Companies news

PolyOne Introduces the Specialty Engineered Materials Segment

CLEVELAND, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation , a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced today it is introducing Specialty Engineered Materials as a new reportable segment. Specialty Engineered Materials includes the business of the recently acquired GLS Corporation and the former North American Engineered Materials operating segment. This new unit will report to Craig Nikrant, vice president and general manager.

"Specialty Engineered Materials reflects a strategic shift toward specialization and the transformation of this core business into a specialty solutions provider of engineering thermoplastics," said Stephen D. Newlin, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our GLS acquisition, coupled with our investment in key commercial and innovation resources, have positioned Specialty Engineered Materials to become one of PolyOne's most attractive global businesses."

With the addition of GLS, the Specialty Engineered Materials business can capitalize on escalating global demand for soft-touch products in many specialized, high-growth markets -- including healthcare, aerospace, electronics, consumer and biopolymers -- to deliver innovative solutions through metal-to-plastic conversions and newly developed eco-friendly materials, blends and alloys.

"The focus on specialization in Specialty Engineered Materials mirrors what is happening throughout PolyOne," Newlin emphasized. "We are strengthening our specialty business platform by effectively implementing specialization and globalization strategies, underpinned by commercial and operational excellence to deliver valued solutions and advantages to our customers."

Specialty Engineered Materials becomes PolyOne's fifth reportable segment. The other reportable segments are the Vinyl Business, International Color and Engineered Materials, PolyOne Distribution, and Resin and Intermediates. All Other now comprises the North American Color and Additives, Producer Services, and Specialty Inks and Polymer Systems operating segments. Historical segment performance will be recast to conform to this new reporting structure in PolyOne's financial statements commencing with the Form 10-Q filing for the first quarter of 2008.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with projected annual revenues of more than $2.7 billion, is a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside of Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations across the globe. For additional information on PolyOne, visit our new website at http://www.polyone.com/.

Forward-looking Statements

In this press release, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward- looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on management's expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance and/or sales. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions; prospective changes in raw material costs, product pricing or product demand; future performance; results of current and anticipated market conditions and market strategies; sales efforts; expenses; the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings; and financial results, including those of GLS. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:

* the effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs, nationalization, exchange controls, limitations on foreign investment in local businesses and other political, economic and regulatory risks; * changes in polymer consumption growth rates within the U.S., Europe or Asia or other countries where PolyOne conducts business; * changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated changes in industry capacity come online in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlor-alkali, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) or other industries in which PolyOne participates; * fluctuations in raw material prices, quality and supply and in energy prices and supply, in particular fluctuations outside the normal range of industry cycles; * production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or unscheduled maintenance programs; * the cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including any increased cost of complying with new or revised laws and regulations; * unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters, including any developments that would require any increase in our costs and/or reserves for such contingencies; * an inability to achieve or delays in achieving or achievement of less than the anticipated financial benefit from initiatives related to cost reductions and employee productivity goals; * an inability to raise or sustain prices for products or services; * an inability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees in certain locations in order to avoid business disruptions; * any change in any agreements with product suppliers to PolyOne Distribution that prohibits PolyOne from continuing to distribute a supplier's products to customers; * the ability to successfully integrate GLS; * the ability to successfully integrate Ngai Hing PlastChem, and * other factors affecting our business beyond our control, including, without limitation, changes in the general economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the rate of inflation.

We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports on Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K that we provide to the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider any list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. (Ref. #32008)

PolyOne Corporation

CONTACT: Investors, W. David Wilson, Senior Vice President & Chief
Financial Officer, +1-440-930-3204, or Media, John Daggett, Director of
Corporate Communications, +1-440-930-3162, both of PolyOne Corporation

Web site: http://www.polyone.com/

American Metal & Technology, Inc. Announces Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2007 Results

HEBEI, China, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Metal & Technology, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AMGY) ("American Metal," the "Company"), a leading manufacturer in the People's Republic of China engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of high-precision metal casting and metal fabrication products to European and U.S. markets and microprocessor-controlled electronic circuit boards in China, today announced it will conduct a conference call at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, to discuss the Company's financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

Hosting the call will be Mr. Chen Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

To participate in the event by telephone, please dial (800) 688-0796 five to 10 minutes prior to the start time (to allow time for registration) and reference conference ID 35865136. International callers should dial (617) 614-4070 and use the same conference ID.

A digital replay of the call will be available on Tuesday, March 25 at approximately 11:00 a.m. EDT through Tuesday, April 8 at midnight EDT. To listen to the replay, please dial (888) 286-8010 and enter the conference ID number 67185151. International callers should dial (617) 801-6888 and enter the same conference ID number.

The conference call will also be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at the company's Web site, http://www.ammyusa.com/.

To monitor the live webcast, please go to this web site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. An audio replay of the event will be archived on American Metal's Web site at http://www.ammyusa.com/ for 90 days.

About American Metal & Technology, Inc.

American Metal & Technology, through its wholly-owned subsidiary American Metal Technology Group ("AMTG"), a Nevada Corporation, and through AMTG's subsidiaries, Beijing Tong Yuan Heng Feng Technology Co., Ltd. and American Metal Technology (Lang Fang) Co., Ltd., is a leading manufacturer of high- precision casting and machined products in the People's Republic of China. The subsidiaries operate in a 53,819-square-foot manufacturing plant with monthly output capacity of 1 million parts. In 2006, AMTG expanded into the design and manufacture of electric circuit boards for home appliances and motion controllers. The Company recently announced facility expansion plans to increase casting product capacity by 50% and enhance the development and manufacturing of its circuit board solutions at its Langfang manufacturing center. To learn more about American Metal & Technology, Inc., please visit the Company's Web site at: http://www.ammyusa.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements," as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and the actual results and future events could differ materially from management's current expectations. Such factors include, but are not limited to the company's ability to accurately complete product orders, coordinate product design with its customers, ability to expand and grow its distribution channels, political and economic factors in the People's Republic of China, the company's ability to find attractive acquisition candidates, dependence on a limited number of larger customers and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact: CCG Elite Investor Relations Mark Collinson, Partner (310) 231-8600 ext. 117 E-mail: mark.collinson@ccgir.com

American Metal & Technology, Inc.

CONTACT: Mark Collinson, Partner of CCG Elite Investor Relations,
+1-310-231-8600, ext. 117, mark.collinson@ccgir.com, for American Metal &
Technology, Inc.

Web site: http://www.ammyusa.com/

Media General Reports February 2008 Revenues, Provides First-Quarter Earnings Guidance

RICHMOND, Va., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Media General, Inc. today released its monthly revenues report for February 2008. Total company revenues were $63.4 million, compared with $71.2 million in February 2007. The year-over-year decline was primarily attributable to lower Publishing Division revenues, driven mostly by a continued decrease in Classified advertising, especially in the Tampa market. In the Broadcast Division, increased Political advertising revenues partially offset lower Local and National time sales. In the Interactive Media Division, a decline in Classified advertising, primarily due to the soft market conditions in Tampa, was mitigated by the Yahoo! HotJobs partnership.

"In the Publishing Division, the largest component of the revenue decline was lower real estate and employment Classified advertising in Tampa," said Marshall N. Morton, president and chief executive officer. "We have stepped up the cost reduction initiatives that we launched in Tampa last year to better align expenses with revenue opportunities there. For example, we are now consolidating several circulation operations and executing a number of initiatives to further reduce newsprint consumption. We are also focused on revenue enhancements in Tampa such as launching several targeted products with companion Web sites. In April, we are introducing the distinctive women's publication, skirt!, in both Tampa and St. Petersburg. This magazine has been successful in our Richmond market and also launches in Birmingham in April and in Winston-Salem this summer," he said.

"Revenue results for Media General newspapers in other markets are much better than Florida. For example, in Virginia, North Carolina, and in all other markets, total publishing revenues in February decreased 7 percent, 5.7 percent, and 2.4 percent, respectively, while revenues in Florida declined 31 percent. Excluding Florida, Publishing Division total revenues in February decreased only 6.2 percent, Retail revenues were up slightly, Classified revenues declined 16.4 percent, and National revenues were down 7.9 percent," said Mr. Morton.

"In the Broadcast Division, we are experiencing very soft transactional- based business across a number of markets and key categories, including telecommunications, automotive and furniture. In response, each of our stations is implementing further cost-reduction initiatives and pursuing new business development opportunities. The Broadcast Division also is deferring until later in the year all capital expenditures that are not required for Digital TV or critical to on-air operations," he said.

"Despite aggressive programs that are reducing expenses across the company, the recession in Tampa is so deep that we will not be able to fully offset the revenue shortfalls we are experiencing there. We currently expect Media General to report a loss from continuing operations in the first quarter in the range of 40 cents to 45 cents per share (excluding amounts related to the five television stations held for sale)," said Mr. Morton.

Publishing Division

Total Publishing Division revenues in February 2008 were $36.5 million, compared with $43.1 million in February 2007. Most of the decline was attributable to lower Classified advertising revenues, which decreased $4.4 million, or 28.5 percent, driven by shortfalls in the Tampa and Richmond markets.

For the company's three metro markets combined, real estate revenues were down 41 percent, employment revenues decreased 38 percent and automotive revenues declined 34 percent.

Retail advertising revenues decreased $1.5 million, or 8.5 percent, mostly as a result of lower spending in Tampa in the financial, home improvement, home furnishings and electronics categories, partially offset by higher spending in the Richmond market for financial and medical advertising. National revenues decreased $490,000, primarily due to lower spending in the telecommunications and automotive categories in the Tampa market. Circulation revenues decreased $250,000, reflecting Daily and Sunday net-paid circulation volume declines. Two Media General newspapers generated increases in net-paid Daily Circulation, and three did so for Sunday.

Broadcast Division

Gross time sales decreased 5.7 percent, as a result of lower Local and National time sales, partially offset by $1 million in Political advertising revenues in February. The 2008 Political revenues were generated from strong presidential campaign spending at the company's NBC stations in Ohio and Rhode Island, as well as early gubernatorial spending in North Carolina, U.S. Congressional races in Mississippi and Ohio, and issue spending in Ohio.

Local time sales declined $680,000, or 4 percent, primarily from lower furniture store, telecommunications, and automotive advertising, partially offset by higher spending in the fast food category. National time sales declined $.8 million, or 17 percent, as a result of decreased advertising in the telecommunications, automotive and corporate categories.

Interactive Media Division

In the Interactive Media Division, higher Local and National/Regional advertising revenues partially offset lower Classified spending. Revenues from the company's Yahoo!HotJobs partnership helped mitigate the Classified revenue decline.

Local online revenues increased approximately 26 percent over February 2007, reflecting a continued focus on direct sales. National/Regional advertising nearly doubled, resulting from higher spending by national agencies. The Local and National/Regional advertising growth is also being helped by increased online audience growth.

Page views and visitor sessions increased 8 percent and 20 percent, respectively, driven by a new "Web-First" focus on continually updated headlines, news stories, weather events and other information on Web sites that are associated with the company's newspapers and television stations. In February, TBO.com in Tampa experienced a 26 percent year-over-year increase in page views, driven by this initiative.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties and should be understood in the context of the company's publicly available reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Media General's future performance could differ materially from its current expectations.

About Media General

Media General is a multimedia company operating leading newspapers, television stations and online enterprises primarily in the Southeastern United States. The company's publishing assets include three metropolitan newspapers, The Tampa Tribune, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Winston-Salem Journal; 22 daily community newspapers in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina; and more than 150 weekly newspapers and other publications. The company's broadcasting assets include 23 network-affiliated television stations that reach more than 32 percent of the television households in the Southeast and nearly 9.5 percent of those in the United States. The company's interactive media assets include more than 75 online enterprises that are associated with its newspapers and television stations.

