Carter’s Inc. (CRI) Selects PFSweb to Launch End-to-End eCommerce Solutions

Apr. 7, 2010 (Business Wire) — PFSweb, Inc. (Nasdaq: PFSW), an international business process outsourcing provider of end-to-end eCommerce solutions, today announced that they have signed a three-year web commerce services agreement with Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI), the largest brand marketer in the United States of apparel exclusively for babies and young children.

Under the agreement, PFSweb launched a customized eCommerce solution utilizing PFSweb’s End2End eCommerce® platform including an innovative multi-brand web store, high-touch customer care, fully branded order fulfillment and comprehensive financial transaction management to support the Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh brands’ direct to consumer (DTC) initiatives. PFSweb also provides Interactive Marketing Services to support Carter’s e-mail marketing campaigns.

The new storefront, deployed March 24, 2010, includes robust Demandware merchandising capabilities that empowers each brand’s marketing team with the tools to drive continual innovation, quality brand interactions and growth. The End2End eCommerce platform also incorporates a universal shopping cart, allowing customers to shop both Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh online stores, with one shopping cart and a single shipping rate.

“We chose to partner with PFSweb to support our Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh brands’ eCommerce needs because of its technology platform and demonstrated capabilities in helping leading brands meet their online retail goals. Our relationship with PFSweb provides us with a single partner to help us operate our entire eCommerce channel,” said Kemper Seay, Director eCommerce, Carter’s Inc. “Through this engagement, we are able to leverage PFSweb’s technology platform and eCommerce expertise to ensure our online presence reflects the strength of our brands.”

Mike Willoughby, President of PFSweb’s services division, commented, “We are excited to add Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh to our portfolio of supported brands. We are proud of the innovative multi-brand web store we have deployed and we are committed to turning each customer interaction into an opportunity to delight the Carter’s customer and bolster customer loyalty for both brands. We believe this DTC initiative is a great opportunity for Carter’s to grow their overall retail sales and capture market share and we are honored to be selected as their strategic partner to take them online for the first time.”

About Carter’s

Carter’s, Inc. is the largest branded marketer in the United States of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. The Company markets the Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. These brands are sold in more than 4,000 department and national chain stores and through more than 400 Company-operated stores. The OshKosh B’Gosh brand is also sold in more than 30 countries worldwide. Carter’s is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.

About PFSweb Inc.

PFSweb develops and deploys comprehensive end-to-end eCommerce solutions for Fortune 1000, Global 2000 and brand name companies, including interactive marketing services, global fulfillment and logistics and high-touch customer care. The company serves a multitude of industries and company types, including such clients as P&G, LEGO, AAFES, Riverbed, InfoPrint Solutions Company (a joint venture company owned by Ricoh and International Business Machines), Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Roots Canada Ltd. and Xerox.

Through its wholly owned eCOST.com subsidiary, PFSweb also serves as a leading multi-category online discount retailer of high-quality new, “close-out” and manufacturer recertified brand-name merchandise for consumers and small to medium size business buyers. The eCOST.com brand markets approximately 300,000 different products from leading manufacturers such as Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Denon, JVC, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Toshiba, Microsoft, Kitchen Aid, Braun, Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Coleman, and Citizen primarily over the Internet and through direct marketing.

To find out more about PFSweb, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFSW), visit the company’s websites at http://www.pfsweb.com and http://www.ecost.com.

The matters discussed herein consist of forward-looking information under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is subject to and involves risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information. PFSweb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 identifies certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward looking statements made and investors are advised to review the Annual and Quarterly Reports and the Risk Factors described therein. PFSweb undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future. There may be additional risks that we do not currently view as material or that are not presently known.

Jacada (JCDA) Signs Material Agreement with Large U.S.-Based Provider of Digital Television Services

Apr. 7, 2010 (Business Wire) — Jacada Ltd. (Nasdaq: JCDA), a leading provider of customer experience and process optimization solutions, today announced that it has entered into a material agreement with a new customer, a large U.S.-based provider of digital television services.

The company delivers digital video service to millions of customers in the United States and Latin America. After careful evaluation of many alternatives in the market, the company chose to work with Jacada to improve the customer experience provided by their call center agents during the selling cycle. Through use of the Jacada® WorkSpace, Jacada® Interaction Manager and Jacada® WinFuse solutions, the Jacada team will be significantly improving the tools the sales agents use to serve individual customer needs and to provide customers with the best possible offer.

“We are passionate about finding innovative technologies that enable our employees to deliver outstanding service to our customers,” said a vice president of the company. “Creating a simple and clear user experience for our sales agents is a critical element of providing our customers with the world class experience they deserve. We evaluated many vendors to help us simplify our sales agent desktops and ultimately selected Jacada for the task. Their solution and underlying technology was uniquely suited to meet our needs. We look forward to a successful deployment of their solution.”

“We couldn’t be happier about working with our new customer,” said Tom Clear, chief executive officer for Jacada. “They understand the nature of industry competition and that in 2010 the top priority for differentiation and customer retention, is improving the customer experience. Jacada solutions dramatically improve customer experience but also significantly streamline and reduce operational costs. We’re looking forward to helping them continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their sales and customer service operations.”

About Jacada

Jacada is a leading global provider of customer experience management and interaction optimization solutions. By bridging disconnected systems and processes, Jacada solutions create greater operational efficiency and increase agent and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1990, Jacada operates globally with offices in London; Munich; Stockholm; Atlanta, Georgia; and Herzliya, Israel. Jacada can be reached at www.jacada.com.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions or variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the performance and continued acceptance of our products, general economic conditions and other Risk Factors specifically identified in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made. Jacada is a trademark of Jacada Inc. All other brands or product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Arrowhead (ARWR) Announces the Appointment of Nobel Laureate Dr. Leland Hartwell

Apr. 7, 2010 (Business Wire) — Arrowhead Research Corporation (Nasdaq:ARWR) announced today the appointment of Dr. Lee Hartwell to its Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Hartwell is a well-known expert in cancer biology and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2001 for his ground-breaking work in cell cycle regulation. Dr. Hartwell is President of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. His insights into cell cycle control are being used at the Hutchinson Center and elsewhere to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases.

“Dr. Hartwell is one of the great scientific thought leaders of our time, and we are honored to have him as part of our team,” said Arrowhead President and CEO, Dr. Christopher Anzalone. “He will play a large role helping to focus our strategy and extend our scientific reach as we look forward to new opportunities and initiatives.”

“I am committed to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs through improved molecular diagnostics,” said Dr. Hartwell. “Arrowhead has the potential to bring together the technologies that can implement molecular diagnostics at the point of care and it is an exciting opportunity for me to participate in that vision.”

Dr. Hartwell joins Drs. Chad Mirkin, Mauro Ferrari, and Tom Tombrello on Arrowhead’s Scientific Advisory Board. These are some of the world’s most prolific pioneers in nanotechnology and medicine, and they are tasked with helping to develop a dynamic scientific roadmap to guide Arrowhead’s CEO in establishing the Company as the preeminent outlet for commercializing revolutionary advances in the field. The Scientific Advisory Board provides broad scientific direction for the Company, as well as very specific recommendations with respect to technologies that could serve as the basis for new companies, technologies that could augment the scientific and market positions of existing subsidiaries, and recruiting world-class personnel for Arrowhead and its subsidiaries. In addition, these thought leaders have deep relationships within academia and industry, and will be critically involved in establishing partnerships for Arrowhead and its subsidiaries.

Dr. Hartwell is involved in national and international projects to increase the number of laboratories working in protein diagnostics, develop more team science, improve the availability of informatics for data sharing, provide standardized reagents and stimulate new technology development. Dr. Hartwell is the recipient of many national and international scientific awards. His honors include the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, the Gairdner Foundation International Award and the Alfred P. Sloan Award in cancer research. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He earned his B.S. at the California Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined the University of Washington faculty in 1968 and has been a genetics professor there since 1973. In 1996, he joined the faculty of Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and, in 1997, became its president and director.

About Arrowhead Research Corporation

Arrowhead Research Corporation (www.arrowheadresearch.com) (NASDAQ: ARWR) is a nanotechnology company commercializing new technologies in the areas of life sciences and electronics. Arrowhead is seeking to build value for shareholders through the progress of its subsidiaries and investments. Currently, Arrowhead is focused primarily on its two majority owned subsidiaries; Unidym, a leader in carbon nanotube technology for electronic applications, and Calando, at the forefront of clinical application of RNAi delivery technology. Arrowhead also has minority investments in two privately held nanobiotech companies.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the future success of our clinical studies, our ability to successfully develop and manufacture products, rapid technological change in our industry, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other SEC filings discuss these and other important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

American Spectrum Realty (AQQ) Reports Sale of Houston Office Property

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Spectrum Realty, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: AQQ) (“the Company”), a real estate investment and management company headquartered in Houston, Texas, announced today the sale of 5850 San Felipe on March 31, 2010.

5850 San Felipe, a 101,880 square foot office property, is located in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas. The sale generated proceeds of approximately $5.2 million. The proceeds will be used to reduce debt, payables and other investments. The transaction generated a gain on sale before income tax expense of approximately $4.4 million. The gain will be recognized in the first quarter of 2010.

American Spectrum Realty, Inc. is a real estate investment company that owns, through an operating partnership, 29 offices, industrial and retail properties aggregating approximately 2.6 million square feet in California, Texas, Arizona and the Midwest, and has been publicly traded since 2001. American Spectrum Management Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company’s operating partnership, manages and leases all properties owned by American Spectrum Realty, Inc.

