Encyclopaedia Britannica Sold to Swiss Investor

CHICAGO — The company that publishes Encyclopaedia Britannica, which has educated generations with entries from A to Z, said Monday that it will be bought by a Swiss investor.

Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc. has been looking for an outside investor or buyer since the spring. Analysts said Britannica has been hurt by falling sales and a late start with a CD-ROM product.

Jacob E. Safra, nephew of noted investment banker Edmond J. Safra, agreed to purchase the company for an undisclosed amount.

Joseph J. Esposito, chairman and president of Britannica, said the sale would allow the company to “intensify its focus and efforts in extending the vast editorial wealth of the Britannica.”