MEDIA GENERAL, INC. Revenues and Page Views February 2008 2007 % Change Revenues (000) Publishing $36,481 $43,139 (15.4)% Broadcast 25,105 26,147 (4.0)% Interactive Media 2,355 2,489 (5.4)% Eliminations (547) (536) (2.1)% --------------------------------- Total Revenues $63,394 $71,239 (11.0)% ================================= Discontinued Operations(1) $1,262 $1,302 (3.1)% ================================= Selected Publishing Revenues by Category (000) Classified $11,145 $15,585 (28.5)% Retail 15,943 17,428 (8.5)% National 2,467 2,956 (16.5)% Other 376 384 (2.1)% --------------------------------- Total Advertising $29,931 $36,353 (17.7)% ================================= Circulation $4,951 $5,204 (4.9)% ================================= Broadcast Time Sales (gross) (000) Local $16,202 $16,882 (4.0)% National 8,663 10,432 (17.0)% Political 1,030 140 --- --------------------------------- Total Time Sales $25,895 $27,454 (5.7)% ================================= Selected Online Total Page Views Total Web Sites 61,397,474 56,833,172 8.0 % (Excluding Game Sites and Disc. Ops.) Year-to-Date 2008 2007 % Change Revenues (000) Publishing $77,770 $91,675 (15.2)% Broadcast 53,171 53,406 (0.4)% Interactive Media 4,991 5,254 (5.0)% Eliminations (1,043) (1,127) 7.5 % --------------------------------- Total Revenues $134,889 $149,208 (9.6)% ================================= Discontinued Operations(1) $2,717 $2,751 (1.2)% ================================= Selected Publishing Revenues by Category (000) Classified $24,327 $33,627 (27.7)% Retail 32,878 35,985 (8.6)% National 5,696 6,653 (14.4)% Other 820 944 (13.1)% --------------------------------- Total Advertising $63,721 $77,209 (17.5)% ================================= Circulation $11,140 $11,707 (4.8)% ================================= Broadcast Time Sales (gross) (000) Local $33,512 $34,715 (3.5)% National 17,440 20,872 (16.4)% Political 3,897 186 --- --------------------------------- Total Time Sales $54,849 $55,773 (1.7)% ================================= Selected Online Total Page Views Total Web Sites 132,668,729 121,350,108 9.3 % (Excluding Game Sites and Disc. Ops.) Notes: All data are subject to later adjustment. (1) Discontinued operations include the following TV Stations: WMBB in Panama City, Florida, KALB/NALB in Alexandria, Louisiana, and WNEG in Taccoa, Georgia.

Media General, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Contact: Lou Anne J. Nabhan, +1-804-649-6103, Media
Contact: Ray Kozakewicz, +1-804-649-6748, both of Media General, Inc.

Web site: http://www.mediageneral.com/

Winland Electronics, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2007 Financial Results

MANKATO, Minn., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

FlashResults Winland Electronics, Inc. (Numbers in Thousands, Except Per Share Data) 4th quarter ended 4th quarter ended 12/31/2007 YTD 12/31/2006 YTD Sales $7,492 $34,746 $9,186 $37,945 Net Income $7 $(263) $51 $1,038 Average Shares 3,635 3,615 3,640 3,654 EPS $0.00 $(0.07) $0.01 $0.28

Winland Electronics, Inc. , a leading designer and manufacturer of custom electronic control products and systems, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007.

Net sales for the fourth quarter were $7.5 million, a decrease of 18.8 percent compared to $9.2 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales from Winland's major customer, Select Comfort, offset in part by increased sales to existing and new customers.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter was $1.2 million, or 16.0 percent of sales, down from the $1.5 million or 16.1 percent of sales for the fourth quarter of 2006. Decreased gross profit was primarily due to the reduction in sales for the quarter.

Operating expenses were $1.4 million in the fourth quarter compared to $1.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company accrued $197,000 in the fourth quarter of 2007 for the severance package payable to its former Chief Executive Officer on January 2, 2008.

Winland incurred a loss from operations of $189,000 for the fourth quarter 2007 compared to income from operations of $132,000 for the same period of 2006. Fourth quarter net income was $7,000, or $0.00 per basic and fully diluted share (based on 3.6 million basic and fully diluted shares), compared to net income of $51,000, or $0.01 per basic and fully diluted share (based on 3.6 million basic and fully diluted shares) for the same period last year.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, net sales decreased 8.4 percent to $34.7 million from $37.9 million for the full year of fiscal 2006. Gross profit was $4.8 million, or 13.8 percent, compared to gross profit of $6.5 million, or 17.1 percent for the full year of fiscal 2006. Total operating expenses were $5.4 million, up 13.6 percent compared to $4.8 million for 2006 due, in large part, to an increase in research and development expense related to investments in Winland's proprietary line of products. The Company incurred an operating loss of $620,000 compared to income from operations of $1.7 million in the same period last year. The net loss was $263,000, or $(0.07) per basic and fully diluted share (based on 3.6 million basic and fully diluted shares) compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.29 per basic and $0.28 per fully diluted share (based on 3.6 million and 3.7 million basic and fully diluted shares, respectively) for the full year of fiscal 2006.

Stockholders' equity was $10.4 million as of December 31, 2007 consistent with 2006. The Company completed the fourth quarter 2007 with $7.0 million in working capital, a current ratio of 3.1 to 1 and cash of $1,152,000. At December 31, 2007, Winland had no balance outstanding on its bank revolving line-of-credit agreement compared to $1.9 million outstanding at December 31, 2006.

Thomas de Petra, Winland's Interim Chief Executive Officer, commented, "2007 was a disappointing year. The biggest setbacks were in our EMS business, which has accounted for approximately 88-90 percent of our sales in recent years. Subsequent to year end, we took a hard look at root cause issues related to manufacturing, operations, information systems, materials and inventories. As a result, during the first quarter of 2008, we launched a major internal restructuring that aligns the strongest members of our team to improved processes and initiatives and a growth culture for the company's future. This restructuring resulted in five team-driven initiatives and new leadership positions for four skilled and experienced individuals."

Mr. de Petra continued, "We started in the area of supply chain management with the hiring of a senior level executive in that area. He brings high level experience from both the EMS and OEM perspectives of our business, and has been charged with bringing world-class supply chain management practices to Winland. Next, we reorganized manufacturing and operations with new leadership from within the company. These talented individuals are leading teams on specific initiatives designed to improve production processes and quality, reduce waste, and better integrate new customers and new products into manufacturing. Other initiatives are being taken to improve access to data and analytics in support of more robust program management and quotation capabilities."

Because of the high cost of new product development, Winland has adjusted the growth rate of its proprietary Critical Environmental Monitoring products from aggressive to a more moderate growth rate that is consistent with the Company's size and other objectives. As a result, the balance of investment will shift toward domestic and European marketing and sales, with less emphasis on research and development. The Company anticipates that expenditures for new product development will yield a new Critical Environmental Monitoring product which is expected to be introduced during the first half of this year. Through the balance of 2008, the Company will be managing the growth of proprietary Critical Environmental Monitoring products in a way that is minimally distracting from the aggressive growth objectives set for the EMS business.

Mr. de Petra concluded, "Our objective is for Winland to reliably support an aggressive growth strategy combining organic growth and selective acquisitions, and to expand and enhance our product and service offerings geographically. Industry data indicates significant revenue and profit opportunities in high-service, customer-intimate industry segments where low-cost, offshore providers don't align well to customer needs. With the actions being taken now, I am very encouraged about a future where we can control more of the elements of our success. This will take time, but the opportunity is now, the team is right and successful execution can deliver the rewards we all want."

Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and year end December 31, 2007 today at 4:30 p.m. ET. Interested parties may access the call by calling 1-800-762-8795 from within the United States, or 1-480-629-9572 if calling internationally, approximately five minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay will be available through March 27, 2008 and can be accessed by dialing 1-800-406-7325 (U.S.), 1-303-590-3030 (Int'l), passcode 3856538.

This call is being web cast by ViaVid Broadcasting and can be accessed at Winland Electronics' website at http://www.winland.com/. The web cast may also be accessed at ViaVid's website at http://www.viavid.net/. The web cast can be accessed until April 20, 2008 on either site. To access the web cast, you will need to have the Windows Media Player on your desktop. For the free download of the Media Player please visit:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/download/default.asp. About Winland Electronics

Winland Electronics is an electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company, providing product development and manufacturing expertise and innovation for more than 20 years. Winland also markets proprietary products for the security/industrial marketplace. Winland's product development offering includes program management, analog circuit design, digital circuit design, printed circuit board design and embedded software design. Winland differentiates itself from the contract manufacturer competition with its integrated product development and manufacturing services to offer end-to-end product launch capability, including design for manufacturability, design for testability, transition to manufacturing and order fulfillment. Winland's core competency is delivering time-to-market through superior program management, experience, integrated development processes, and cross-functional teams. Winland Electronics is based in Mankato, Minnesota.

Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by the Company do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. As such, they are considered forward-looking statements, which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. The statements included in this release with respect to the following matters are forward looking statements; (i) our expectation to release a new Critical Environmental Monitoring product in the first half of 2008; and (ii) our expectation to support a growth strategy and enhance our product and service offering geographically. These statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including, among others, the risks that (i) we may encounter unexpected delays in the development of a new Critical Environmental Monitoring product that causes a delay in its release; (ii) our we may encounter obstacles in our attempt to support a growth strategy and to enhance our product and service offering geographically. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially.

CONTACT: Thomas P. de Petra Cameron Donahue Interim Chief Executive Officer Hayden Communications (507) 625-7231 (651) 653-1854 http://www.winland.com/ Winland Electronics, Inc. Balance Sheets December 31, 2007 and 2006 (In Thousands, Except Share Data) December 31, Assets 2007 2006 Current Assets Cash $1,152 $50 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $25,000 in 2007 and $20,000 in 2006 3,436 5,165 Refundable income taxes 389 237 Inventories 4,708 6,994 Prepaid expenses and other assets 253 364 Deferred income taxes 400 278 Total current assets 10,338 13,088 Property and Equipment, at cost Land and land improvements 383 383 Building 3,052 3,048 Machinery and equipment 6,798 6,863 Data processing equipment 1,128 1,003 Office furniture and equipment 466 457 Total property and equipment 11,827 11,754 Less accumulated depreciation 6,410 5,975 Net property and equipment 5,417 5,779 Total assets $15,755 $18,867 Winland Electronics, Inc. Balance Sheets December 31, 2007 and 2006 (In Thousands, Except Share Data) December 31, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 2007 2006 Current Liabilities Revolving credit agreement $- $1,924 Current maturities of long-term debt 512 627 Accounts payable 1,729 2,830 Accrued expenses: Compensation 733 673 Other 379 323 Total current liabilities 3,353 6,377 Long-Term Liabilities Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,471 1,706 Deferred income taxes 282 255 Deferred revenue 138 146 Other long term tax liabilities 129 - Total long-term liabilities 2,020 2,107 Total liabilities 5,373 8,484 Stockholders' Equity Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,640,741 shares in 2007 and 3,599,856 shares in 2006 36 36 Additional paid-in capital 4,691 4,429 Retained earnings 5,655 5,918 Total stockholders' equity 10,382 10,383 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $15,755 $18,867 Winland Electronics, Inc. Statements of Operations (In Thousands, Except Share Data) For the three months For the years ended ended December 31, December 31, 2007 2006 2007 2006 Net sales $7,492 $9,186 $34,746 $37,945 Cost of sales 6,294 7,704 29,960 31,440 Gross profit 1,198 1,481 4,786 6,505 Operating expenses: General and administrative 724 677 2,648 2,480 Sales and marketing 472 440 1,709 1,637 Research and development 191 232 1,049 642 1,387 1,349 5,406 4,759 Operating income (loss) (189) 132 (620) 1,746 Other income (expenses): Interest expense (35) (78) (261) (187) Other, net 49 1 89 9 14 (77) (172) (178) Income (loss) before income taxes (175) 55 (792) 1,568 Income tax benefit (expense) 182 (4) 529 (530) Net income (loss) $7 $51 $(263) $1,038 Earnings (loss) per common share data: Basic $0.00 $0.01 $(0.07) $0.29 Diluted $0.00 $0.01 $(0.07) $0.28 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 3,635,446 3,584,296 3,615,108 3,553,062 Diluted 3,635,446 3,640,255 3,615,108 3,653,891

Winland Electronics, Inc.