Certain matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including the risks and uncertainties of acquiring, owning, operating and disposing of real estate. Such risks and uncertainties are disclosed in the Company’s past and current filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Mercantile Bancorp (MBR) Announces 2009 Financial Results

QUINCY, IL–(Marketwire – 04/06/10) – Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. (AMEX:MBR – News)

 
--  Debt Reduction Completed, Capital Structure Strengthened
--  Successful Debt Exchange for Missouri Bank
--  Sale of Two Illinois Banks
--  Core Bank Operating Results Remain Solid

Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. (AMEX:MBR – News) today reported an unaudited net loss from both continuing and discontinued operations of $4.3 million or $(.49) per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, compared with a net loss of $6.7 million or $(0.77) per share in fourth quarter 2008.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported a net loss from both continuing and discontinued operations of $58.5 million or $(6.72) per share compared with a net loss of $8.8 million or $(1.01) per share in 2008. A significant portion of the 2009 net loss was attributable to non-cash expenses, including a $44.6 million goodwill impairment loss, $2.9 million in write-downs of foreclosed assets and $3.4 million in other-than-temporary impairments related to equity investments.

In 2009, the Company’s continuing operations reported net interest income of $21.2 million compared with $21.8 million in 2008. Provision for loan losses decreased to $22.1 million in 2009 from $23.2 million the previous year. Total noninterest income in 2009 was $7.8 million compared with $9.2 million in 2008. Total noninterest expense in 2009 increased to $71.5 million, compared with $38.6 million in 2008, primarily due to a $30.4 million goodwill impairment charge, and FDIC insurance premiums that included a one-time special assessment escalating to $2.8 million in 2009 versus $0.8 million in 2008, and expenses related to the Company’s recapitalization activities.

The Company’s net loss from discontinued operations was $8.0 million in 2009 compared to net income of $7.8 million in 2008. Included in the net loss from discontinued operations in 2009 was a goodwill impairment charge of $14.0 million related to the Company’s acquisition of HNB National Bank in 2007 and subsequent disposition in 2009.

Total assets at December 31, 2009, were $1.4 billion compared with $1.8 billion at year-end 2008 while total loans, net of allowance for loan losses, were $757.1 million at year-end 2009 compared with $1.3 billion at year-end 2008. Total deposits at December 31, 2009 were $954.5 million compared with $1.5 billion at December 31, 2008.

As previously disclosed, in December 2009 the Company completed the exchange of one of its wholly-owned subsidiary banks, HNB National Bank, located in Hannibal, Missouri for the retirement of $28 million in debt. In November 2009, the Company had reached agreement to sell two of its Illinois subsidiaries, Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank, in a transaction for cash that closed in February 2010. Part of the proceeds from this sale was used to repay an additional $16 million in debt.

Because of the exchange and sale of these subsidiary banks, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009, excludes HNB National Bank. The assets and liabilities of Marine Bank & Trust and Brown County State Bank are included in the December 31, 2009 balance sheet, but are reflected as “Discontinued operations, assets held for sale” and “Discontinued operations, liabilities held for sale.” The consolidated statement of operations for 2009, as well as the restated statement of operations for 2008, reflects the income and expenses of all three banks as “Income (loss) from discontinued operations.”

For the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported net interest income from continuing operations of $5.5 million compared with $4.9 million in fourth quarter 2008. Provision for loan losses decreased to $4.4 million in fourth quarter 2009 from $8.6 million in the same period a year ago. Total noninterest income in fourth quarter 2009 was $1.8 million compared with $1.7 million in fourth quarter 2008.

“We have emerged in 2010 smaller and with a new mission,” said Ted T. Awerkamp, President and CEO. “We took a number of meaningful actions in 2009 to bolster the Company’s capital position and provide the foundation needed to pursue future opportunities. That said, however, we will implement additional changes in 2010 to reduce our cost structure. Aggressive plans have been developed and will be executed as the year unfolds to address our new size and a new direction this industry is taking. We have achieved much through a difficult stretch, but there is still work to do and it will be done in 2010.

“Our ongoing subsidiary institutions, Mercantile Bank, Heartland Bank and Royal Palm Bank, exceed regulatory standards for being well capitalized. Mercantile Bank recorded continuing stable operational performance. Heartland and Royal Palm both faced numerous difficulties in 2009, but have made excellent progress in stabilizing their loan portfolios and are positioning themselves for recovery.”

Awerkamp continued: “We believe the Company’s fourth quarter 2009 performance from continuing operations provides some valuable insights about our potential for the future. Net interest income increased, and the reduction in long-term debt will be a further benefit in that area. We also saw a significant decline in the provision for loan losses as we have worked diligently to address asset-quality issues. Increased fiduciary activities reflect an improving stock market and we also demonstrated sound operational controls in our expense items.

“Operational performance at our core Mercantile Bank franchise was on-plan as it recorded growth in a number of areas and experienced minimal issues related to problem loans. Royal Palm Bank, which we were able to recapitalize following our successful multi-step recapitalization and debt reduction plan at the holding company, is moving forward with its recovery, although slower than anyone would like. The Southwestern Florida economy remains one of nation’s most challenged areas because of its dependence on real estate and a backlogged court system.

“Heartland Bank in Leawood, Kansas has worked through many loan-related issues. We are confident in that bank’s prospects as the Kansas City area economy recovers. With the recapitalization of the holding company, including significant debt reduction, we’re confident in our ability to provide strong and stable support for our subsidiary banks.”

Awerkamp noted the management team at Heartland Bank, working closely with Mercantile Bancorp management, generated consecutive quarter improvements in net interest margin in 2009. Mercantile has a 56% controlling interest in Heartland’s parent corporation, Mid-America Bancorp, Inc. Awerkamp explained that Heartland has been aggressive in reserving for potential losses and in working to liquidate their problem assets. In 2009 the Company’s net loss related to its interest in Mid-America declined to $2.3 million compared with $4.1 million in 2008.

Outlook

Awerkamp concluded, “The deliberate and decisive actions taken have contracted the Company, but soundly position it to go forward with reduced debt, a solid capital footing and sound management teams. We retain considerable future upside in our Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and Florida markets, particularly as the economy strengthens. Expense contraction and organizational streamlining to fit our new size will be achieved from the top down. We remain an institution with considerable earnings power.

“Our core markets have delivered solid returns for Mercantile Bancorp and our shareholders for many years. Despite low visibility for the economy and banking industry, we continue serving our customers and shareholders well, and maintaining our banks and Company as pillars of strength in the communities we diligently serve. We have taken corrective steps to get through the worst of the current times; we now will take steps to adapt to our new size and changing industry dynamics.”

About Mercantile Bancorp

Mercantile Bancorp, Inc. is a Quincy, Illinois-based bank holding company with majority-owned subsidiaries consisting of one bank in Illinois and one each in Kansas and Florida, where the Company conducts full-service commercial and consumer banking business, engages in mortgage banking, trust services and asset management, and provides other financial services and products. The Company also operates a Mercantile Bank branch office in Indiana. In addition, the Company has minority investments in eight community banks in Missouri, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, California and Tennessee. Further information is available on the company’s website at http://www.mercbanx.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“the Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements that are identified as such and are accompanied by the identification of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. For these statements, the Company, together with its subsidiaries, claims the protection afforded by the safe harbor in the Act. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information, but rather are related to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations as well as certain assumptions and estimates made by, and information available to, management at the time the statements are made. Those statements are based on general assumptions and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009, as on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and include, among other factors, the following: general business and economic conditions on both a regional and national level; fluctuations in real estate values; the level and volatility of the capital markets, interest rates, and other market indices; changes in consumer and investor confidence in, and the related impact on, financial markets and institutions; estimates of fair value of certain Company assets and liabilities; federal and state legislative and regulatory actions; various monetary and fiscal policies and governmental regulations; changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations and their impact on the Company’s financial statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” and similar expressions often signify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date of the release, and we do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Virage Logic (VIRL) Updates Second-Quarter Fiscal 2010 Outlook

Apr. 6, 2010 (Business Wire) — Virage Logic Corporation (NASDAQ: VIRL), the semiconductor industry’s trusted IP partner, today announced that it is raising second fiscal quarter ending March 31^st, revenue guidance to a range of $24.8 to $25.0 million, compared to its previously announced estimates of $23.5 to $24.0 million. Excluding the effects of stock based compensation, acquisition related expenses, amortization and any restructuring charges, non-GAAP per share results should fall into a range of $0.06 to $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) versus $0.01 to $0.02 per share as previously guided. During the second quarter, the Company expects to realize, before tax and any extraordinary charges, approximately $3.7 million to $4.1 million in non-GAAP adjustments, comprised primarily of stock-compensation, amortization and acquisition-related expenses.

“Rapid integration of our recent acquisitions, coupled with tight spending controls and a significant increase in royalty revenues, have contributed to improving both our top and bottom lines faster than we had forecasted,” stated J. Daniel McCranie, executive chairman, Virage Logic. “In addition, with a large shippable backlog and strong bookings performance in the second quarter, we expect to post total revenue for the third fiscal quarter of this year in a range of $26.0 to $27.0 million, with a resulting Non-GAAP EPS (excluding any restructuring charges) of $0.10 to $0.13.”

Virage Logic cautions that these anticipated results are preliminary, based on the best information currently available, and subject to the closing of its financial records and customary quarterly accounting procedures.

The company plans to report its final results for the second-quarter of fiscal 2010 after the close of market on May 5^th, 2010, including GAAP EPS and a reconciliation of GAAP and non GAAP EPS, and will provide a detailed business outlook at that time.

