlphaSmart, founded in 1992, makes portable computer-companion products used by over 8,500 school districts in the United States and elsewhere for aid in typing, writing and reading comprehension.

"We are confident that by adding the Neo & Dana product lines alongside Renaissance Learning's research based software, market penetration and strength of sales channel, we will continue to enhance and strengthen our position as a world leader in daily and periodic progress monitoring systems," said Renaissance Learning president and chief executive officer John R. Hickey.