CONTACT: Thomas P. de Petra, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Winland
Electronics, Inc., +1-507-625-7231; or Cameron Donahue of Hayden
Communications, +1-651-653-1854, for Winland Electronics, Inc.

Web site: http://www.winland.com/

Packeteer Advises Stockholders to Take No Action in Response to Elliott Associates Offer

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Packeteer(R), Inc. , the global leader in WAN application performance solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors recommended that Packeteer stockholders take no action at this time in response to the announcement by Elliott Associates, L.P. that it has made an unsolicited conditional tender offer to acquire all of Packeteer's outstanding shares of common stock for $5.50 per share in cash.

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, Packeteer will review and consider the Elliot Associates offer, and within 10 business days, will advise Packeteer's stockholders of the Board's position regarding the offer as well as its reasons for that position.

UBS Investment Bank is acting as financial advisor to Packeteer and DLA Piper (US) LLP is acting as legal advisor.

About Packeteer

Packeteer is the global leader in WAN Application Delivery. Packeteer's solutions provide an intelligent, unified and adaptive approach to monitor, shape, and optimize applications, delivering the best user experience for any application to any location. For more information, contact Packeteer at +1 408 873-4400 or visit the company's Website at http://www.packeteer.com/.

Safe Harbor Clause

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding Packeteer's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding future revenues, revenue growth and profitability, spending levels by existing and prospective customers, the markets for our products, new product development, liquidity and macro economic conditions. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to Packeteer as of the date hereof. Packeteer assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including the perceived need for our products, our ability to convince potential customers of our value proposition, the costs of competitive solutions, continued capital spending by prospective customers and macro economic conditions. These and other risks relating to Packeteer's business are set forth in Packeteer's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2008, and Packeteer's Form 10-Qs and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Packeteer, PacketShaper, PacketShaper Express, iShared, iShaper and SkyX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Packeteer, Inc. All other products and services are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Packeteer

CONTACT: investors, David Yntema, Chief Financial Officer of Packeteer,
+1-408-873-4518, dyntema@packteer.com

Web site: http://www.packeteer.com/

Supermicro lance ces solutions BLADE et HPC en 20Gb/s, connectivité Infiniband basse latence

SAN JOSE, Californie, March 20 /PRNewswire/ --

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI), l'un des principaux leader dans le domaine des serveurs d'applications hautes performances, annonce aujourd'hui la disponibilité de bande passante haut débit par une connectivité Infiniband basse latence idéale pour les solutions HPC (haute performance de calcul) ainsi que les plateformes SuperBlades.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080320/AQTH019)

L'association de la carte réseau Supermicro AOC-UINF-M2 universelle I/O et le switch intégré au SuperBlade par les solutions Mezzanine IB sont basées sur la technologie des contrôleurs Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. (NASDAQ: MLNX; TASE: MLNX) conçus pour la performance industrielle 20Gb/s Infiniband I/O.

Ces nouveaux switch IB et solutions HCA autorise aux nos clients d'entreprises et de HPC non seulement une connectivité de bande passante de (20Gb/s), mais aussi avec un matériel basé de virtualisation I/O avec un faible taux de latence de 1.2 microseconds, explique Charles Liang, président et CEO de Supermicro .Notre SuperBlade IB switch supporte jusqu'à 14 ports internes et 10 ports externes pour un total de switch de bande passante de 960Gb/s.

Supermicro a livré de 4 x DDR Infiniband switch,l'interconnection des blades serveurs les plus rapides de l'industrie (20Gb/s dans chaque direction) depuis le troisième trimestre 2007.Avec 960 processeurs par Rack 42U et 4x DDR Infiniband,le SuperBlade est le plus dense et le plus rapide des solutions serveurs blade dans l'industrie. Additionnant les coÃ»ts économisés associés avec moins d'espace requis ainsi que la facilité de maintenance et le management font de ces solutions une option très attractive pour les entreprises aux applications de calcul de hautes performances.

Nous travaillons actuellement avec Supermicro pour offrir une large gamme de calculateurs multicores et serveurs de stockage explique Eyal Waldman,Président et CEO de Mellanox Technologies.Avec des performances marquantes et une alimentation efficace,Mellanox Infiniband accélérés,les serveurs Supermicro et les serveurs Blades répondent pleinement aux environnements de type centres d'hébergements et aux applications de hautes performances.

Coonsidéré comme solutions HPC de l'industrie en 1U le plus optimisé,les serveurs Supermicro 1U Twin supportent jusqu'à 16 processeurs cores via 2 nodes et chacun d'eux est équipé par une carte contrôleur Infiniband Mellanox 20Gb/s dans un espace rack 1U. part les les serveurs 6015TW-INF et 6015T-INF, les clients qui ont adapté technology serveru Universelle I/O de Supermicro peuvent upgrader aux dual port Infiniband avec le nouveau controlleur AOC-UINF-M2 avec caractéristique dual CX4 connnecteurs.

Les solutions serveurs élaborées par Supermicro offrent une exceptionelle flexibilité et de nombreux avantages. Pour plus d'informations compléter la ligne des solutions serveurs et workstations à travers le site www.supermicro.com.

Concernant Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI)

Etabli en 1993, Supermicro s'est concentré sur la conception de produits au design supérieur et sur la mise en place d'un contrôle qualité rigoureux afin de produire des cartes mères, châssis et serveurs de haute gamme. Ses modules de serveurs apportent des bénéfices dans de nombreux domaines, incluant des centres de bases de données, des calculs intensifs, des stations graphiques de haut niveau, de stockage et installations de serveurs. Pour plus d'informations sur la gamme complète des cartes-mères, superserveurs et châssis Supermicro, veuillez consulter le site www.supermicro.com ou écrire à l'adresse suivante : marketing@supermicro.com ou encore téléphoner au +1-408-503-8000, ligne standard du siège Supermicro à San Jose CA USA.

SMCI-F

Supermicro et les solutions de modules de serveurs Supermicro sont des marques déposées et SuperBlade est une marque déposée de Super Micro Computer, Inc. D'autres noms et marques sont la propriété de leur possesseur respectif.

Web Site: http://www.Supermicro.com

Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Michael Kalodrich of Super Micro Computer, Inc., +1-408-503-8063, michaelk@supermicro.com; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080320/AQTH019, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Varian Medical Systems Teams With Cogent Health Solutions to Offer Case Management Software for Cancer SurvivorshipEquicare CS powers a proactive follow-up care program designed to help cancer survivors achieve a better post-treatment quality of life

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Varian Medical Systems, Inc. today announced it is offering oncology treatment centers a way to provide cancer survivors proactive follow-up care to achieve a better post-treatment quality of life. Varian is teaming with Cogent Health Solutions to offer Cogent's Equicare CS (cancer survivorship) case management software with Varian's ARIA(TM) Oncology Information System for the management of cancer treatment centers.

"Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society reported that cancer death rates in the United States have decreased by 18.4% among men and 10.5% among women since the early 1990s," said Maureen Thompson, senior director of oncology information systems at Varian. "Equicare CS is a unique solution for ensuring that patients who have joined the growing ranks of cancer survivors get the help they need to cope with the health issues that often follow successful cancer treatment."

Cancer survivors typically require follow-up care for late effects of treatment, secondary cancers, and quality of life issues. They often require diagnostic testing, nutritional, and counseling services. The Equicare case management system is a web-based, patient-centric tool that can help cancer survivors, their caregivers, and their healthcare providers achieve better clinical compliance and improved patient outcomes following treatment for cancer.

The program helps doctors generate a care plan based on best practices and established guidelines, and creates a dynamic link between all the key stakeholders -- patients, caregivers, and physicians," said Len Grenier, president and CEO of Cogent Medical Systems. "It distributes essential information to the patient through a personalized portal on the Internet, empowering survivors to become more active in their ongoing recovery. A survivorship program with Equicare CS will allow cancer centers to continue providing world-class care and manage outcomes for years after a patient's initial treatment has concluded."

"Varian technology for advanced radiation therapy has been instrumental in the fight against cancer, significantly prolonging hundreds of thousands of cancer patients' lives over the years," said Dow Wilson, president of Varian's Oncology Systems business. "This agreement to provide our customers with access to Equicare CS is part of our ongoing commitment to the quality of survivorship."

About Cogent Health Solutions

Cogent Health Solutions is a developer of case management solutions for global healthcare markets, with a focus on disease management for health care providers, patients and their families. Cogent is focused on setting the new benchmark for patient management in cancer treatment facilities around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.cogenths.com/.

About Varian Medical Systems

Varian Medical Systems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California, is the world's leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy, and brachytherapy. The company supplies informatics software for managing comprehensive cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and medical oncology practices. Varian is a premier supplier of tubes and digital detectors for X- ray imaging in medical, scientific, and industrial applications and also supplies X-ray imaging products for cargo screening and industrial inspection. Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 4,600 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America and Europe and in its 60 sales and support offices around the world. For more information, visit http://www.varian.com/.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Meryl Ginsberg, Varian Medical System (650) 424-6444, meryl.ginsberg@varian.com Mark Thomson, Cogent Health Solutions (604) 708-9075 x 106, mark.thomson@cogenths.com

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Meryl Ginsberg of Varian Medical Systems, Inc.,
+1-650-424-6444, meryl.ginsberg@varian.com; or Mark Thomson of Cogent Health
Solutions, +1-604-708-9075, ext. 106, mark.thomson@cogenths.com

Web site: http://www.varian.com/
http://www.cogenths.com/

GTECH Corporation Promotes Fabio Celadon to Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning

PROVIDENCE, R.I., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GTECH Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lottomatica S.p.A. (Pink Sheets: LTTOY), announced that Fabio Celadon has been named Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, for GTECH Corporation. Reporting to GTECH President and Chief Executive Officer, Jaymin B. Patel, Celadon will lead a new Strategic Planning organization that will take over the Corporate Development and Strategic Planning function for GTECH. Celadon will be responsible for four primary areas -- strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, asset optimization, and business evaluation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080320/NETH059 )

"Fabio will head up a group that will be responsible for developing our overall corporate growth strategy, identifying and evaluating strategic initiatives, performing market and competitive analyses, managing and executing mergers and acquisitions, and evaluating and pricing business opportunities in order to drive economic value creation for the Company," said Mr. Patel. "Fabio's new position will have the added responsibility of asset optimization. He and his group will define key value drivers within our businesses and then oversee operational finance and overall performance of existing operations."

Celadon joined GTECH in 2006 as Vice President New Market Development. In this role, he has led the Company's strategic initiatives in several areas. Prior to joining GTECH, Celadon was Finance Director of Lottomatica from 2004 - 2006, after having served as Chief Financial Officer from 2002 - 2004. Prior to this, he was a partner with Atlantis Capital Partners, a private equity start-up, worked for Morgan Stanley in London in the mergers and acquisitions department, and served as Finance Director of Pavo, a private Italian company. Celadon holds a Law Degree from the LUISS University in Rome and an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York.

GTECH is a leading gaming technology and services company, providing innovative technology, creative content, and superior service delivery. Lottomatica is one of the world's largest commercial lottery operators and a market leader in the Italian gaming industry. GTECH and Lottomatica together create a fully integrated lottery operator and gaming technology solutions provider -- a combined company with worldwide scale, considerable financial strength, and industry-leading customer solutions. Lottomatica is majority owned by De Agostini, which belongs to a century-old publishing, media, and financial services group. Lottomatica is publicly traded on the Italian Stock Exchange (LTO), and in 2007, had more than euro 1.7 billion in revenues and 5,900 employees in over 45 countries when combined with GTECH.