About Virage Logic

Virage Logic is a leading provider of semiconductor intellectual property (IP) for the design of complex integrated circuits. The company’s highly differentiated product portfolio includes processor solutions, interface IP solutions, embedded SRAMs and NVMs, embedded test and yield optimization solutions, logic libraries, and memory development software. As the semiconductor industry’s trusted IP partner, more than 400 foundry, IDM and fabless customers rely on Virage Logic to achieve higher performance, lower power, higher density and optimal yield, as well as shorten time-to-market and time-to-volume. For further information, visit http://www.viragelogic.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Information

We believe the financial figures we include that are not presented in accordance with GAAP assist investors in understanding our business and operating results. This information is intended to provide investors with useful supplemental data regarding the underlying economics of our business operations because operating results presented under GAAP may include charges that are nonrecurring or not necessarily relevant to ongoing operations, or are difficult to forecast for future periods. The Company’s management evaluates and makes operating decisions about its business operations primarily based on revenue and the core costs of those business operations. Management believes that goodwill impairment charges, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, restructuring charges, acquisition-related charges and stock-based compensation are not part of its core business operations. Therefore, management presents non-GAAP financial measures by excluding these items from the period expenses. The income statement line items involved in the adjustment from GAAP to non-GAAP presentation are, restructuring charges, acquisition-related charges, amortization and stock-based compensation that are included in cost of revenues, research and development, general and administrative and sales and marketing expenses. To determine our non-GAAP tax provision, the Company recalculates tax based on non-GAAP income before taxes and adjusts accordingly.

For each such non-GAAP measure, the adjustment provides management with information about the Company’s underlying operating performance that enables a more meaningful comparison of our finance results in different reporting periods. For example, since the Company does not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, management excludes acquisition-related charges in order to provide a more consistent and meaningful evaluation of the Company’s operating expenses. Management also excludes goodwill impairment, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and restructuring charges as these are non-recurring charges which are not expected to occur on a regular basis. Management also excludes the impact of stock-based compensation to help it compare current period operating expenses against the operating expenses for prior periods. In addition, the availability of non-GAAP information helps management track actual performance relative to financial targets. This information also helps investors compare the Company’s performance with other companies in the industry, which use similar financial measures to supplement their GAAP financial information.

The Company also presents non-GAAP net income (loss) per share excluding the net loss for NXP Strategic Outsourcing. Our operations related to NXP Strategic Outsourcing are distinct from our other operations given that they are run separately in the Netherlands, have operating costs that are associated only with them as opposed to our other operations, were only recently acquired and are in the process of being integrated. The only revenue associated from these operations is under our agreements with NXP. All general and administrative expenses of the Company are included in non-GAAP net income (loss) per share excluding operating loss for NXP Strategic Outsourcing (i.e. we have not allocated to NXP Strategic Operations, nor have we excluded from non-GAAP net income (loss) per share excluding operating loss for NXP Strategic Outsourcing, any general and administrative expenses). We believe that presenting net income without operating loss for NXP Strategic Outsourcing is helpful to investors because it enables them to track incremental expenses related to these operations as well as the progress of our integration effort towards the goal of achieving operating profit for the NXP Strategic Outsourcing operations.

Management recognizes that the use of these non-GAAP measures has limitations, including the fact that management must exercise judgment in determining which types of charges should be excluded from the non-GAAP financial information. Management believes that providing this non-GAAP financial information, in addition to GAAP information facilitates consistent comparison of the Company’s financial performance over time. The Company has historically provided non-GAAP information to the investment community, not as an alternative but as an important supplement to GAAP information, to enable investors to evaluate the Company’s core operating performance in the way that management does.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

Statements made in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, and any assumptions underlying these statements, are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements relating to the currently anticipated financial results for the second and third quarters of fiscal 2010, company trends, business outlook and technology leadership. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which might cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include Virage Logic’s ability to improve its operations; its ability to forecast its business, including its revenue, income and order flow outlook; Virage Logic’s ability to execute on its strategy; the company’s ability to overcome the challenges associated with establishing licensing relationships with semiconductor companies; the company’s ability to obtain royalty revenues from customers in addition to license fees; business and economic conditions generally and in the semiconductor industry in particular; competition in the market for semiconductor IP platforms; and other risks including those described in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2009, and in Virage Logic’s other periodic reports filed with the SEC, all of which are available from Virage Logic’s website (www.viragelogic.com) or from the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov), and in news releases and other communications. Virage Logic disclaims any intention or duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release.

PURE Bioscience (PURE) Receives U.S. EPA Registration

Apr. 6, 2010 (Business Wire) — PURE Bioscience (NASDAQ:PURE), creator of the patented silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) antimicrobial, announced today that it has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for its SDC-based disinfectant and food contact surface sanitizer. The product will be marketed as IV-7 Ultimate Germ Defense for Food Contact Surfaces™ (IV-7) by PURE’s sales and marketing representative, Richmont Sciences, LLC. An EPA Category IV disinfectant/sanitizer, IV-7 provides an advantageous combination of high efficacy, low toxicity and efficiency by rapidly eliminating dangerous pathogens, yet no rinse is required.

IV-7 Ultimate Germ Defense for Food Contact Surfaces™ harnesses the broad-spectrum power of SDC for use on surfaces and equipment in dozens of settings including food processing plants, farms, food storage areas, restaurants, fast food operations, cafeterias, supermarkets, break rooms, schools, hospitals and other institutions, as well as in homes. IV-7 helps prevent cross-contamination in food contact environments and eliminates odors. In addition, the odorless IV-7 formula does not create irritating fumes, which is a particular benefit for restaurants.

Michael L. Krall, President and CEO of PURE Bioscience, stated, “Our completion of the rigorous six-year federal registration process to bring this much-needed technology to market will improve public safety protections in food processing, packaging, distribution and service. We are working diligently to register the product in all 50 states; however, because many food industry companies operate in single states or regions, we plan to begin selling IV-7 Ultimate Germ Defense for Food Contact Surfaces™ on a state-by-state basis later this month as registrations are issued.”

“This product is a major breakthrough in the war against germs for every part of the food industry,” added John Rochon, Chairman of Richmont. “There has never been anything like it. From food processing all the way to serving food at home and in restaurants, this is going to change the way we defend ourselves against germs. We believe that the food processing industry and the food service industry are going to love this product, and that it will ultimately save lives. In the home kitchen, it’s going to change the way people protect their families.”

Unlike traditional alcohol- or bleach-based surface disinfectants and sanitizers, IV-7 requires no hazard or warning statements and carries bacterial kill times as quick as 30 seconds, compared with 10 minutes for competing products. IV-7 provides powerful protection against a broad range of microbes, including those of particular concern in food processing and kitchen areas such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter jejuni, as well as resistant pathogens such as MRSA. IV-7 continues to kill bacteria for up to 24 hours after usage – yet, with its EPA Category IV toxicity rating, the lowest classification, SDC is also labeled for use in sensitive areas such as those used by children.

The newly registered disinfectant/sanitizer is the third offering in PURE’s IV-7 line of products. Last month, PURE Bioscience launched IV-7 Ultimate Germ Defense™, an advanced disinfectant product initially targeted to janitorial and sanitation markets. Earlier in the year, IV-7 Water Purifier was shipped to Haiti for use in earthquake-ravaged areas. Donation of SDC in liquid concentrate form was made through Project Hope, and was sufficient to purify 40 million gallons of water for safe drinking.

Additional information about IV-7 Ultimate Germ Defense™ and IV-7 Ultimate Germ Defense for Food Contact Surfaces™ is now available at www.IV-7.net.

Food Safety – A Serious Public Health Issue

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that foodborne pathogens cause 76 million illnesses per year in the U.S., resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,200 deaths. Although Americans have come to expect such risks associated with meat products like raw hamburger, the proportion of outbreaks caused by seemingly innocuous fruits and vegetables is increasing. E. coli alone causes approximately 70,000 infections each year, and 5-10% of those infected develop a potentially fatal kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

In addition to health problems, foodborne illnesses can also have a significant negative economic impact on businesses through food recalls and loss of consumer confidence. For example, Salmonellosis is estimated by the CDC to cost more than $1 billion in medical costs and lost wages annually.

About PURE Bioscience

PURE Bioscience develops and markets technology-based bioscience products that provide solutions to numerous global health challenges, including Staph (MRSA). PURE’s proprietary high efficacy/low toxicity bioscience technologies, including its silver dihydrogen citrate-based antimicrobials, represent innovative advances in diverse markets and lead today’s global trend toward industry and consumer use of “green” products while providing competitive advantages in efficacy and safety. Patented SDC is an electrolytically generated source of stabilized ionic silver which formulates well with other compounds. As a platform technology, SDC is distinguished from competitors in the marketplace because of its superior efficacy, reduced toxicity and the inability of bacteria to form a resistance to it. PURE is headquartered in El Cajon, California (San Diego metropolitan area). Additional information on PURE is available at www.purebio.com.

This press release includes statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements, usually containing the words “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect” or similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, acceptance of the Company’s current and future products and services in the marketplace, the ability of the Company to develop effective new products and receive regulatory approvals of such products, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company’s periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

China Information Security Technology (CPBY) Selected by the State Grid Corporation of China

    For further information, please contact:

    China Information Security Technology, Inc.
     Iris Yan
     Tel:   +86-755-8370-4767
     Email: ir@chinacpby.com
     Web:   http://www.chinacpby.com

    Christensen
     Kathy Li
     Tel:   +1-480-614-3036
     Email: kli@christensenir.com

     Roger Hu
     Tel:   +86-158-1049-5326
     Email: rhu@christensenir.com

PharmAthene (PIP) Appoints Industry Leader Thomas R. Fuerst Chief Scientific Officer

ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, today announced the appointment of Thomas R. Fuerst, Ph.D., as the company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.  In this newly created role, Dr. Fuerst will oversee PharmAthene’s research and development programs and provide strategic scientific direction for the Company.

Dr. Fuerst is a senior biotechnology leader and former government official with over 20 years of experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of biological products, and strategic planning. He has served as a leader at the nexus of government, industry, and academia and brings to PharmAthene extensive scientific expertise and knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies and practices used in the discovery and development of vaccines and biotherapeutic products.

