diff --git a/Writer/Format.php b/Writer/Format.php
index 05825c2..eb416a7 100644
--- a/Writer/Format.php
+++ b/Writer/Format.php
@@ -32,6 +32,8 @@
 *    Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
 */
 
+require_once('PEAR.php');
+
 /**
 * Class for generating Excel XF records (formats)
 *