Contact: Robert K. Vincent Public Affairs GTECH Corporation 401-392-7452

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080320/NETH059
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com GTECH Corporation

CONTACT: Robert K. Vincent, Public Affairs of GTECH Corporation,
+1-401-392-7452

Web site: http://www.gtech.com/

AT&T Assists a Generation of Florida College StudentsOrganization Donates Thousands to Unique Scholarship Program at University of Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. has announced a donation of thousands of dollars to a special group of University of Florida (UF) students to ease the cost of books, food and housing. The unique group represents students who are the first generation in their families to pursue a higher education and attend college.

The announcement came today, with AT&T's official donation of $100,000 to the UF's Florida Opportunity Scholars Program (FOSP). The gift will provide each student with the resources to thrive in the classroom as they work toward a degree in higher education.

"It is a privilege for AT&T to assist these bright, hardworking students of the Florida Opportunity Scholars Program in their academic endeavors," said Marshall Criser III, president of AT&T Florida. "We hope this program opens many doors for them; they have proved their ability and desire to excel in the academic world and deserve an opportunity to make their dreams a reality."

The FOSP was created in 2006 to ensure that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds graduate at rates equal to or greater than the general undergraduate population. FOSP promotes academic success and is currently assisting 769 scholars who represent multiple ethnic backgrounds. To qualify for the financial awards, students must come from families with annual incomes of less than $40,000.

To reach its goals, the program provides scholars a number of support systems to overcome challenges and financial needs. Such resources include financial management courses and biannual newsletters, with tips on how to receive academic, career and personal advising.

"AT&T's support of the Florida Opportunities Scholars Program shows that it understands the meaning and importance of a quality education for all," said Bernie Machen, president, University of Florida. "The generous gift will provide financial assistance to many deserving students who just happen to come from families with lesser means."

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Don Sadler of AT&T Inc., +1-305-347-5320, cell,
+1-305-965-7680, don.sadler@att.com

Web site: http://www.att.com/

EnterConnect CEO in Interview with NEXTinvestor.com

NEW YORK, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EnterConnect Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ECNI) announced today that Sam Jankovich, CEO, was interviewed on NEXTinvestor.com, a financial resource web site. EnterConnect is a veteran provider of enterprise-class business portals. In an interview with Valerie Gurka, Jankovich discusses the company's business model, its addressable market, growth strategy, and new products such as SOAapps.com. In addition, Mr. Jankovich talks about plans for 2008 and 2009 and how to increase their customer base. The interview is presented on http://www.nextinvestor.com/videos.html.

About NEXTinvestor.com

NEXTinvestor.com is an online resource for investors in micro-cap public companies and early to later-stage private companies. It is focused on providing updated information including investor events, CEO interviews, online media resources and other business ideas to both institutional and private investors. Through its unique distribution channels, it provides an opportunity for businesses to facilitate virtual presentations and connect with the investor community. NEXTinvestor.com (http://www.nextinvestor.com/) is a division of Inspire Solutions, LLC and is based in New York City.

About EnterConnect (http://www.enterconnect.com/) and SOAapps.com

EnterConnect, Inc. (ECNI) focuses on driving top-line revenue growth for companies using online channels of collaboration for customers, partners and employees. The EnterConnect(TM) enterprise portal solution enables users to access critical information and resources required -- at anytime, from anywhere -- to solve their business challenges on-demand. The EnterConnect(TM) portal suite consists of EmployeeConnect, PartnerConnect, CustomerConnect and TeamConnect, and is available either as an on-site/on- premise solution or as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution on SOAapps.com.

Company Contact: Tammy O'Carroll Director of Marketing EnterConnect (408) 441-5284 tocarroll@enterconnect.com Investor Relations: RedChip Companies, Inc. Robert Rehse 1-800-REDCHIP (733-2447, Ext. 111) info@redchip.com http://www.redchip.com/ Forward Looking Statements:

Statements in this document contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance and may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of EnterConnect, Inc. to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation those set forth as "Risk Factors" in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

EnterConnect Inc.

CONTACT: Tammy O'Carroll, Director of Marketing, EnterConnect,
+1-408-441-5284, tocarroll@enterconnect.com; Investor Relations, Robert Rehse
of RedChip Companies, Inc., 1-800-REDCHIP or +1-733-2447, Ext. 111,
info@redchip.com

Web site: http://www.enterconnect.com/
http://www.nextinvestor.com/
http://www.nextinvestor.com/videos.html
http://www.soaapps.com/
http://www.redchip.com/

Universal Technical Institute to Present at the Bank of America 2008 Smid Cap Conference

PHOENIX, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Universal Technical Institute Inc. will be presenting at the Bank of America 2008 Smid Cap Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 9:40 a.m. Eastern time. A webcast of the presentation will be posted on the investor relations section of the UTI website at http://www.uti.edu/. An audio recording of the presentation will be archived and available following the event.

About Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute is a provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. The company offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 10 campuses across the United States, and manufacturer-sponsored advanced programs at 18 dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, Universal Technical Institute offers specialized technical education programs under several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI).

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release concerning the future business, operating results and financial condition of the company are "forward-looking" statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual performance and results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the company's actual results include changes to federal and state educational funding, construction delays for new or expanding campuses, possible failure or inability to obtain regulatory consents and certifications for new or expanding campuses, potential increased competition, changes in demand for the programs offered by the company, increased investment in management and capital resources, the effectiveness of the company's recruiting, advertising and promotional efforts, changes to interest rates and low unemployment. Further information on these and other potential factors that could affect the company's financial results or condition may be found in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Universal Technical Institute Inc.

CONTACT: Jenny Swanson, Director, Investor Relations of Universal
Technical Institute, Inc., +1-623-445-9351

Web site: http://www.uti.edu/

Stream Communications Gives Additional Detail on Agreement With Private Equity Investor Penta Investments Limited

WARSAW, Poland, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stream Communications Network & Media Inc. ("Stream Communications" or the "Company") (Pink Sheets: SCNWF; FSE: TPJ), the broadband cable company offering cable TV, high-speed Internet and VoIP services in Poland, today announced additional details of the agreement to sell a majority interest in its wholly-owned Polish subsidiary, Stream Communications Sp. Z o.o. ("Stream Poland") to Penta Investments Limited ("Penta"), the private equity firm with approximately Euro 862 million in assets and significant investments in Central Europe.

TRANSACTION OUTLINE

According to the Share Purchase Agreement ("the Agreement") signed between Penta and Stream Communications on December 17, 2007 and closed on February 21, 2008, Penta will invest up to PLN 150,000,000 into the Company over two phases.

The First Phase of Financing

As previously announced and completed on February 22, 2008, the first phase of this financing includes:

1) Penta purchased 15,640 existing shares in Stream Poland from Stream Canada for PLN 21,637,052 [US $8.3 million]. a) From these proceeds Stream Canada repaid an outstanding debt to Barrington Wedgewood in the amount of US $3.2 million (after a discount of approximately USD $480,000 for early repayment). b) The remaining funds will be used for development of new projects in telecommunication sector, working capital, including the cost of moving the Company to a recognized exchange; 2) Penta purchased 16,900 of newly issued shares in Stream Poland for PLN 23,380,190 [US $9.6 million], bringing Penta's ownership in Stream Poland to 51% at closing. a) Approximately US $2.7 million of the proceeds from the newly issued shares were used to repay a subsidiary of Penta that lent Stream Poland proceeds sufficient to redeem bonds early per the Company's announcement dated December 27, 2007. b) The remaining US $6.9 million of the proceeds from the newly issued shares will be used to finance further growth of the company. The Second Phase of Financing

Additionally, Penta has made a commitment to provide further capital to finance a second phase of investment to be utilized exclusively on additional cable TV network acquisitions, the modernization of networks and the introduction of new services. The terms of the second phase of investment are the same as the first phase, with new shares in Stream Poland issued for proceeds of over PLN 100,000,000 [approximately USD $44.35 million at current exchange rates].

LEVERAGE GOALS FOR THE TRANSACTION

During phases 1 and 2, Penta has committed to assist Stream Poland in arranging debt financing that will enable it to maintain a debt to equity structure that is both conservative and sufficient to realize the growth objectives of the company. The Company is targeting a 2:1 debt to equity structure during the Penta investment period.

GROWTH STRATEGY

Operational goals for Stream Poland include the following: Increasing the number of subscribers through acquisitions and organic growth, full system bidirectionality by the end of 2009, as well as the capability for delivery of digital television, internet access, and VOIP services.

NEW MANAGEMENT

Penta Investment will participate in the governance of Stream Poland via two appointments each to a Management Board consisting of three members, and two appointments to a Supervisory Board consisting of three members.

The goal of the Management Board is to manage the day-to-day operations of Stream Poland and to implement its acquisition and integration strategy successfully. Its members are:

Chief Executive Officer Andrzej Strehlau and Chief Operations Officer Vladimir Petrzilka were appointed in January 2007. These two senior operating executives have 17 and 18 years of experience in the cable business respectively. Mr. Strehlau held various executive and managerial positions with some of the largest cable TV operators in Poland and has been actively involved in the consolidation of the sector. His experience includes acquisitions, mergers, post-acquisition integration of companies on the legal, marketing and operational levels, and the commercialization of double and triple play services. Among other roles, Mr. Petrzilka served as CTO of Karneval Media, the second largest cable operator in the Czech Republic, where he was responsible for the implementation of digital cable TV and the integration of networks into a common countrywide operation. Karneval was sold to Liberty Global in 2006 for USD $415 million. For more information on their backgrounds, please see the Stream Communications press release issued Jan 17, 2008.

Chief Commerce Officer Tomasz Danowski will head the Stream Poland Sales and Marketing function. Mr. Danowski has several years of experience in this field from Multimedia Polska, where he was responsible for implementation of new product strategies and their financial effectiveness, managed 6 regional offices with over 400 employees, including customer service and sales staff. Multimedia Polska is a cable television, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony provider with a total of 601,000 customers in the northwest and the southern parts of Poland. The Company recently rolled out digital television for cable subscribers and is planning to launch new services such as video on demand (VoD), high-definition TV (HDTV) and mobile services as a virtual operator (MVNO).

In addition, an Acquisitions Department has been established with Bartosz Sarnowski as Director. Mr. Sarnowski brings several years of experience in the Polish cable sector, most notably acquisitions he worked on with Multimedia Polska, where his responsibilities included valuing, negotiating and acquiring cable networks.

The role of the Supervisory Board is to approve the overall direction of the company via its business plan and monitor its financial results.

The members of the Supervisory Board include: Jan Rynkiewicz -- Chairman, Stream Communications Michal Tomanek -- Executive member, [Investment Director, Penta Investments] Jan Evan -- Member, [Legal Counsel, Penta Investments] MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS

The rights of Stream Communications, the minority shareholder in Stream Poland, include the following, among others:

-- Representation on the Supervisory Board -- Representation on the Management Board -- Joint input in drafting the Stream Poland Business Plan, the blueprint for Stream Poland's growth over the life of the Penta investment. -- Matters core to Stream Poland's business require 90% approval via a shareholders vote, allowing Stream Canada to veto and or compel negotiation on these matters, if necessary. -- Shareholder exit is not permitted during the first year of the agreement. -- A "Tagalong Option" means that Stream Canada is entitled to exit via a sale of its interest in Stream Poland at the same time that Penta does. -- A "Put Option" provides a mechanism for Stream Canada to exit by the 4th year after closing, if the opportunity has not been taken sooner. QUOTE FROM JAN RYNKIEWICZ, CEO OF STREAM

"The equity position that Penta has taken represents an extremely significant step for the growth of our Company. The agreement offers us equity financing, access to less expensive and more flexible debt financing, and access to management expertise in the structuring of acquisitions. With Penta's assistance, we have put the resources in place to implement the acquisition strategy we have identified. Together we have assembled a strong team with the expertise, credibility and a strong understanding of acquiring, integrating and running cable companies, with experience brought from the largest cable companies in Poland and the Czech Republic. Our new management possesses the necessary experience and credibility in the marketplace to play a significant role in consolidating the Polish cable market and building a dynamic cable operation."