“Tom has dedicated his life and career to this industry and we are honored to have him as a new member of the PharmAthene team,” said David P. Wright, Chief Executive Officer. “His executive management experience in both government and private industry, coupled with specialized scientific and manufacturing expertise, will be a valuable asset to PharmAthene as we pursue our goal of becoming the leading provider of medical countermeasures to the U.S. government.”

Prior to joining PharmAthene, Dr. Fuerst was Director, Vaccines and Biologics (2004-2007), and Senior Science and Technology Advisor (2007-present) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In these positions, he led the development and acquisition of vaccines and biotherapeutic products for biodefense and other emerging public health threats, including anthrax, smallpox, botulism, and pandemic flu.  During his tenure at HHS, Dr. Fuerst helped establish the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and oversaw the planning, implementation, and monitoring of medical countermeasure development and acquisition, while managing a budget of approximately $3.0 billion.  Dr. Fuerst received several awards for his exemplary service including the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service, Outstanding Performance and Leadership in 2005 and 2006.

Previously, Dr. Fuerst served as Executive Director of Corporate Development at Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., where he oversaw the scientific and business transactions for vaccines and immunotherapeutic products for infectious diseases and cancer, and played a key role in establishing the company’s biodefense initiative post 9/11. He also led a collaborative R&D group to develop a next generation anthrax vaccine in response to the National Institute of Health’s Request for Proposal (RFP).

Prior thereto, he was Vice President, Research and Development, at Genelabs Technologies, additionally, Dr. Fuerst served as Director, Molecular Genetics, at MedImmune, Inc.  He also served as a senior fellow at the National Institutes of Health, NIAID, in Bethesda, MD.

Dr. Fuerst holds a B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley, a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Cornell University, and a MBA in Science, Technology, and Innovation from the George Washington University. He has published over fifty research articles and has been issued six patents. His professional affiliations include the American Society for Microbiology, the American Society for the Advancement of Science, and the Licensing Executive Society.

“The development and procurement of modern, state-of-the-art vaccines and therapeutics to protect the U.S. civilian population and military personnel represents an important national security imperative,” commented Dr. Fuerst.  “PharmAthene has established a leading portfolio of urgently needed, next generation medical countermeasures based on modern biotechnology principals, which incorporate significant product development and technological advancements that may provide significant health and economic advantages for our nation.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to apply my expertise in medical countermeasures development to assist PharmAthene in its mission, and look forward to working closely with our partners in government to advance these important technologies.”

About PharmAthene, Inc.

PharmAthene was formed to meet the critical needs of the United States and its allies by developing and commercializing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical weapons. PharmAthene’s lead product development programs include:

• SparVax™ – a second generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine
• Third generation rPA anthrax vaccine
• Valortim® – a fully human monoclonal antibody for the prevention and treatment of anthrax infection
• Protexia® – a novel bioscavenger for the prevention and treatment of morbidity and mortality associated with exposure to chemical nerve agents

For more information about PharmAthene, please visit www.PharmAthene.com.

Statement on Cautionary Factors

Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “potential”; “believe”; “anticipate”; “intend”; “plan”; “expect”; “estimate”; “could”; “may”; “should”; or similar statements are forward-looking statements. PharmAthene disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include risk associated with the reliability of the results of the studies relating to human safety and possible adverse effects resulting from the administration of the Company’s product candidates, unexpected funding delays and/or reductions or elimination of U.S. government funding for one or more of the Company’s development programs, the award of government contracts to our competitors, unforeseen safety issues, challenges related to the development, scale-up, technology transfer, and/or process validation of manufacturing processes for our product candidates, unexpected determinations that these product candidates prove not to be effective and/or capable of being marketed as products, as well as risks detailed from time to time in PharmAthene’s Forms 10-K and 10-Q under the caption “Risk Factors” and in its other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Copies of PharmAthene’s public disclosure filings are available from its investor relations department and our website under the investor relations tab at www.PharmAthene.com.

Microvision (MVIS) Receives $8.5 Million Purchase Order

Apr. 5, 2010 (Business Wire) — Microvision (NASDAQ:MVIS), a leading developer of ultra-miniature projection display products, announced today that it has received an $8.5 million purchase order for its new ultra-miniature PicoP® laser projection display engine from a consumer electronics customer. The OEM plans to embed the PicoP engine inside a high-end mobile media player for release in late 2010 and plans to announce its launch at that time.

Microvision recently announced the completion and shipment of initial samples of its new display engine that incorporates a proprietary ASIC chipset half the original size and weight and that consumes one third less power than its predecessor while delivering uniformly bright, vivid color WVGA (848 X 480) images up to 200 inches. It also provides a 5000:1 contrast ratio – 5 times greater than other pico projector engines in the market today and is always in focus without the need for focusing dials or optics – an especially desirable benefit for mobile consumers.

“We are very pleased to receive the first purchase order for our new display engine,” said Alexander Tokman, President and CEO of Microvision. “This embedded application in a high-end mobile media player is part of our strategy to develop multiple premium distribution channels as we continue to advance the PicoP engine design and mature production capacity to meet anticipated demand across a variety of consumer electronic products including handsets.”

About Microvision (www.microvision.com)

Microvision provides the PicoP display technology platform designed to enable next-generation display and imaging products for pico projectors, vehicles displays, and wearable displays that interface to mobile devices. The company’s projection display engine uses highly efficient laser light sources which can create vivid images with high contrast and brightness. For more information, visit the company’s website (www.microvision.com) and corporate blog (www.microvision.com/displayground).

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Certain statements contained in this release, including those relating to OEM new product introduction are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the Company’s forward-looking statements include the following: our ability to raise additional capital when needed; our financial and technical resources relative to those of our competitors; our ability to keep up with rapid technological change; government regulation of our technologies; our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary technologies; the ability to obtain additional contract awards; the timing of commercial product launches and delays in product development; the ability to achieve key technical milestones in key products; dependence on third parties to develop, manufacture, sell and market our products; and potential product liability claims and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in circumstances or any other reason.

Accelrys, Inc. (ACCL) and Symyx Technologies, Inc. (SMMX) Announce Merger

SAN DIEGO, CA and SANTA CLARA, CA — (Marketwire) — 04/05/10 — Accelrys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACCL) and Symyx Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMX) today announced that they have signed a merger agreement that will establish a new leader in scientific informatics software.

The merger, structured as a tax-free, all-stock merger of equals, was approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors. On a combined basis, Accelrys and Symyx have a pre-announcement market capitalization of approximately $335 million, cash reserves of approximately $150 million (net of transaction costs), and no debt. Under the terms of the agreement, Symyx shareholders will receive 0.7802 shares of Accelrys common stock for each share of Symyx. Following the completion of the merger, Accelrys and Symyx shareholders will each own approximately 50 percent of the combined company. After a period of initial integration, full year net cost synergy savings are expected to be in the range of $10 million – $15 million. Additionally, the transaction is expected to be materially accretive to Non GAAP Earnings per Share.

The merger is expected to be completed by the end of June 2010, subject to customary closing conditions, shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Max Carnecchia, chief executive officer of Accelrys, will serve as chief executive officer of the combined company. Isy Goldwasser, chief executive officer of Symyx Technologies, will serve a transitional role in the combined company. The company will be headquartered in San Diego, California.

“Scientific R&D organizations are challenged by the need to increase productivity and performance while grappling with budget pressures, restructuring, changes in scientific processes, and globally dispersed operations,” said Max Carnecchia, chief executive officer of Accelrys. “These forces are creating profound changes in the processes of scientific discovery and the way R&D teams interact. New software solutions are urgently required to address these fundamental changes, and the merger of Accelrys and Symyx creates a new, leading-force in the industry to address this situation.”

“The merger of Accelrys and Symyx creates a differentiated company that is uniquely qualified to advance the state of the scientific informatics software industry,” said Isy Goldwasser, chief executive officer of Symyx Technologies. “No other company combines our deep domain knowledge in chemistry, biology and materials science, enterprise software capabilities (in scientific data management, decision support and analytics), professional expert services, and a broad choice of partners. This powerful and synergistic combination with Accelrys allows us to meet the changing needs of our customers by delivering more agile, flexible and open scientific R&D environments through adaptive end-to-end workflow solutions.”

The combined company will have more than 1,350 customers, including 29 of the top 30 biopharmaceutical companies, all five top chemical companies, all five top aerospace companies, three of the five top consumer packaged goods companies, a number of top US Federal Government Agencies, as well as many top academic institutions.

About Accelrys, Inc.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, Accelrys develops scientific business intelligence software and solutions for the life sciences, energy, chemicals, aerospace, and consumer products industries. Customers include many Fortune 500 companies and other commercial entities, as well as academic and government entities. Accelrys has a vast portfolio of computer-aided design modeling and simulation offerings which assist customers in conducting scientific experiments ‘in silico’ in order to reduce the duration and cost of discovering and developing new drugs and materials. Its scientific business intelligence platform underlies the company’s computer-aided design modeling and simulation offerings. The Accelrys platform can be used with both Accelrys and competitive products, as well as with customers’ proprietary predictive science products. Its flexibility, ease-of-use and advanced chemical, text and image analysis and reporting capabilities enable customers to mine, aggregate, analyze and report scientific data from disparate sources, thereby better utilizing scientific data within their organizations. For more information about Accelrys, visit www.accelrys.com.

About Symyx Technologies, Inc.
Symyx Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMX) helps R&D-based companies in life sciences, chemicals, energy, and consumer and industrial products achieve breakthroughs in innovation, productivity, and return on investment. Symyx software and scientific databases power laboratories with the information that generates insight, enhances collaboration and drives productivity. Products include a market-leading electronic laboratory notebook, decision support software, chemical informatics and sourcing databases. Information about Symyx, including reports and other information filed by Symyx with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at www.symyx.com.

