JCPENNEY EXTENDS EQUIFAX STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP

Atlanta, April 8, 1997-- J.C. Penney Company, Inc. has extended its contract with Equifax, the leading provider of financial information solutions, for on-line access to credit data as well as customized credit scoring technology. The relationship allows JCPenney to provide rapid credit approval and account management for its customers while minimizing credit risk.

The new agreement extends and enhances a previous three-year contract between the companies that recently expired. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Our strategic relationship with Equifax over the years has meant faster, more convenient credit services for our customers while helping us minimize risk and maximize returns. They've focused on our needs with benefits to all involved," said Charles Brown, JCPenney Vice President/Director of Credit and Consumer Banking.

JCPenney operates 1,230 department stores nationwide. It will use the on-line credit information from Equifax to help with credit card application approvals, credit-line authorizations and collection decisions. In addition, Equifax will continue to work closely with internal JCPenney teams to develop customized predictive modeling techniques to assist the retailer in managing the total account life cycle of its customers, including risk management, account management and collections.

"We believe just providing information isn't enough. Equifax works closely with companies to learn their industries and issues and deliver the customized, total solutions needed to make the most profitable decisions at any point in an account life cycle," said John Rougeou, President of Equifax North American Information Services.

Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) is the leading provider of information services that help businesses grant credit, authorize and process credit card and check transactions and insure lives and property. Established in 1899 in Atlanta, Equifax today employs 14,000 people throughout North and South America, the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Revenues for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 1996, exceeded $1.8 billion.