About Stream Communications

Stream is a broadband cable company and offers cable TV, high-speed Internet and VoIP services in Poland. Stream is the seventh largest cable TV operator in Poland, focusing on the densely populated markets of Southern Poland.

About Penta Investments

Penta is a Czech and Slovak private equity group established in 1994. The company focuses on buyout, growth, and restructuring projects in the Central and Eastern European markets. Its portfolio companies employ over 20 thousand people and provide services to several million customers on a daily basis. For more information on Penta, please see http://www.pentainvestments.com/en/.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the information presented herein constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include general economic and business conditions, the ability to acquire and develop specific projects, the ability to fund operations and changes in consumer and business consumption habits and other factors over which Stream Communications Network and Media Inc. has little or no control.

Stream Communications Network & Media Inc.

CONTACT: Iwona Kozak, Director of Stream Communications,
+48-22-842-7666, Iwona.Kozak@streamcn.com; or Maura Gedid of Breakstone Group,
+1-646-452-2335, mgedid@breakstone-group.com, for Stream Communications
Network & Media Inc.

Web site: http://www.pentainvestments.com/en

MTN Subscribers Soar to 61,4m as Group Continues to Deliver Solid Performance

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 20 /PRNewswire/ --

HIGHLIGHTS OF RESULTS for the 12-month period ended 31 December 2007

- Group subscribers up 53% to 61,4 million

- Revenue increased 42% to R73,1 billion

- EBITDA up 42% to R31,8 billion

- Net debt to EBITDA of 0,5%

- Adjusted headline EPS of 681,9 cents

- Dividend per share of 136 cents

The MTN Group is pleased to announce that it has recorded 61,4 million subscribers across its 21 operations as at 31 December 2007. This is an increase of 53% from 40,1 million subscribers as at 31 December 2006. In addition, the MTN Group has declared a dividend of 136 cents per share, its highest dividend ever.

The former Investcom operations recorded subscriber growth of 66% to 13,9 million, contributing 23% of the Group's total subscriber base. In the South and East Africa (SEA) region subscribers increased by 23% to 19,3 million. In the West and Central Africa (WECA) region subscribers rose by 43% to 28 million and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region recorded a phenomenal 186% increase to 14 million, driven by the very strong growth of MTN Irancell.

Overview of Results

The MTN Group's revenue increased by 42% to R73,1 billion from R51,6 billion recorded at 31 December 2006. Revenue was driven mainly by significant subscriber growth.

The Group's earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 42% to R 31,8 billion compared to 31 December 2006. This is due to strong revenue growth and initiatives to improve operational efficiencies. The SEA and WECA regions contributed 36% and 52% to Group EBITDA respectively.

Adjusted Headline earnings per share (EPS) of 681,9 cents for the period under review compares favourably with adjusted headline EPS of 584,7 cents for the 12 months ended 31 December 2006.

The average revenue per user (ARPU) marginally declined in most operations, which is consistent with the increased penetration into lower usage segments.

The Group's taxation charge increased by R5,2 billion to R7,79 billion compared with the 12 months ended 31 December 2006. This relates mostly to the end of the pioneer tax holiday in Nigeria in March 2007.

During 2007, the MTN Group facilitated the increase in equity participation of local shareholders in Uganda to 5%. MTN also decreased its shareholding in Côte d'Ivoire to 60% during the year. The Group is also keen to ensure that, where possible, it holds a controlling interest in all its operations. In light of this, in 2007 the MTN Group increased its shareholding in MTN Rwanda from 40% to 55% and Mascom Botswana from 51% to 53%. The increased shareholding in Botswana did not result in a change in control.

Says MTN Group President and CEO, Mr Phuthuma Nhleko: "I am pleased with yet another satisfactory year across all MTN Group operations. Most of our operations have significantly grown the subscriber base and revenues. This performance reflects the significant opportunities for growth in the Group's expanded footprint.

"Going forward, we will continue to actively seek value enhancing expansion opportunities in emerging markets, invest heavily in infrastructure and ensure that the Group is well positioned to benefit from the rapidly converging technology market. We will also continue to drive efficiencies and engage with regulatory authorities in the various markets in which we operate."

Operational Review

MTN South Africa performed well in a very competitive market increasing its total subscriber base by 17% on 31 December 2006 to 14,8 million at 31 December 2007. The postpaid subscriber base grew by 9% to 2,5 million subscribers and the prepaid base increased by a healthy 19% to 12,3 million over the 12-month period. Low denomination vouchers have been a key driver in stimulating usage. Market share was maintained at 36% at 31 December 2007.

Network enhancement during the review period included the commissioning of 371 2G base transceiver stations (BTSs) and 590 3G BTSs. At year-end, the total number of 3G sites was 1 379 and 904 000 3G handsets and data cards were in use. Going forward, MTN South Africa is laying its own fibre cable to improve the capacity and quality of mobile transmission and to effectively manage margins.

The MTN data proposition is gaining momentum with a 42% increase in data revenue to R2,8 billion. This is due to competitive pricing, increased 3G roll out and improved stock management in the channels.

MTN Nigeria increased its subscriber base by 34% to 16,5 million at 31 December 2007. Network capacity and quality were addressed through a ramp-up in infrastructure roll out in the second half of 2007.

Although it remained stronger than expected, ARPU declined from US$18 at 31 December 2006 to US$17 at 31 December 2007, which is consistent with increased penetration into the lower segment of the market.

MTN Nigeria maintained its leading market position with market share at 44% due to competitive pricing, strong brand preference and an effective value proposition. During the period, a number of products and innovations were launched, such as GPRS roaming, Edge, Blackberry(c) services, Vitrain top-up and Wimax.

At 31 December 2007, 785 additional sites had been added, bringing the total number of live sites to 3 422 and approximately 77 sites have now been integrated with 3G technology. The fibre optic cabling in Lagos Metro (82km) and Niger Delta (342km) was completed in the second half of 2007.

MTN Nigeria was awarded a 15-year 2 GHz spectrum licence on 1 May 2007 for US$150 million for the delivery of 3G services. The operation was also awarded a 7,5 MHz frequency spectrum band licence on 23 March 2007 for N288 000, renewable annually.

The period under review is MTN Irancell's first full 12 months of operation. During the period, the operation recorded an exceptional performance, increasing subscribers from 154 000 to six million. This equates to an average net acquisition rate of 488 000 subscribers a month. Prepaid subscribers comprise 94% of the subscriber base.

ARPU increased from US$9 at 31 December 2006 to US$10 at 31 December 2007. This was a result of usage-stimulating packages and improvements in the quality and capacity of the network. MTN Irancell was first-to-market in providing GPRS, which has enabled email solutions, MMS, Data SIMS and Vitrain content portal.

Following a slow network roll out in 2006, the network has been significantly enhanced and had sufficient capacity to service 6,5 million subscribers at 31 December 2007. There are 2 023 live sites across the 30 provincial capitals in 291 cities. Geographic coverage is 50%, population coverage is 50% and there is 1 500km of road coverage.

MTN Ghana recorded an exceptional increase in subscriber numbers for the period from 2,6 million in December 2006 to four million. This was underpinned by improvements in network coverage and quality and an enhanced competitive proposition. ARPU decreased from US$17 at 31 December 2006 to US$14 at 31 December 2007 due to increased penetration and reduced tariffs.

Network enhancement continued during the review period with the installation of 718 new BTSs, bringing the total to 1 660. At 31 December 2007, geographical coverage was 28% and population coverage was 72%.

MTN Sudan increased its subscriber base by 96% to 2,1 million at 31 December 2007. MTN Sudan increased its market share from 25% to 28% at 31 December 2007 in a highly competitive market.

Subscriber acquisitions in the first quarter of 2007 were slightly hindered due to technical challenges experienced during the migration to the new billing system.

ARPU decreased from US$16 at 31 December 2006 to US$12 at 31 December 2007 due to high connections in the lower usage market and the prevalence of dual sim cards. MTN Sudan has introduced a segmented pricing offering which will stimulate usage and support ARPU.

During the period, the operation rolled out an additional 575 BTS sites. Population coverage is 43% and geographical coverage is 3%.

MTN Syria delivered stable performance in this high-growth market, recording a 39% increase in subscriber numbers to 3,1 million at 31 December 2007. Blended ARPUs declined from US$22 at 31 December 2006 to US$20 at 31 December 2007. Prepaid ARPUs are US$15 and postpaid ARPUs are US$42. This was due to an increase in mobile penetration from 26% to 35%.

MTN Syria continued to focus on improving the coverage in the major cities and providing coverage in the rural and coastal areas. Three hundred and thirty seven BTSs were rolled out in the 12 months to 31 December 2007. Population coverage and geographical coverage stood at around 98% and 78% respectively.

"The Group's prospects for 2008 remain positive in our key markets. During this year, we expect to grow our subscriber base by around 22 million new subscribers," concludes Nhleko.

(i) Blended ARPU

31 Dec 2006 31 Dec 2007 31 Dec 06 31 Dec 07 ARPU ARPU MTN Group Subscribers (000) (000) (ZAR/USD) (ZAR/USD) South and East Africa South Africa 12 483 14 781 (i)R159 (i)R149 Swaziland 268 380 US$20 US$18 Botswana 600 874 US$19 US$15 Zambia 187 262 US$19 US$10 Uganda 1 595 2 799 US$12 US$10 Rwanda 384 652 US$17 US$12 Sub total 15 517 19 329 West and Central Africa Nigeria 12 281 16 511 US$18 US$17 Ghana 2 585 4 016 US$17 US$14 Cameroon 1 783 2 559 US$15 US$14 Cote d'Ivoire 1 625 2 679 US$18 US$13 Congo Brazzaville 280 316 US$20 US$20 Liberia 218 304 US$18 US$19 Benin 476 652 US$21 US$12 Guinea Conakry 276 727 US$17 US$15 Guinea Bissau 98 235 US$12 US$17 Sub total 19 622 27 999 Middle East and North Africa Sudan 1 066 2 090 US$16 US$12 Iran 154 6 006 US$9 US$10 Afghanistan 218 1 200 US$14 US$11 Syria 2 237 3 109 US$17 US$20 Yemen 1 161 1 507 US$10 US$9 Cyprus 76 113 US$35 US$39 Sub total 4 912 14 025 TOTAL 40 051 61 354

Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN". As at 31 December 2007, MTN recorded 61,4 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM) and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Visit http://www.mtn.com.

MTN Group Ltd

For more information contact: Pearl Majola at +2783-212-2459 or Majola_p@mtn.co.za; Lwazi Stuurman at +2783-212-1057 or stuurm_l@mtn.co.za

Le Bose Institute est le premier en Inde à choisir Century of Science, un projet de Thomson Scientific

PHILADELPHIE et LONDRES, March 20 /PRNewswire/ --

- Un important institut de recherche fait l'acquisition de 100 ans de fichiers rétrospectifs et de données de références citées complets de Web of Science

Thomson Scientific, filiale de The Thomson Corporation (NYSE : TOC ; TSX : TOC) et fournisseur leader de solutions d'information à l'intention des communautés scientifiques et commerciales dans le monde, a annoncé aujourd'hui l'acquisition de Century of Science(TM) par le Bose Institute. Century of Science est une expansion de Web of Science qui met à disposition les données bibliographiques et de références citées les plus importantes dans le domaine scientifique sur une période s'étendant de 1900 à 1944.

Web of Science est une collection soigneusement choisie et mise à jour des revues les plus influentes au monde, dans toutes les disciplines. Le choix offert est réellement pluridisciplinaire, et l'accent est mis sur la qualité et le développement d'une collection de niveau supérieur. Web of Science est accessible via ISI Web of Knowledge, une plate-forme de recherche de premier plan offrant une collection considérable de fichiers remontant jusqu'à 1945. Lancé en janvier 2005, le projet Century of Science permet l'accès à environ 850 000 articles parus dans plus de 200 revues soigneusement sélectionnées parmi les recherches publiées pendant la première moitié du 20ème siècle.