Financial Advisors
Jefferies & Company, Inc., acted as financial advisors to Accelrys and UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisors to Symyx.

Conference Call
Accelrys will conduct a conference call at 9.00am EDT on April 5, 2010 to discuss the merger. To participate, please dial (866) 393-7459 (or +1-706-643-4624 if outside the United States) and enter the access code 67120774, approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the call. The conference call will also be accessible live on the Investor Relations section of the Accelrys website at www.accelrys.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available online in the Investor Relations section of the Accelrys website and via telephone by dialing (800) 642-1687 (+1-706-645-9291 outside the United States) and entering access code 67120774, beginning 12.00pm EDT from April 5, 2010 through 11.59pm EDT on May 5, 2010.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to a variety of matters, including but not limited to: the timing and anticipated completion of the proposed merger; the benefits and synergies expected to result from the proposed merger; the anticipated customer base for Accelrys and Symyx following the completion of the proposed merger; and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Accelrys and Symyx and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and neither Accelrys nor Symyx undertakes any obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to: any operational or cultural difficulties associated with the integration of the businesses of Accelrys and Symyx; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed merger; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed merger; litigation or adverse judgments relating to the proposed merger; risks relating to the consummation of the contemplated merger, including the risk that the required stockholder approval might not be obtained in timely manner or at all or that other closing conditions will not be satisfied; the failure to realize synergies and cost savings from the transaction or delay in realization thereof; any difficulties associated with requests or directions from governmental authorities resulting from their reviews of the transaction; and any changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Accelrys for the year ended March 31, 2009, which was filed with the SEC on May 26, 2009, under the heading “Item 1A — Risk Factors” and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Symyx for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was filed with the SEC on February 26, 2010, under the heading “Item 1A — Risk Factors,” and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by each of Accelrys and Symyx.

Accelrys and Symyx also noted that a preliminary, draft press release relating to their transaction was inadvertently disseminated on April 2, 2010. The companies retract the errant April 2 release, which was issued in error.

Important Merger Information and Additional Information and Where to Find It
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed merger, Accelrys and Symyx will file relevant materials with the SEC, including the filing by Accelrys of a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a joint proxy statement/prospectus. Investors are strongly urged to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available and other documents filed with the SEC by Accelrys and Symyx, because they will contain important information about Accelrys, Symyx and the proposed merger. The joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents that will be filed by Accelrys and Symyx with the SEC will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, by directing a request when such a filing is made to Accelrys, Inc., 10188 Telesis Court, San Diego, California 92121-1761, Attention: Corporate Secretary or by directing a request when such a filing is made to Symyx Technologies, Inc., 3100 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, California 95051, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Accelrys, Symyx and their respective directors and certain of their executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of Accelrys is set forth in Accelrys’ most recent definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on July 21, 2009. Information about the directors and executive officers of Symyx is set forth in Symyx’s most recent definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2009. Certain directors and executive officers of Accelrys and Symyx may have direct or indirect interests in the proposed merger due to securities holdings, pre-existing or future indemnification arrangements, vesting of options or rights to severance payments if their employment is terminated following the proposed merger. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the joint proxy statement/prospectus Accelrys and Symyx will file with the SEC when it becomes available.

Keryx (KERX) Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for KRX-0401 (Perifosine)

NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KERX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for KRX-0401 (perifosine), the Company’s novel, potentially first-in-class, oral anti-cancer agent that inhibits Akt activation in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, for the treatment of refractory advanced colorectal cancer.

The Fast Track program of the FDA is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new drugs that are intended to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. Fast Track designated drugs ordinarily qualify for priority review, thereby expediting the FDA review process.

A randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial investigating perifosine in combination with capecitabine (Xeloda®) versus placebo in combination with capecitabine in patients with refractory advanced colorectal cancer is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2010 under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the FDA.

Ron Bentsur, Chief Executive Officer of Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, commented, “We believe that this Fast Track designation adds substantial value to perifosine’s development in refractory advanced colorectal cancer.  We intend to initiate the Phase 3 colorectal study in the second quarter, with study completion expected in the second half of 2011.  With the SPA and Fast Track designation in place, we believe that commercialization of perifosine in this indication could potentially commence by mid-2012.”

In addition to colorectal cancer, perifosine is currently in a Phase 3 trial, under SPA, for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with Orphan Drug Status and Fast Track designation granted.

KRX-0401 (perifosine) is in-licensed by Keryx from Aeterna Zentaris, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEZS; TSX: AEZ) in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

About KRX-0401 (perifosine)

KRX-0401 (perifosine) is a novel, potentially first-in-class, oral anti-cancer agent that inhibits Akt activation in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, and also affects a number of other key signal transduction pathways, including the JNK pathway, all of which are pathways associated with programmed cell death, cell growth, cell differentiation and cell survival. The effects of KRX-0401 on Akt are of particular interest because of the importance of this pathway in the development of most cancers, with evidence that it is often activated in tumors that are resistant to other forms of anticancer therapy, and the difficulty encountered thus far in the discovery of drugs that will inhibit this pathway without causing excessive toxicity. High levels of activated Akt (pAkt) are seen frequently in many types of cancer and have been correlated with poor prognosis. KRX-0401 has demonstrated both safety and clinical efficacy in several tumor types, both as a single agent and in combination with novel therapies.

About Colorectal Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. It is estimated that over 146,000 people were diagnosed with some form of colorectal cancer with over 49,000 patients dying from colorectal cancer in 2009. Surgery is often the main treatment for early stage colorectal cancer. When colorectal cancer metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body such as the liver) chemotherapy is commonly used. Treatment of patients with recurrent or advanced colorectal cancer depends on the location of the disease. Chemotherapy regimens (i.e. FOLFOX or FOLFIRI either with or without bevacizumab) have been shown to increase survival rates in patients with metastatic/advanced colorectal cancer. Currently, there are seven approved drugs for patients with metastatic/advanced colorectal cancer: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine (Xeloda®), irinotecan (Camptosar®), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®), bevacizumab (Avastin®), cetuximab (Erbitux®), and panitumumab (Vectibix®). Depending on the stage of the cancer, two or more of these types of treatment may be combined at the same time or used after one another. For example, FOLFOX combines 5-FU, leucovorin and oxaliplatin and FOLFIRI combines 5-FU, leucovorin and irinotecan. Bevacizumab, a VEGF monoclonal antibody, is commonly administered with chemotherapy. Typically, patients who fail 5-FU, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab-containing therapies, and who have wild-type KRAS status receive EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy with either cetuximab or panitumumab. Once patients progress on these agents, there are no further standard treatment options.

About Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals is focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of medically important pharmaceutical products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases, including cancer and renal disease. Keryx is developing KRX-0401 (perifosine), a novel, potentially first-in-class, oral anti-cancer agent that inhibits Akt activation in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, and also affects a number of other key signal transduction pathways, including the JNK pathway, all of which are pathways associated with programmed cell death, cell growth, cell differentiation and cell survival. KRX-0401 has demonstrated both safety and clinical efficacy in several tumor types, both as a single agent and in combination with novel therapies. KRX-0401 is currently in a Phase 3 trial, under Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), in multiple myeloma, with a Phase 3 trial in refractory advanced colorectal cancer, under SPA, pending commencement, and in Phase 2 clinical development for several other tumor types. Keryx is also developing Zerenex(TM) (ferric citrate), an oral, iron-based compound that has the capacity to bind to phosphate and form non-absorbable complexes. The Phase 3 clinical program of Zerenex in the treatment for hyperphosphatemia (elevated phosphate levels) in patients with end-stage renal disease is pending commencement under an SPA agreement with the FDA. Keryx is headquartered in New York City.

Cautionary Statement

Some of the statements included in this press release, particularly those anticipating future clinical trials and business prospects for KRX-0401 (perifosine), may be forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are the following: our ability to successfully and cost-effectively complete clinical trials for KRX-0401; the risk that the data (both safety and efficacy) from the Phase 3 trials will not coincide with the data analyses from the Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials previously reported by the Company; the risk that fast track designation and priority review may not result in earlier approval; and other risk factors identified from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. This press release and prior releases are available at http://www.keryx.com. The information found on our website is not incorporated by reference into this press release and is included for reference purposes only.

National Dentex (NADX) Enters into Merger Agreement with GeoDigm

Apr. 5, 2010 (Business Wire) — National Dentex Corporation (NASDAQ: NADX), one of the largest owner/operators of dental laboratories in North America, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to be acquired by GDC Holdings, Inc. (GDC), which is a holding company of GeoDigm Corporation (GeoDigm), a technology based manufacturing and laboratory company and a portfolio company of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe XI, L.P. (Welsh Carson).

Under the terms of the merger agreement, National Dentex’s shareholders will receive $17.00 in cash for each share of National Dentex common stock they hold, representing a premium of approximately 70% over National Dentex’s most recent closing share price of $10.02 on April 1, 2010.

The board of directors of National Dentex has unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and resolved to recommend that National Dentex’s shareholders approve the merger agreement.

“This agreement provides an attractive all-cash valuation to our shareholders,” said David L. Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Dentex. “We continually monitor emerging dental technologies, and we view GeoDigm’s ICON® platform as having the most transformative effect on lab operations, product quality, and consistency. Additionally we see GeoDigm’s high quality lab network as a natural complement to ours. So in addition to delivering value to National Dentex’s shareholders, the combination of National Dentex and GeoDigm creates clear value for National Dentex’s dental clients,” said Mr. Brown.

