BALTIMORE - Educational services provider Sylvan Learning Systems says it may raise money by shedding its international division. <br>
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Sylvan, which recently reported a $17.4 million loss for 2001, said it was considering an initial public offering this year of less than 20 percent of the division. <br>
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Current Sylvan shareholders would retain more than 80 percent of the new company and would eventually receive a share in the spinoff for every Sylvan share they own in a tax-free distribution. <br>
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The new company would be based in Baltimore, said Douglas L. Becker, Sylvan's chairman and chief executive officer. <br>
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``It's something we're very seriously considering for this year,'' Becker said. <br>
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In trading Friday on the New York Stock Exchange, Sylvan shares rose 50 cents at to close at $24.10.