<< Par ses efforts pour faire progresser les connaissances scientifiques et technologiques, le Bose Institute sert le pays depuis 90 ans >>, a déclaré Mark Garlinghouse, vice-président et administrateur délégué de Thomson Scientific Asie-Pacifique. << Le choix de Century of Science l'aidera à coup sÃ»r à atteindre ses objectifs de recherche et témoigne de l'engagement et du dévouement dont fait preuve le Bose Institute dans ses efforts pour faire avancer la recherche et le développement en Inde. >>

L'Inde apparaît comme le marché à la croissance la plus rapide pour Thomson Scientific dans la région Asie-Pacifique ; le groupe est présent à la fois à Chennai (anciennement Madras) et Hyderabad. Le centre de Chennai associe données certifiées et technologies innovantes afin de faciliter l'accès à de meilleurs résultats pour ses clients. Thomson Scientific compte déjà plus de 500 employés dans son centre de Chennai, qui a ouvert en mai 2007, et prévoit de faire des investissements supplémentaires dans les ressources humaines, la formation, l'équipement et les locaux. Depuis sa création, le centre assiste les communautés de recherche et d'affaires en leur fournissant des données de pointe en matière de sciences de la vie à partir de brevets, de revues scientifiques et de conférences.

<< Nous avons choisi Thomson Scientific en raison de sa réputation de fournisseur leader de données indispensables >>, a déclaré le professeur Sampa Das, président du comité de la bibliothèque du Bose Institute. << Nous avons opté pour Century of Science parce qu'il permet l'accès aux fichiers anciens de recherches historiques révolutionnaires dont nous avons besoin pour encourager l'innovation. >>

<< La richesse des données de recherche historique actuellement disponibles en ligne via Century of Science est d'une valeur inestimable pour le bibliothécaire-chercheur >>, a déclaré le docteur Arun Kumar Chakraborty, bibliothécaire au Bose Institute. << La recherche de références citées du Web of Science permet de mettre ces données en contexte, ce qui en fait un outil extrÃªmement précieux non seulement pour le chercheur, mais aussi pour le fournisseur d'informations qui tente de compiler des décennies de recherches majeures. >>

Pour de plus amples informations sur Century of Science, consultez http://www.isiwebofknowledge.com.

A propos du Bose Institute

Le Bose Institute est le premier institut de recherche à plein temps à avoir été créé en Inde. Au fil des ans, il est devenu un organisme de recherche pluridisciplinaire qui privilégie la recherche fondamentale dans le cadre de ses efforts pour faire progresser les connaissances scientifiques et technologiques tout en offrant au pays un personnel scientifique extrÃªmement compétent et efficace. L'institut compte parmi ses effectifs des scientifiques hautement qualifiés et chevronnés qui travaillent dans les domaines de la biologie, la biochimie, la chimie et la physique, à la fois dans leurs aspects fondamentaux et appliqués.

Le Bose Institute est l'un des rares organismes pluridisciplinaires du pays à avoir réussi à établir un grand centre intellectuel dans des domaines très variés tels que l'astrophysique, la radiophysique et la mécanique quantique, sans oublier des domaines clés de la biologie contemporaine tels que la bioinformatique & la génématique, la structure et la dynamique fonctionnelle des biomolécules, la modélisation des médicaments, la génétique moléculaire des microbes ainsi que le développement de plantes transgéniques. Outre ses activités de recherche et de développement, l'institut a récemment mis en place un programme intégré de M.Sc.- Ph.D. en biologie moléculaire des plantes et biotechnologie en partenariat avec l'université de Calcutta et un programme de M.Sc. en astrophysique en partenariat avec le département de physique des astroparticules du St Xavier's College de Kolkata. Le Bose Institute sert le pays depuis 90 ans par ses efforts pour faire progresser les connaissances scientifiques et technologiques et en offrant au pays un personnel scientifique extrÃªmement compétent et efficace.

A propos de The Thomson Corporation

The Thomson Corporation (http://www.thomson.com) est un leader mondial en matière de mise à disposition de solutions électroniques essentielles pour faciliter le travail des entreprises et des clients professionnels. Depuis son siège social opérationnel à Stamford, dans le Connecticut, Thomson met à la disposition de professionnels dans les domaines du droit, de la fiscalité, de la comptabilité, des services financiers, de la recherche scientifique et des soins de santé des informations, des outils logiciels et des applications à valeur ajoutée. Les actions ordinaires de la Société sont cotées aux bourses de New York et de Toronto (NYSE : TOC ; TSX : TOC).

Thomson Scientific est une filiale de The Thomson Corporation. Ses solutions d'information facilitent le travail des professionnels à chaque étape de la recherche et du développement, de la découverte au développement du produit et à sa distribution, en passant par son analyse. Les solutions d'information de Thomson Scientific sont accessibles sur la page http://scientific.thomson.com.

Sites Web : http://scientific.thomson.com http://www.isiwebofknowledge.com http://www.thomson.com

Thomson Scientific

Pamela Lim, responsable RP, Asie-Pacifique, Thomson Scientific, +65-6879-4117, pamela.lim@thomson.com

MTN Group atteint les 61,4 millions d'abonnés et continue d'afficher d'excellents résultats

JOHANNESBURG, Afrique du Sud, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Faits saillants des resultats pour la période de 12 mois terminée le 31 décembre 2007

- Hausse de 53 % du nombre d'abonnés à 61,4 millions

- Augmentation de 42 % des recettes à 73,1 milliards R

- Hausse de 42 % du BAIIDA à 31,8 milliards R

- Dette nette de 0,5 % par rapport au BAIIDA

- Gains affichés ajustés par action de 681,9 cents

- Dividende de 136 cents par action

MTN Group est fier d'annoncer que ses 21 entreprises ont enregistré un total de 61,4 millions d'abonnés au 31 décembre 2007, soit une augmentation de 53 % comparativement aux 40,1 millions d'abonnés au 31 décembre 2006. MTN Group a en outre profité de l'occasion pour déclarer un dividende de 136 cents par action, le plus haut dividende jamais atteint.

L'ancienne entreprise Investcom a vu son nombre d'abonnés augmenter de 66 % pour atteindre 13,9 millions, soit 23 % du nombre total d'abonnés du groupe. Dans la région de l'Afrique du Sud et de l'Est, le nombre d'abonnés a fait un bond de 23 % pour atteindre 19,3 millions. Pour ce qui est de l'Afrique de l'Ouest et de l'Afrique Centrale, ce nombre est passé à 28 millions, soit une augmentation de 43 %. La région englobant le Moyen-Orient et l'Afrique du Nord a quant à elle enregistré une hausse phénoménale de 186 % pour atteindre 14 millions, stimulée par la très forte croissance de la société MTN Irancell.

Aperçu des résultats

En un an, le chiffre d'affaires de MTN Group a fait un bond de 42 % et est passé de 51,6 milliards R au 31 décembre 2006 à 73,1 milliards R. Cet excellent résultat est attribuable principalement à la hausse importante du nombre d'abonnés.

Le bénéfice avant intérÃªts, impôts, dépréciation et amortissement (BAIIDA) du groupe a quant à lui augmenté de 42 % pour atteindre 31,8 milliards R par rapport au 31 décembre 2006, en raison de la forte croissance des recettes et des initiatives visant à améliorer le rendement d'exploitation. La région de l'Afrique du Sud et de l'Est ainsi que celle de l'Afrique de l'Ouest et de l'Afrique Centrale ont contribué à hauteur de 36 % et 52 %, respectivement, au BAIIDA du groupe.

Les gains affichés ajustés de 681,9 cents par action pour la période considérée se comparent favorablement aux 584,7 cents qui avaient été enregistrés pour l'exercice terminé le 31 décembre 2006.

Le revenu moyen par abonné (RMPA) a légèrement chuté dans la plupart des entreprises, ce qui concorde avec la pénétration accrue dans les segments à faible usage.

La charge fiscale du groupe a augmenté pour se situer à 7,79 milliards R comparé à 5,2 milliards R pour les 12 mois clos le 31 décembre 2006. Cela est dÃ» principalement à la fin de la trÃªve fiscale au Nigeria en mars 2007.

Au cours de 2007, MTN Group a contribué à accroître à 5 % la participation au capital social des actionnaires locaux en Ouganda tout en abaissant à 60 % sa participation en Côte d'Ivoire. Le groupe tient aussi à s'assurer qu'il détient, le cas échéant, une participation majoritaire dans toutes ses entreprises. C'est pourquoi MTN Group a accru sa participation dans MTN Rwanda de 40 % à 55 % et celle dans Mascom Botswana de 51 % à 53 % en 2007. Ã€ noter que cette hausse de la participation au Botswana n'a pas entraîné de changement dans la prise de contrôle.

M. Phuthuma Nhleko, président et PDG de MTN Group, a déclaré : << Je suis une fois de plus très heureux des résultats que nous avons obtenus cette année pour l'ensemble des activités de MTN Group. La plupart de nos entreprises ont augmenté considérablement leurs revenus et leur nombre d'abonnés. Ce résultat reflète les excellentes opportunités de croissance qui nous sont offertes grâce à l'expansion du marché que nous touchons. >>

<< Dans une perspective d'avenir, nous continuerons de chercher activement des opportunités de croissance à valeur ajoutée sur les marchés émergents et d'investir massivement dans les infrastructures, tout en s'assurant que le groupe est bien positionné pour tirer parti du marché technologique en pleine expansion. Nous continuerons également de stimuler le rendement et de tendre la main aux organismes de réglementation des divers marchés dans lesquels nous oeuvrons >>, a continué M. Nhleko.

Examen des résultats d'exploitation

MTN Afrique du Sud affiche une bonne performance malgré un marché très compétitif, comme en témoigne l'augmentation de son nombre d'abonnés de 17 % depuis le 31 décembre 2006 à 14,8 millions au 31 décembre 2007. Le nombre d'abonnés aux services post-payés a augmenté de 9 % pour atteindre 2,5 millions, tandis que celui des services prépayés a fait un bond intéressant de 19 % pour atteindre 12,3 millions au cours de la période de 12 mois. Les bons de faible valeur ont contribué en grande partie à stimuler l'utilisation. La part de marché s'est quant à elle maintenue à 36 % au 31 décembre 2007.

L'amélioration du réseau pour la période en question comprend la mise en service de 371 stations de base (BTS) 2G et de 590 BTS 3G. Ã€ la fin de l'exercice, on comptait un total de 1 379 sites 3G ainsi que 904 000 combinés 3G et cartes de données. Dans le futur, MTN Afrique du Sud posera ses propres câbles à fibres optiques dans le but d'améliorer la capacité et la qualité des transmissions mobiles et de gérer efficacement les marges.

La proposition de données MTN gagne en popularité avec une hausse de 42 % du revenu des données, soit 2,8 milliards R. Ce résultat est dÃ» aux prix compétitifs, à l'augmentation des déploiements 3G et à l'amélioration de la gestion des stocks dans les réseaux.

Pour sa part, MTN Nigeria a vu son nombre d'abonnés croître de 34 % pour atteindre 16,5 millions au 31 décembre 2007. Les besoins en matière de capacité et de qualité du réseau ont été comblés en accélérant le déploiement des infrastructures au cours de la deuxième moitié de 2007.

Bien qu'il soit demeuré supérieur aux prévisions, le RMPA a chuté en passant de 18 USD au 31 décembre 2006 à 17 USD au 31 décembre 2007. Cette baisse s'inscrit dans la suite logique de l'accroissement de la pénétration dans le segment inférieur du marché.

MTN Nigeria a toutefois maintenu sa position de tÃªte avec une part de marché de 44 % grâce à une formulation concurrentielle des prix, à une préférence de marque soutenue et à une proposition de valeur efficace. Toujours durant la période, un certain nombre de produits et de nouveautés ont été lancés, tels que l'itinérance GPRS (roaming), Edge, les services Blackberry(c), la recharge Vitrain et Wimax.