“GeoDigm’s technology and lab operations have a proven track record of increasing prosthetic quality and consistency for dentists in the upper Midwest,” added Andrew Hofmeister Chief Executive Officer of GeoDigm. “National Dentex’s strong management team and broad laboratory network are vital to extending ICON^® technology’s benefits to dental clients everywhere. Welsh Carson’s financial sponsorship greatly increases the National Dentex – GeoDigm combination’s acquisition capacity. This capacity offers unaffiliated laboratory owners an opportunity to acquire fundamentally transformative technology through joining an industry leader,” said Mr. Hofmeister.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions to closing, including the approval of National Dentex’s shareholders and requisite regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. National Dentex expects the transaction to close at the end of the quarter ending June 30, 2010.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, National Dentex may solicit acquisition proposals from third parties until the end of the day on May 12, 2010. There can be no assurance that an alternative transaction proposal will emerge. For further information regarding all items and conditions contained in the definitive merger agreement, please see our Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed in connection with this transaction.

BB&T Capital Markets serves as financial advisor to National Dentex and Signal Hill Capital Group LLC provided a fairness opinion to the Company’s Board of Directors. Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP is serving as legal counsel to National Dentex. GDC and Welsh Carson’s legal counsel is Ropes & Gray LLP.

About National Dentex

National Dentex Corporation serves an active customer base of over 24,000 dentists through 44 dental laboratories located in 30 states and one Canadian province. National Dentex’s dental laboratories provide a full range of custom-made dental prosthetic appliances, including dentures, crowns, and fixed bridges, and other dental specialties.

About GDC Holding Company and GeoDigm

GeoDigm, based in Minneapolis, MN, is a leading innovator in dental and orthodontic imaging and manufacturing technology. The company deploys its proprietary, digitally-enabled production system exclusively through GeoDigm Laboratories, delivering improved products and services to its client base of over five thousand dentists and orthodontists.

About Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe

Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe is one of the largest and most successful private equity firms focused in two industry sectors: information/business services and healthcare. Founded in 1979, Welsh, Carson has organized 15 limited partnerships with total capital of over $20bn. The firm is currently investing an equity fund, Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe XI, L.P. and its current portfolio consists of 31 companies with combined revenues of approximately $27bn and EBITDA of $4bn.

About BBT Capital Markets

BB&T Capital Markets (www.bbtcapitalmarkets.com) offers an integrated platform of M&A advisory, public and private debt and equity services and corporate banking to corporations, governments, and nonprofit organizations. Its industry teams consist of Commercial & Industrial, Consumer, Defense & Government Services, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Logistics & Transportation Services. BB&T Capital Markets is a division of Scott & Stringfellow, LLC, member NYSE/SIPC. Scott & Stringfellow is a separate, non-bank subsidiary of BB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT), one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies with more than $165 billion in assets.

Additional Information and Where You Can Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, National Dentex will file a proxy statement and relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with the SEC. Investors and security holders of National Dentex are urged to read the proxy statement and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available because they will contain important information about National Dentex and the proposed transaction. The proxy statement (when it becomes available) and any other documents filed by National Dentex with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by National Dentex by contacting National Dentex Investor Relations at dbecker@nationaldentex.com or via telephone at 508-907-7800. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction.

National Dentex and its directors and certain executive officers may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from National Dentex’s shareholders in connection with the transaction. Information regarding the directors and executive officers and their respective interests in National Dentex by security holdings or otherwise is included in National Dentex’s proxy statements and Annual Reports on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC, and information concerning all of National Dentex’s participants in the solicitation will be included in the proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction when it becomes available. Each of these documents is, or will be, available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, shareholders may obtain free copies of the documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by National Dentex by contacting National Dentex at dbecker@nationaldentex.com or by phone at 508-907-7800.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this document include statements about the proposed transaction, future performance and completion of the transaction. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed herein. For example, conditions to the closing may not be satisfied and the transaction may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, any of which could cause the transaction not to be consummated. Additional factors that may affect the future results of National Dentex are as set forth in its filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this release. National Dentex is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG) Hires Chief Commercial Officer

Apr. 1, 2010 (Business Wire) — Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATSG) today announced the appointment of industry veteran Rich Corrado,50, to the positions of Chief Commercial Officer of ATSG, and President of Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. (CAM), ATSG’s aircraft leasing and global aviation solution company.

Corrado, 50, will be responsible for the sales and marketing strategy and execution for the ATSG family of companies, as well as full P&L responsibility for CAM. He will report to ATSG President & CEO Joe Hete.

“Rich’s knowledge of business development, sales management, and strategic planning–paired with his specific industry experience–will be a great asset for us,” said Hete. “ATSG companies provide a wide range of aircraft and transportation service options, and Rich will help our customers get maximum advantage from these integrated services, in order to realize improved efficiencies and lowered costs.”

Corrado comes to ATSG from recent roles as Chief Operating Officer of AFMS Logistics Management, and President of Transform Consulting Group. He also held key senior marketing leadership positions in the parcel air express industry, serving as Executive Vice President of Air Services for DHL Express, and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Airborne Express. He holds a BA degree in Economics from Harvard University, and an MBA from Boston College.

“I am excited to be back with the ATSG family and am looking forward to driving sales and marketing programs that harness the value of the combined enterprise into a unique value proposition that integrates the strength of our aircraft assets, with the bundle of additional services that we can deliver for our customers,” said Corrado. “Our flexible, turnkey solutions will allow us to offer unmatched programs for our customers’ short and long-term aviation needs.”

About ATSG

ATSG is a leading provider of air cargo transportation and related services to domestic and foreign air carriers and other companies that outsource their air cargo lift requirements. Through five principal subsidiaries, including three airlines with separate and distinct U.S. FAA Part 121 Air Carrier Certificates, ATSG provides air cargo lift, aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance services, airport ground services, fuel management, specialized transportation management, and air charter brokerage services. ATSG’s subsidiaries include ABX Air, Inc.; Air Transport International, LLC; Capital Cargo International Airlines, Inc.; Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc.; LGSTX Services, Inc.; and Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc. For more information, please see www.atsginc.com.

LGL (LIHR) Appoints New CEO

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — (Marketwire) — 03/31/10 — Leading gold miner Lihir Gold Ltd (LGL) (TSX: LGG)(ASX: LGL)(NASDAQ: LIHR) has appointed former BHP senior executive Graeme Hunt as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

LGL Chairman Ross Garnaut said Mr Hunt was the ideal candidate for the CEO role, possessing strong leadership skills, wide mining industry knowledge and extensive experience in strategic development.

A metallurgist by training, Mr Hunt, 53, previously spent 34 years with BHP Billiton. Starting as a metallurgical trainee in 1975 at the Port Kembla Steelworks, he advanced his career through a variety of roles, eventually becoming President of the global Iron Ore division from 1999 to 2006, and then President of the global Aluminium division in 2006 and 2007. His final role at BHP was as President of Uranium, including responsibility for the Olympic Dam Expansion. He left BHP in March last year.

As President of Iron Ore, Graeme presided over a major programme of building and utilizing strategic options for increasing value through expanding production from a huge resource, which continues today.

Mr Hunt will relocate to Brisbane from Melbourne, and will take up his position immediately.

“We are delighted to have an executive of Graeme’s calibre in place to lead LGL to the next stage of its development,” said Dr Garnaut.

“LGL is well placed to deliver increasing returns to shareholders in the next few years, with major growth projects well advanced in Papua New Guinea and in West Africa.

“Graeme possesses all of the qualities and experience the Board was looking for to ensure that the company delivers on its commitments and builds on its strong asset base to create value for shareholders.”

Mr Hunt said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead LGL into the next stage of its growth strategy.

“LGL has great assets in three countries, a talented management team in place, and significant untapped potential,” Mr Hunt said.

“I believe the company has an exciting future ahead of it and I am delighted to be a part of that growth and development,” he said.

Dr Garnaut also paid tribute to LGL’s Chief Financial Officer, Phil Baker, who stepped into the CEO role on a temporary basis in January.

“Phil has done an excellent job in the interim, and was seen in the market as an outstanding leader of the company. We are very fortunate to have him on the senior executive team, and we look forward to his continued contribution,” he said.

Mr Hunt’s contract is available on the company’s web site, at www.lglgold.com, along with a detailed career history.

AZZ incorporated (AZZ) Signs Agreement to Acquire North American Galvanizing & Coatings (NGA)

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AZZ incorporated (NYSE: AZZ), a manufacturer of electrical products and a provider of galvanizing services, has entered into a definitive merger agreement with North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. (“NGA”) (Nasdaq: NGA) to acquire NGA through a cash tender offer, followed by a merger with a subsidiary of AZZ, for a price of $7.50 per share in cash. The acquisition will be funded from AZZ’s cash on hand and its existing credit facility. The tender offer is scheduled to commence within five business days of April 30, 2010, and to expire on the 20th business day from and including the commencement date unless extended in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement and applicable law. The $7.50 per share price represents a premium of approximately 42.6% over the weighted average price of NGA’s common shares for the last 30 trading days. The transaction is valued at approximately $125.6 million. AZZ and NGA anticipate the transaction can close by the end of AZZ’s second fiscal quarter.

NGA’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and has resolved to recommend that NGA’s stockholders tender their shares in connection with the tender offer. The closing of the tender offer is subject to the tender of at least two thirds (2/3) of NGA’s outstanding shares and other customary conditions.

The merger agreement contains a “go-shop” provision whereby NGA’s Board of Directors, with the assistance of its financial advisor, has the right to solicit acquisition proposals from third parties until April 30, 2010. There can be no assurance that the solicitation of proposals will result in an alternative transaction. NGA does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until its Board of Directors decides to accept an alternative proposal. Within 5 business days after the end of the go-shop period, AZZ will commence the tender offer referred to above.

