Sylvan may shed international unit

BALTIMORE - Educational services provider Sylvan Learning Systems says it may raise money by shedding its international division. <br> <br> 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> <br> 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> <br> The new company would be based in Baltimore, said Douglas L. Becker, Sylvan&#39;s chairman and chief executive officer. <br> <br> ``It&#39;s something we&#39;re very seriously considering for this year,&#39;&#39; Becker said. <br> <br> In trading Friday on the New York Stock Exchange, Sylvan shares rose 50 cents at to close at $24.10.

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