Au 31 décembre 2007, 785 sites supplémentaires avaient été ajoutés portant le nombre total de sites directs à 3 422. Soixante-dix-sept sites environ sont dorénavant équipés de la technologie 3G. Les systèmes de câblage à fibres optiques dans la zone métropolitaine de Lagos (82 km) et dans le delta du Niger (342 km) ont été complétés au cours de la seconde moitié de 2007.

Le 1er mai 2007, MTN Nigeria s'est vu accorder une licence d'utilisation du spectre de 2 GHz d'une durée de 15 ans évaluée à 150 millions USD pour la prestation de services 3G. L'entreprise s'est également vu octroyer, le 23 mars 2007, une licence d'utilisation du spectre dans la bande de fréquences 7,5 MHz pour 288 000 N, renouvelable annuellement.

La période observée coÃ¯ncide avec les 12 premiers mois complets d'activité de MTN Irancell. Au cours de cette période, l'entreprise a affiché un rendement exceptionnel en réussissant à accroître son nombre d'abonnés de 154 000 à six millions. Ce résultat équivaut à un taux d'acquisition moyen de 488 000 abonnés par mois. Les utilisateurs des services prépayés comptent pour 94 % du nombre total d'abonnés.

Depuis le 31 décembre 2006, le RMPA est quant à lui passé de 9 USD à 10 USD, grâce aux forfaits attrayants et aux améliorations qui ont été apportées à la qualité et à la capacité du réseau. MTN Irancell a été le premier opérateur à proposer des services GPRS, ce qui a rendu possible plusieurs applications, notamment les solutions de messagerie électronique, MMS, données SIMS et portails de contenu Vitrain.

Après avoir assisté à un ralentissement dans le déploiement du réseau en 2006, la capacité de ce dernier a été considérablement améliorée, de sorte que 6,5 millions d'abonnés ont pu Ãªtre servis en date du 31 décembre 2007. Ã€ l'heure actuelle, on compte 2 023 sites directs dans 30 capitales provinciales et 291 villes. Le réseau couvre 50 % du territoire et de la population ainsi que 1 500 km de routes.

MTN Ghana a également enregistré une croissance exceptionnelle du nombre de ses abonnés, qui est passé de 2,6 millions en décembre 2006 à 4 millions. Ce résultat est attribuable aux améliorations apportées à la couverture et à la qualité du réseau de mÃªme qu'à une proposition concurrentielle accrue. Le RMPA a toutefois chuté, passant de 17 USD au 31 décembre 2006 à 14 USD au 31 décembre 2007 en raison de la forte pénétration et des tarifs réduits.

L'amélioration du réseau s'est poursuivie au cours de la période avec l'installation de 718 nouvelles BTS, portant ainsi le total à 1 660. Au 31 décembre 2007, le réseau couvrait 28 % du territoire et desservait 72 % de la population.

Pour ce qui est de MTN Soudan, le nombre d'abonnés a grimpé de 96 % pour atteindre 2,1 millions au 31 décembre 2007. MTN Soudan a également accru sa part de marché de 25 % à 28 % au 31 décembre 2007, malgré un marché hautement concurrentiel.

Les nouveaux abonnements au cours du premier trimestre de 2007 ont été légèrement entravés en raison de problèmes techniques rencontrés pendant la migration vers le nouveau système de facturation.

Le RMPA est passé de 16 USD au 31 décembre 2006 à 12 USD au 31 décembre 2007 à cause des connexions élevées sur les marchés à faible usage et de la prévalence des doubles cartes SIM. Par ailleurs, MTN Soudan a lancé un éventail de prix segmentés qui contribuera à stimuler l'utilisation et à augmenter le RMPA.

Durant cette période, l'entreprise a procédé au déploiement de 575 autres sites BTS. Le réseau couvre 43 % de la population et 3 % du territoire.

MTN Syrie a quant à elle offerte une performance stable sur ce marché en pleine croissance, enregistrant une hausse de 39 % du nombre de ses abonnés pour atteindre 3,1 millions au 31 décembre 2007. Son RMPA combiné a toutefois chuté, passant 22 USD au 31 décembre 2006 à 20 USD au 31 décembre 2007. Le RMPA prépayé s'est pour sa part établi à 15 USD, et à 42 USD pour le RMPA post-payé. Ces résultats sont dus à l'accroissement de la pénétration mobile de 26 % à 35 %.

Une fois de plus, MTN Syrie a cherché à améliorer sa couverture des principales villes et a mis les efforts nécessaires pour desservir les régions rurales et côtières. D'ailleurs, 337 BTS y ont été déployées au cours de la période de 12 mois close au 31 décembre 2007. Quant à la couverture du territoire et de la population, elle s'est maintenue à environ 98 % et 78 %, respectivement.

<< Les prévisions du groupe pour 2008 demeurent positives sur nos principaux marchés. En effet, nous devrions Ãªtre en mesure d'attirer quelque 22 millions de nouveaux abonnés cette année >>, conclut M. Nhleko.

(i) Revenu moyen par abonné (RMPA) combiné

31 déc. 2006 31 déc. 2007 31 déc. 06 31 déc. 07 RMPA RMPA Abonnés de MTN Group (000) (000) (ZAR/USD) (ZAR/USD) Afrique du Sud et de l'Est Afrique du Sud 12 483 14 781 (i) 159 R (i)149 R Swaziland 268 380 20 USD 18 USD Botswana 600 874 19 USD 15 USD Zambie 187 262 19 USD 10 USD Ouganda 1 595 2 799 12 USD 10 USD Rwanda 384 652 17 USD 12 USD Sous-total 15 517 19 329 Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale Nigeria 12 281 16 511 18 USD 17 USD Ghana 2 585 4 016 17 USD 14 USD Cameroun 1 783 2 559 15 USD 14 USD Côte d'Ivoire 1 625 2 679 18 USD 13 USD Congo-Brazzaville 280 316 20 USD 20 USD Libéria 218 304 18 USD 19 USD Bénin 476 652 21 USD 12 USD Guinée-Conakry 276 727 17 USD 15 USD Guinée-Bissau 98 235 12 USD 17 USD Sous-total 19 622 27 999 Moyen-Orient - Afrique du Nord Soudan 1 066 2 090 16 USD 12 USD Iran 154 6 006 9 USD 10 USD Afghanistan 218 1 200 14 USD 11 USD Syrie 2 237 3 109 17 USD 20 USD Yémen 1 161 1 507 10 USD 9 USD Chypre 76 113 35 USD 39 USD Sous-total 4 912 14 025 TOTAL 40 051 61 354

Publié par MTN Group Corporate Affairs

Ã€ propos de MTN Group

Lancé en 1994, MTN Group est une société multinationale de télécommunications qui oeuvre dans 21 pays en Afrique, en Asie et au Moyen-Orient. La société est cotée à la Bourse JSE en Afrique du Sud sous le symbole << MTN >>. Au 31 décembre 2007, MTN Group comptait plus de 61,4 millions d'abonnés pour l'ensemble de ses activités en Afghanistan, au Bénin, au Botswana, au Cameroun, en Côte d'Ivoire, à Chypre, au Ghana, en Guinée-Bissau, en République de Guinée, en Iran, au Libéria, au Nigeria, dans la République du Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), au Rwanda, en Afrique du Sud, au Soudan, au Swaziland, en Ouganda, au Yémen et en Zambie. MTN Group est un sponsor mondial de la Coupe du monde de la FIFA 2010 en Afrique du Sud (2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM)) et possède les droits exclusifs du contenu mobile pour l'Afrique et le Moyen-Orient. Visitez http://www.mtn.com.

MTN Group Ltd

Pour en savoir plus, veuillez contacter Pearl Majola au +27-83-212-2459 ou à Majola_p@mtn.co.za; Lwazi Stuurman au +27-83-212-1057 ou à stuurm_l@mtn.co.za

Control Planes Are Key to Carrier-Class Metro Ethernet Success, New Report FindsThe carrier Ethernet battle between IP/MPLS, PBB-TE, and T-MPLS is being waged in the control plane, according to Light Reading Insider

NEW YORK, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Control-plane technology sits at the heart of the carrier Ethernet battle between vendors promoting IP/MPLS and those promoting traffic-engineered provider backbone bridges (PBB-TE) or Transport MPLS (T-MPLS), according to the latest report from Light Reading Insider (http://www.lightreading.com/insider), a paid research service of UBM's Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/).

Control Planes: Key to Winning the Carrier Ethernet Metro War compares the principal carrier Ethernet transport alternatives (IP/MPLS, T-MPLS, and native carrier Ethernet) and explores the role of the control plane in carrier Ethernet infrastructure, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the multiple competing control-plane strategies. The report also profiles three leading control-plane technology vendors and evaluates the carrier Ethernet transport network and control-plane positioning of 16 router and switch vendors.

"At one stage, it was taken for granted that IP/MPLS would be extended from core networks out into metro and aggregation transport network environments, underpinning everything from core to access," notes Simon Sherrington, research analyst for Light Reading Insider and author of the report. "However, progress in making Ethernet carrier-class, technology evolution through the development of provider backbone bridges and more recently PBB-TE, and progress with the T-MPLS standard have all given other vendors a real opportunity to capture market share with an alternative. And they are working hard to make the most of it."

Vendors of both switches and routers have been engaged in a marketing war designed to prove that their own solutions work best. As is the case in the real world, Sherrington points out, there is no perfect solution. "The control plane (or lack of it) sits at the heart of the various technologies' perceived strengths and weaknesses," he says.

Other key findings of Control Planes: Key to Winning the Carrier Ethernet Metro War include:

* If vendors can get the control-plane solutions right, the prospects for their technologies substantially improve * One line of possible development for the future is more widespread use of off-port distributed control planes * The mix of technologies deployed in the real world will come down to finances, as well as service and customer strategies

Control Planes: Key to Winning the Carrier Ethernet Metro War provides critical insight and analysis for a range of industry participants, including:

* Network operators needing an independent evaluation of carrier Ethernet technology developments and strategies for deployment in the metro * Technology suppliers assessing the potential size of the metro carrier Ethernet market opportunity and their relative market position compared with their main competitors * Investors needing a better understanding of the scale of the opportunity various carrier Ethernet technology options present to technology suppliers and network operators

Control Planes: Key to Winning the Carrier Ethernet Metro War is available as part of an annual single-user subscription (12 monthly issues) to Light Reading Insider, priced at $1,595. Individual reports are available for $900 (single-user license).

To subscribe, or for more information, please visit: http://www.lightreading.com/insider. For more information on all of Light Reading's Insider services, please visit http://www.lightreading.com/research.

To request a free executive summary of the report, or for details on multi-user licensing options, please contact:

Jeff Claudino Director of Sales Insider Research Services 619-229-9940 claudino@lightreading.com Press/analyst contact: Dennis Mendyk Managing Director Insider Research Services 201-587-2154 mendyk@heavyreading.com About Light Reading

Founded in 2000, Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/) is the ultimate source for technology and financial analysis of the communications industry, leading the media sector in terms of traffic, content, and reputation. It reaches an extensive audience of executives and technologists within the telecom and enterprise networking communities, as well as the financial/industry analysts and investors who track these sectors. Light Reading was acquired by United Business Media in August 2005, and operates as a unit of UBM.

About United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/)

United Business Media Plc (UBM.L) is a leading global business media company. We inform markets and bring the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print and provide them with the information they need to do business successfully. We focus on serving professional commercial communities, from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. Our 5,000 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.

Light Reading Insider

CONTACT: Jeff Claudino, Director of Sales, Insider Research Services,
+1-619-229-9940, claudino@lightreading.com, or Press-analyst contact, Dennis
Mendyk, Managing Director, Insider Research Services, +1-201-587-2154,
mendyk@heavyreading.com

Web site: http://www.lightreading.com/insider
http://www.lightreading.com/
http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/

Sky440, Inc. Updates 15c211Company Responds to Erroneous and Misleading Information

ORANGE, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sky440, Inc., (Pink Sheets: SKYF), announced today that it has released its updated 15c211. The company has sent the updated 15c211 documents to the various market makers who are actively trading the stock, major brokerage firms and other interested parties, including the Pink Sheets. The 15c211 update will soon be available on the company's website. In addition to providing current information on the company, the updated disclosures are in response to erroneous and misleading information being released and or published about the company.