“This not only represents a multiple facility addition to our network of plants and expansion of our geographic coverage, but significantly strengthens our marketing and customers service opportunities. It is indeed a privilege to acquire operations that have a rich heritage and that have enjoyed growth and expansion. The combined efforts of the dedicated employees of both organizations, expanded facility locations, and loyal customers should enhance our ability to capitalize on the anticipated market recoveries in our served markets. We believe this transaction is good for our industry, our customers, our employees and our shareholders,” stated David H. Dingus, president and chief executive officer of AZZ incorporated.

Important Information About the Tender Offer

This announcement and the description contained herein are for informational purposes only and are not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of NGA. The tender offer described herein has not yet been commenced. At the time the tender offer is commenced, AZZ intends to file a tender offer statement on a Schedule TO containing an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). At the time the tender offer is commenced, NGA intends to file with the SEC a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 and, if required, will file a proxy statement or information statement with the SEC at a later date. Such documents will be mailed to stockholders of record and will also be made available for distribution to beneficial owners of common stock of NGA. The solicitation of offers to buy common stock of NGA will only be made pursuant to the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and related documents. Stockholders are advised to read the offer to purchase and the letter of transmittal, the solicitation/recommendation statement, the proxy statement, the information statement and all related documents, if and when such documents are filed and become available, as they will contain important information about the tender offer and proposed merger. Stockholders can obtain these documents when they are filed and become available free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or from the information agent that AZZ selects. In addition, copies of the solicitation/recommendation statement, the proxy statement and other filings containing information about NGA, the tender offer and the merger may be obtained, if and when available, without charge, by directing a request to North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. Attention: Beth Pulley at 5314 S. Yale Street, Suite 1000, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135, or on NGA’s corporate website at www.nagalv.com.

About North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NGA)

North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. is a leading provider of corrosion protection for iron and steel components fabricated by its customers. NGA has a large number of hot dip galvanizing facilities in the United States. NGA’s galvanizing plants offer a broad line of services including centrifuge galvanizing for small threaded products, sandblasting, chromate quenching, polymeric coatings, and proprietary INFRASHIELD Coating Application Systems for polyurethane protective linings and coatings over galvanized surfaces. NGA’s mechanical and chemical engineers provide customized assistance with initial fabrication design, project estimates and steel chemistry selection. NGA’s galvanizing and coating operations are composed of eleven facilities located in Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. The West Virginia facility began operating in the second quarter of 2009. These facilities operate galvanizing kettles ranging in length from 16 feet to 62 feet and have lifting capacities ranging from 12,000 pounds to 40,000 pounds. For more information about NGA, visit www.nagalv.com.

About AZZ incorporated (NYSE: AZZ)

AZZ incorporated is a specialty electrical equipment manufacturer serving the global markets of industrial, power generation, transmission and distributions, as well as a leading provider of hot dip galvanizing services to the steel fabrication market nationwide.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release about our expectations of future events or results constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as, “may,” “should,” “expects, ” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and management’s views and assumptions regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. In addition, certain factors could affect the outcome of the matters described in this press release. These factors include, but are not limited to, (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us or others following the announcement of the merger agreement, (3) the inability to complete the tender offer or the merger due to the failure to satisfy other conditions, (4) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations, and (5) the costs, fees and expenses related to the transaction. In addition, this release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but are not limited to, changes in customer demand and response to products and services offered by AZZ or NGA, including demand by the electrical power generation markets, electrical transmission and distribution markets, the industrial markets, and the hot dip galvanizing markets; prices and raw material cost, including zinc and natural gas which are used in the hot dip galvanizing process; changes in the economic conditions of the various markets that AZZ or NGA serve, foreign and domestic, customer request delays of shipments, acquisition opportunities, adequacy of financing, and availability of experienced management employees to implement AZZ’s growth strategy. AZZ has provided additional information regarding risks associated with the business in the AZZ’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 and other filings with the SEC, available for viewing on AZZ’s website at www.azz.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are based on information as of the date of this press release and AZZ assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Gentium (GENT) Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Results

VILLA GUARDIA (COMO), Italy, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Gentium S.p.A. (Nasdaq: GENT) today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.  The Company reports its financial condition and operating results using U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Company’s financial statements are prepared using the Euro as its functional currency. On December 31, 2009, EUR 1.00 = $1.4332.

“Total product sales rose 78 percent in 2009 resulting from the successful implementation of the named-patient program in Europe and cost recovery program in the U.S.,” stated Gary Gemignani, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gentium S.p.A.  “For the fourth quarter 2009, we reported positive operating cash flow.  We expect revenues in 2010 to be in the range of $20 – $25 million and cash flow to be positive in 2010.”

“We are pleased that Defibrotide was selected as one of the highlights at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference and more recently at European Bone Marrow Transplant (EBMT) conference,” stated Dr. Khalid Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Gentium S.p.A. “We are currently completing certain preclinical and clinical studies requested by regulatory authorities and we anticipate filing for regulatory approval in the U.S. and Europe by the end of second quarter 2011. With the $7 million upfront payment in connection with our recent expansion of the license and cost sharing agreements with Sigma-Tau and substantial revenues being generated by the named-patient program, we have significantly strengthened our balance sheet.”

Financial Highlights

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter:

• Total revenues were EUR 4.05 million, compared with EUR 1.04 million
• Operating costs and expenses were EUR 4.08 million, compared with EUR 4.88 million
• Research and development expenses, which are included in operating costs and expenses, were EUR 0.86 million, compared with EUR 1.70 million
• Operating loss was EUR 0.04 million, compared with EUR 3.84 million
• Interest income/(expense), net, was EUR (0.01) million, compared with EUR 0.08 million.
• Pre-tax loss was EUR 0.05 million, compared with EUR 3.45 million
• Net loss was EUR 0.05 million, compared with EUR 3.45 million
• Basic and diluted net loss per share was EUR 0.003, compared with EUR 0.23 per share

For the year ended December 31, 2009 compared with the prior year:

• Total revenues were EUR 10.17 million, compared with EUR 7.44 million
• Operating costs and expenses were EUR 14.75 million, compared with EUR 27.77 million, which included a write-down of assets of EUR 3.40 million
• Research and development expenses, which are included in operating costs and expenses, were EUR 3.51 million, compared with EUR 9.57 million
• Operating loss was EUR 4.58 million, compared with EUR 20.33 million, which included a write-down of EUR 3.4 million in assets
• Interest income/(expense), net, was EUR (0.11) million, compared with EUR 0.25 million
• Net loss was EUR 4.53 million, compared with EUR 19.90 million, which included a write-down of EUR 3.4 million in assets
• Basic and diluted net loss per share was EUR 0.30 compared with EUR 1.33 per share
• Cash used in operating activities was EUR 5.16 million, compared with EUR 12.78 million
• Cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 1.39 million as of December 31, 2009

Recent Company Highlights

Gentium announced that it amended its existing License and Supply and Cost Sharing Agreements with Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to include a license for the prevention indication of Defibrotide in the Americas.  Gentium will continue to own exclusive rights to Defibrotide in Europe and the rest of the world.

In March 2010, Gentium announced management and corporate restructuring changes resulting from a strategic decision to consolidate the Company’s resources and operations within Italy.  Mr. Gary Gemignani, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer is leaving the Company, effective today, but will provide transitional services through a consulting agreement.

The Company presented an abstract containing the final results for the Phase II/III pediatric prevention trial of Defibrotide for the prevention of VOD at the annual meetings of ASH and EBMT. In the intent to treat analysis Defibrotide demonstrated a 40% reduction in the incidence of VOD within 30 days after SCT, the primary endpoint of the study. In addition, a pre-specified analysis showed that the incidence and severity of acute graft versus host disease by day 100 in allogeneic SCT recipients was significantly reduced from 63% for the control arm to 45% for the prophylaxis arm.

Operating Results

Product sales were EUR 9.70 million for 2009 compared to EUR 5.44 million for 2008, an increase of EUR 4.26 million or 78%. The increase was primarily due to the launch in April 2009 of the named-patient program and the launch in September 2009 of the cost recovery program in the U.S.  Named-patient program and cost recovery program sales, net, for the year ended December 31, 2009 amounted to EUR 4.90 million, which are net of EUR 0.79 million of service fees.

The active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, revenues slightly decreased from EUR 4.79 million in 2008 to EUR 4.6 million, reflecting the decrease in volume of suglicotide offset by a price increase and higher sales volume of urokinase.

Sales to a related party, Sirton, for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 represented 2% and 12% of the total product sales, respectively. The decrease in sales to a related party was primarily due to the fact that in the second quarter of 2009 the Company terminated the supply agreement with Sirton and entered into direct sales agreements with Sirton’s customers in order to mitigate the risk associated with Sirton’s poor financial condition and terminated the supply agreement with Sirton.

Other revenues were EUR 0.47 million for 2009 compared to EUR 1.99 million for 2008. The decrease versus the prior year is primarily attributable to a decrease in activities that were reimbursed from Sigma Tau under our cost sharing agreement, offset by a milestone payment from Sigma-Tau of $0.35 million for completion of the phase III clinical trial.

Cost of goods sold was EUR 4.0 million for 2009 compared to EUR 5.60 million in 2008. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of product sales, net, was 41% in 2009 compared to 103% in 2008. The percentage decrease is primarily due to higher margins on Defibrotide sold through the named-patient program and price increases in the API business. The Company fully expensed the cost of inventory in the prior year.  Additionally, the higher percentage of cost of goods sold in 2008 was primarily due to the fact that product sales to a related party, Sirton, were not recognized in the amount of EUR 1.08 million due to Sirton’s poor financial condition and concerns over the ability to collect such receivables.

The Company incurred research and development expenses of EUR 3.51 million in 2009 compared to EUR 9.57 million for 2008. Research and development expenses in 2009 and 2008 are net of EUR 0.85 and EUR 0.79 million, respectively, of government grants in the form of a tax credit. The decrease from the prior year is mainly due to completion of clinical trials.

