 Pearson already held a market-leading position in the U.S. textbook market and would not be interested in the main Harcourt business on account of regulatory concerns.Reed stated that it expected to complete the sale in the second half of the year and would use the funds raised to return cash to shareholders.On January 30, 2008, Pearson completed the acquisition of Harcourt Assessment, Inc., having obtained all necessary regulatory approvals.