Lawson Software Announces Cost Reduction Measures

Lawson Software Announces Cost Reduction Measures 

Company announces second quarter fiscal 2009 results conference call will be
held Jan. 8, 2009 

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: 
Lawson Software (Nasdaq: LWSN) today announced it is implementing cost reduction
measures in light of current economic conditions. The company will restructure
its workforce, close one office facility and reduce discretionary expenses while
preserving targeted investments that enable long-term growth and increased
efficiencies. The restructuring plan includes the elimination of approximately
200 employees, or 5 percent of the global workforce, with personnel departures
expected to be substantially completed by Dec. 31, 2008. When combined with
anticipated voluntary attrition and limited hiring, the total reduction in the
global workforce is estimated to be between 8 percent and 10 percent by the end
of the company's fiscal year on May 31, 2009. Annualized cost savings from the
restructuring, attrition, limited hiring and other expense controls combined are
estimated to be in the range of $40 million to $50 million. 

The restructuring actions are expected to result in pre-tax charges of
approximately $9 million to $12 million for severance pay and related benefits
and expenses for the facility closure. The majority of the charges will be
recorded in the second fiscal quarter which ends Nov. 30, 2008. The Company
anticipates recording the remaining charges in the third and fourth quarters of
its fiscal year ending May 31, 2009. 

“Making decisions to reduce personnel are difficult because of the impact to
good people and their families, but these actions are necessary in this
challenging economic environment,” said Harry Debes, Lawson president and chief
executive officer. “Lawson is a financially strong company with a robust balance
sheet and a healthy net cash position. While we are reducing our overall costs,
we will continue to maintain high levels of customer support and product
innovation. We will also continue to make targeted investments in our IT systems
and infrastructure and other selected initiatives that keep our long-term goals
intact.” 

Second Quarter Fiscal 2009 Conference Call Information 

Lawson also announced the conference call information for its fiscal 2009 second
quarter financial results report. The company will host a webcast and conference
call to discuss its second quarter results and future outlook on Jan. 8, 2009 at
4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (3:30 p.m. Central Time). No preliminary estimates of the
company's quarterly results are available at this time. 

Interested parties may listen to this event by dialing 1-888-790-3441 (or
1-312-470-0136 for international callers) and using the passcode "LWSN." A live
webcast will also be available online at www.lawson.com/investor. Interested
parties should access the conference call or webcast approximately 10-15 minutes
before the scheduled start time. 

A replay will be available approximately one hour after the conference call
concludes and will remain available for one week. The toll-free U.S. replay
number is 1-800-756-6160, and the international replay number is 1-203-369-3595.
The webcast will remain on www.lawson.com/investor for approximately one week. 

About Lawson Software 

Lawson Software provides software and service solutions to 4,500 customers in
manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, healthcare and service sector
industries across 40 countries. Lawson's solutions include Enterprise
Performance Management, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Resource Planning,
Customer Relationship Management, Manufacturing Resource Planning, Enterprise
Asset Management and industry-tailored applications. Lawson solutions assist
customers in simplifying their businesses or organizations by helping them
streamline processes, reduce costs and enhance business or operational
performance. Lawson is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., and has offices around
the world. Visit Lawson online at www.lawson.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements that contain risks and
uncertainties. These forward-looking statements contain statements of intent,
belief or current expectations of Lawson Software and its management. Such
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from
the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The company
is not obligated to update forward-looking statements based on circumstances or
events that occur in the future. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such
differences include but are not limited to: uncertainties in uncertainties in
the software industry; uncertainties as to when and whether the conditions for
the recognition of deferred revenue will be satisfied; increased competition;
general economic conditions; continuation of the global credit crisis; global
military conflicts; terrorist attacks; pandemics, and any future events in
response to these developments; changes in conditions in the company's targeted
industries and other risk factors listed in the company's most recent Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lawson
assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in
this press release. 


Contacts
Lawson Software
Media:
Joe Thornton, 651-767-6154
joe.thornton@us.lawson.com
or
Investors and Analysts:
Barbara Doyle, +1-651-767-4385
barbara.doyle@us.lawson.com