General and administrative expenses were EUR 6.04 million in 2009 compared to EUR 7.67 million in 2008. In 2008, we established a reserve for doubtful in accounts in the amount of EUR 1.78 million, of which EUR 0.68 was released in 2009.  Additionally, the Company had lower payroll costs due to the temporary layoffs under a special public fund used in Italy under the “Cassa Integrazione Guadagni” program and decrease in stock based compensation expenses.

In 2008, the Company recorded an impairment of EUR 3.40 million. Write-down of assets include the write-down of acquired trademarks, marketing authorizations, inventory, and the Company’s patents.  The trademarks and marketing authorizations have been written-down due to the expiration and non-renewal by the Company of the distribution agreement with Crinos S.p.A., which raised concern about the ability to recover the cost of these assets.

Interest income/(expense), net amounted to EUR (0.11) million and EUR 0.26 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in interest income/(expense), net is a result of a lower amounts of invested funds in 2009 compared to the prior period as well as a decrease in interest rates.

Net loss was EUR 4.53 million in 2009 compared to EUR 19.90 million in 2008. The difference was primarily due to increased net sales and higher margins associated with the named-patient and cost recovery programs and a decrease in development activities related to the treatment and prevention studies.

The Company ended the fourth quarter of 2009 with EUR 1.39 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared with cash and cash equivalents of EUR 11.49 million as of December 31, 2008. Absent the need to fund any additional clinical trials, management believes that the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, including the upfront payment received from Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in connection with the expansion of the license agreement for Defibrotide in the Americas, together with revenues generated from its named-patient and cost recovery programs, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s obligations for at least the next twelve months.

About VOD

Veno-occlusive disease is a potentially life-threatening condition, which typically occurs as an important complication of stem cell transplantation. Certain high-dose conditioning regimens used as part of SCT can damage the lining cells of hepatic blood vessels and so result in VOD, a blockage of the small veins of the liver that leads to liver failure and can result in significant dysfunction in other organs such as the kidneys and lungs (so-called severe VOD). SCT is a frequently used treatment modality following high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy for hematologic cancers and other conditions in both adults and children. There is currently no approved agent for the treatment or prevention of VOD in the US or the EU.

About Gentium

Gentium S.p.A., located in Como, Italy, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and manufacture of drugs to treat and prevent a variety of diseases and conditions, including vascular diseases related to cancer and cancer treatments. Defibrotide, the Company’s lead product candidate, is an investigational drug that has been granted Orphan Drug status by the U.S. FDA and Orphan Medicinal Product Designation by the European Commission both to treat and to prevent VOD and Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA to treat VOD.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent the Company’s belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside the Company’s control. It is possible that actual results, including with respect to the possibility of any future regulatory approval, may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect future results, see the discussion in our Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the caption “Risk Factors.”

    GENTIUM S.p.A.
    Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share data)
                                                     As of December 31,
                                                  2008              2009
    ASSETS
    Cash and cash equivalents              EUR  11,491     EUR     1,392
    Accounts receivable                            625             3,213
    Accounts receivable from related
     parties, net                                  816               501
    Inventories, net                               907             1,551
    Prepaid expenses and other current
     assets                                      1,682             1,431
                                                 -----             -----
    Total Current Assets                        15,521             8,088

    Property, manufacturing facility and
     equipment, at cost                         21,019            21,262
    Less: Accumulated depreciation              10,268            11,545
                                                ------            ------
    Property, manufacturing facility and
     equipment, net                             10,751             9,717

    Intangible assets, net of amortization          95                76
    Available for sale securities                  510               263
    Other non-current assets                        24                23
    Total Assets                           EUR  26,901     EUR    18,167
                                                ======            ======

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Accounts payable                       EUR   5,823     EUR     4,379
    Accounts payable to Crinos                   4,000                 -
    Accounts payables to related parties           325               286
    Accrued expenses and other current
     liabilities                                   810             1,907
    Current portion of capital lease
     obligations                                    65                67
    Current maturities of long-term debt         1,346               408
                                                 =====               ===
    Total Current Liabilities                   12,369             7,047

    Long-term debt, net of current
     maturities                                  3,268             3,098
    Capital lease obligation                       158                91
    Termination indemnities                        655               601
                                                   ===               ===
    Total Liabilities                           16,450            10,837

    Share capital (EUR 1.00 and no par
     value as of December 31, 2008 and
     2009, respectively; 18,454,292 and
     18,302,617 shares authorized as of
     December 31, 2008 and 2009,
     respectively; 14,956,317 shares
     issued and outstanding at December
     31, 2008 and 2009)                         14,956           106,962
    Additional paid in capital                  90,619                 -
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss           (17)                -
    Accumulated deficit                        (95,107)          (99,632)
    Total Shareholders' Equity                  10,451             7,330
                                                ------             -----
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
     Equity                                EUR  26,901     EUR    18,167
                                                ======            ======

    GENTIUM S.p.A.
    Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

                    For the Three Months Ended           For the Year Ended
                            December 31,                     December 31,
                         2008           2009            2008             2009
    Revenues:
    Product sales
     to related
     party            EUR  96         EUR  -        EUR  651         EUR  195
    Product sales
     to third
     parties              944          3,714           4,792            9,507
                          ---          -----           -----            -----
    Total product
     sales              1,040          3,714           5,443            9,702
    Other revenues          -             61              25              129
    Other revenues
     from related
     party                  -            274           1,970              337
                          ---            ---           -----              ---
    Total Revenues      1,040          4,049           7,438           10,168

    Operating costs
     and expenses:
    Cost of goods sold  1,279            872           5,596            4,002
    Research and
     development        1,696            855           9,569            3,512
    General and
     administrative     1,308          2,078           7,668            6,036
    Depreciation and
     amortization         153            210             998              916
    Charges from
     related parties       93             69             537              279
    Write-down of
     acquired assets      351              -           3,403                -
                          ---            ---           -----              ---
                        4,880          4,084          27,771           14,745
    Operating loss     (3,840)           (35)        (20,333)          (4,577)
                       ------            ---         -------           ------

    Foreign currency
     exchange gain
     (loss), net          310             (1)            173              162
    Interest income
     (expense), net        83            (12)            256             (110)

    Loss before
     income tax
     expenses          (3,447)           (48)        (19,904)          (4,525)

    Income tax
     expense                -              -               -                -
    Net loss      EUR  (3,447)      EUR  (48)    EUR (19,904)      EUR (4,525)

    Shares used
     in computing
     net loss per
     share, basic
     and diluted   14,956,317 EUR 14,956,317  EUR 14,956,263   EUR 14,956,317

    Net loss per
     share:
     Basic and
     diluted net
     loss per
     share         EUR  (0.23) EUR    (0.003) EUR      (1.33) EUR       (0.30)

    GENTIUM S.p.A.
    Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
                       For the Three Months Ended        For the Year Ended
                               December 31,                 December 31,
                           2008           2009           2008          2009
    Cash Flows From
     Operating
     Activities:
    Net loss         EUR (3,447)       EUR (48)   EUR (19,904)   EUR (4,525)
    Adjustments
     to reconcile
     net income
     to net cash
     provided by
     (used in)
     operating
     activities:
    Write-down of
     intangible
     assets                (396)             -          2,175             -
    Write-down of
     inventory            1,228             19          1,228            19
    Unrealized
     foreign
     exchange
     loss/(gain)            (11)            25           (337)         (223)
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization           335            330          1,699         1,300
    Stock based
     compensation           379            329          1,973         1,386
    Loss on fixed
     asset disposal           -              2              7             2
    Allowance/
     (release) for
     doubtful accounts       16           (271)         1,783          (684)
    Loss on
     marketable
     securities               -              2              -             2
    Changes in
     operating
     assets and
     liabilities:
    Accounts
     receivable            (363)        (1,009)        (1,001)       (2,603)
    Inventories            (105)          (651)          (625)         (663)
    Prepaid
     expenses and
     other current
     and noncurrent
     assets                 960            507            568           524
    Accounts payable
     and accrued
     expenses               216          1,416           (310)          363
    Termination
     indemnities             (3)             -            (31)          (54)
    Net cash
     provided by
     (used in)
     operating
     activities          (1,191)           651        (12,775)       (5,156)
                         ------            ---        -------        ------

    Cash Flows
     From Investing
     Activities
    Capital
     expenditures            (5)             -           (437)         (245)
    Intangible
     assets
     expenditures             -              -           (154)           (3)
    Sales of
     marketable
     securities               -            262              -           262
    Acquisition of
     Crinos Assets            -              -              -        (4,000)
    Net cash
     provided by
     (used in)
     investing
     activities              (5)           262           (591)       (3,986)
                             ---           ---            ----        ------

    Cash Flows
     From Financing
     Activities:
    Proceeds from
     long-term debt         147             -               -             -
    Proceeds from
     warrant and
     stock option
     exercises, net           -             -              38             -
    Repayment of long-
     term debt             (485)         (205)         (1,216)       (1,108)
    Repayment of
     short term
     borrowings               -             -            (279)            -
    Principal payment
     of capital lease
     obligation             (21)          (17)           (107)          (65)
    Proceeds from
     long term debt           -             -             147             -
    Net cash used in
     financing
     activities            (359)         (222)         (1,417)       (1,173)
                           ----          ----          ------        ------

    Increase/
     (Decrease)
     in cash and
     cash equivalents    (1,555)          691          (14,783)     (10,315)
    Effect of exchange
     rate on cash and
     cash equivalents       (53)           (3)             310          216
    Cash and cash
     equivalents,
     beginning of
     period              13,099           704           25,964       11,491
    Cash and cash
     equivalents,
     end of
     period          EUR 11,491     EUR 1,392       EUR 11,491    EUR 1,392
                         ------         -----           ------        -----