The company reiterates that it has not been involved in any questionable promotions, spam promotions, investigations of fraud, nor has the company been subject to any suspensions or halted trading for public interest concerns.

The company plans to continually update its 15c211 as additional information becomes available in order to make every effort to provide current information to the public and its shareholders.

The updated 15c211 can be made available to any interested party by calling our offices and requesting a copy.

About Sky440

Sky440, Inc., based in Orange, California, is focusing on the electronic hardware and computer component industry. Sky440 is in the business of distributing networking hardware and other computer related components in North America. The company markets various IT products, inclusive of Server, Network, Software and OEM solutions to small and medium sized Solution Providers such as System Integrators (SI's) and Value Added Resellers (VAR's).

More information about Sky440, Inc., can be found at: http://www.sky440.com/

Notes about forward-looking statements:

Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Certain Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by that Act. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "estimates," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "expects," "intends," "believes," "may," "should" and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such statements are based upon current expectations of the company and speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date when they are made.

Contact: Chet Hong 650-557-2182

Sky440, Inc.

CONTACT: Chet Hong, +1-650-557-2182, for Sky440, Inc.

Web site: http://www.sky440.com/

'Two Worlds: The Temptation' Coming To Xbox 360(TM) and Windows PCSequel to SouthPeak Games' Role-Playing Hit 'Two Worlds' Arrives In Stores This Fall

GRAPEVINE, Texas, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SouthPeak Games today announced that it will be releasing a sequel to its popular open world role- playing game, Two Worlds. Entitled "Two Worlds: The Temptation", the game is slated to be available on Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system and Windows PC this fall.

Taking place shortly after the events portrayed in the first Two Worlds, The Temptation lands players in Eastern Antaloor's regions surrounding Oswaroh and the Drak'ar Desert. Featuring as much content as the original, Two Worlds: The Temptation provides more intricate missions, improved voice-overs and animations, retooled horseback riding, completely revamped combat, and a new game engine that delivers visuals that have to be seen to be believed.

"Our entire development team is now putting their all into making Two Worlds: The Temptation a game that is far and away better than the original," said Miroslaw Dymek, Chief Developer with Reality Pump explained. "We've taken to heart all the comments made by gamers about Two Worlds and we're going to give them what they want with the sequel."

"I'm sure fans of RPGs will be pleased with the vast amounts of new content and massive improvements to the core gameplay in Two Worlds: The Temptation," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "It's an ambitious, yet refined title that will surprise a lot of people."

For more information about The Temptation, or to sign up for the Antaloor Post, please visit http://www.2-worlds.com/.

About SouthPeak Games

SouthPeak Interactive, LLC develops and publishes interactive entertainment software for all current hardware platforms including: PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system, Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM) and PC. SouthPeak's games cover all major genres including action/adventure, role-playing, racing, puzzle/strategy, fighting and combat. SouthPeak's products are sold in retail outlets in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. SouthPeak is headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia, and has offices in Grapevine, Texas and London, England. http://www.southpeakgames.com/

In January, SouthPeak Interactive, LLC and Global Services Partners Acquisition Corp. (BULLETIN BOARD: GSPA, GSPAB, GSPAW, GSPAZ) jointly announced that they have agreed to a business combination resulting in a new publicly held entity that will be called SouthPeak Interactive Corporation. The transaction will allow SouthPeak to access the public markets to accelerate its growth strategy and take advantage of strong industry growth trends.

About TopWare

TopWare Interactive is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company publishes interactive consumer software products in North America and is establishing a vast portfolio from budget to console.

About Reality Pump Studios

Reality Pump Studios was established in 1995 and since 2001 has been an affiliate of the European publisher Zuxxez Entertainment AG. The 55 man team developed hits such as "Earth 2140" (RTS, 1996), "Earth 2150" (RTS, 1999), "World War III: Black Gold" (RTS, 2001), "Knightshift" (RPG, 2003), "Earth 2160" (RTS, 2005) and "Two Worlds" (RPG, 2007). The studio is a leading developer of 3D graphics engine development, including proprietary editing tool and environmental generators. All programming, art, design, and modelling is done by experienced in-house artists.

SouthPeak Games

CONTACT: Jay Fitzloff of Sandbox Strategies for SouthPeak Games,
+1-415-673-3455, jay@sandboxstrat.com

Web site: http://www.southpeakgames.com/
http://www.2-worlds.com/

CompuPay Announces Final Agreement to Acquire Key Payroll OnlineBecomes Preferred Payroll Partner to KeyBank

MIRAMAR, Fla., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- CompuPay, Inc. (http://www.compupay.com/), the fourth largest payroll services company in the country, today announced the execution of an agreement to acquire the assets of Key Payroll Online (KPO), a unit of Cleveland, Ohio-based KeyBank N.A., one of the nation's largest banking institutions. The deal is expected to close on or about April 1, 2008. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CompuPay plans to offer employment to a substantial number of KPO employees as part of the transaction. It also plans to consolidate KPO's Bellevue, WA operation with and into CompuPay's existing Seattle area sales and operations office.

"Key Payroll Online is an excellent strategic fit for our business," stated Charlie Lathrop, chairman and chief executive officer of CompuPay. "This transaction not only strengthens CompuPay's online payroll product offering but also facilitates our strategy of expansion and growth in key markets across the country." Also as a result of this transaction, CompuPay has been named the preferred payroll services provider for KeyBank clients.

"CompuPay's expertise in payroll and their commitment to excellence in client services will serve Key Payroll Online clients well," said Cindy P. Crotty, executive vice president, Key Community Banking. "KPO clients will see a seamless continuation of payroll services with CompuPay as well as an enhancement in additional employer-related services such as health benefits, workers' compensation insurance, 401(k) plans, section 125 plans and more. We are excited about the opportunities to continue to offer KeyBank business clients state-of-the art payroll and payroll-related services through our relationship with CompuPay."

About KeyCorp

Cleveland-based KeyCorp is one of the nation's largest bank- based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $100 billion. Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/.

About CompuPay

CompuPay, Inc. was founded in 1980 and today is the fourth largest payroll company in the U.S. Its growing network of local offices processes payroll for tens of thousands of companies ranging in size from 1 to over 10,000 employees in all 50 states. The company offers payroll and employer-related services such as workers' compensation insurance, employee benefits, retirement plans and Section 125 and 132 plans to clients seeking highly flexible, innovative solutions to meet their growing business needs. For more information, visit http://www.compupay.com/

Media contact: Kathey Palmer Senior Vice President Business Development CompuPay, Inc. (615) 591-3756 katheypalmer@compupay.com

CompuPay, Inc.

CONTACT: Kathey Palmer, Senior Vice President Business Development,
CompuPay, Inc., +1-615-591-3756, katheypalmer@compupay.com

Web site: http://www.compupay.com/
https://www.key.com/

Integral Announces Appointment of Major General James B. Armor, Jr., USAF (Ret.) to Board of Directors

LANHAM, Md., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Integral Systems, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors appointed Major General James B. Armor, Jr., USAF (Ret.) to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. General Armor served as Director, National Security Space Office, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force until his retirement on January 1, 2008. In this position, General Armor was responsible for integrating and coordinating defense and intelligence space activities, and advising the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Office of the Director, National Intelligence, on matters affecting national security space capabilities. Prior to serving in that position, General Armor served as Director, Signals Intelligence Acquisition and Operations, National Reconnaissance Office. In this role, General Armor directed the development, launch, and operation of the U.S. Signals Intelligence satellite constellation and related global ground systems supporting intelligence and military operations worldwide. Earlier in his career General Armor served as the Director of the Global Positioning System, the U.S. Government's largest satellite constellation. General Armor is a trained astronaut who holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (Electro-Optics) from AF Institute of Technology, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Psychology from Lehigh University.

About Integral Systems

Founded in 1982, Integral Systems is a leading provider of satellite ground systems and has supported more than 205 different satellite missions for communications, science, meteorological, and earth resource applications. Integral Systems was the first company to offer an integrated suite of COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) software products for satellite command and control: the EPOCH IPS (Integrated Product Suite) product line. EPOCH IPS has become the world market leader in commercial applications with successful installations on five continents.

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SAT Corporation, Integral Systems provides satellite and terrestrial communications signal monitoring systems to satellite operators and users throughout the world. Through its Newpoint Technologies, Inc., subsidiary, Integral Systems also provides software for equipment monitoring and control to satellite operators and telecommunications firms. Integral Systems' RT Logic subsidiary builds telemetry processing systems for military applications, including tracking stations, control centers, and range operations. Integral Systems' Lumistar, Inc., subsidiary provides system- and board-level telemetry acquisition products. Integral Systems has approximately 500 employees working at its headquarters in Lanham, MD, and at other locations in the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.integ.com/.

Integral Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Tory Harris, Investor Relations for Integral Systems, Inc.,
+1-301-731-4233; or Media, Shany Seawright, of Strategic Communications Group
for Integral Systems, Inc., +1-240-485-1081, sseawright@gotostrategic.com

Web site: http://www.integ.com/

Chatsworth Data Corporation Introduces Rechargeable Impact Recorders

CHATSWORTH, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chatsworth Data Corporation ("CDC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Chatsworth Data Solutions, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: CHWD) , announced today the addition of a rechargeable impact recorder to its existing line of impact recording devices. The rechargeable impact recorder is manufactured by Impact-O-Graph, a division of CDC, and is a complementary product to CDC's line of impact recorders. Impact recorders help monitor and record impact and shock vibration to valuable shipped products such as transformers, jet engines, generators, medical and IT equipment and have applications in the materials handling, packaging and transportation industries.

Louis W. Dedier III, CDC's President and CEO, stated, "Impact-O-Graph impact recorders have a long history of accurately measuring shocks that occur during product transportation. For over 30 years manufacturers and the military have used CDC's well-designed, reliable and cost-effective recorders to warn product recipients when careless handling may have resulted in damage during transportation and delivery. The rechargeable impact recorder is a modified version of the existing non-rechargeable impact recorder that CDC currently manufactures and is available for immediate delivery to customers."

Hugh Robinson, HDR Technical Services, a customer of CDC, noted, "I have been involved with transportation and installation of transformers for many years and the Impact-O-Graph impact recorders have been the industry standard for use when moving transformers."

Further information about the Impact-O-Graph rechargeable impact recorder can be obtained by contacting Dodie Largent or Javier Chavez at (818) 341-9200 or at info@chatsworthdata.com.

About Chatsworth Data Solutions, Inc.

Located in Tulsa, OK, the Company is the parent of Chatsworth Data Corporation ("CDC"), of Chatsworth, CA. CDC has been trusted worldwide for 35 years as a provider of innovative, highly accurate and economically priced intelligent data capture technology. CDC provides the front end optical mark sensing and image scanning systems designed to meet the forms capture and document management needs of value added resellers, system integrators and applications developers who embed CDC technology into solutions tailored for several key markets. Chief among them are gaming, educational testing, elections, surveying, and intelligence gathering. Over a million reader and optical head assemblies have been sold by CDC to date. Shares of Chatsworth Data Solutions, Inc. are traded on OTC:BB under the symbol CHWD. For more information about the Company and CDC, visit http://www.chatsworthdata.com/.

This release contains or may contain certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such forward-looking statements are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the Company's management as well as estimates and assumptions made by the Company's management. When used in this release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "future", "intend", "plan" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or the Company's management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors (including the risks contained in the sections of the Company's reports filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled "Risk Factors") relating to the Company's industry, the Company's operations and results of operations and any businesses that may be acquired by the Company. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

Chatsworth Data Corporation

CONTACT: Joe Allen of Allen & Caron Inc, +1-212-691-8087,
joe@allencaron.com, for Chatsworth Data Corporation; or Sid L. Anderson,
Chairman of Chatsworth Data Solutions, Inc., +1-918-645-3701,
sid@slacollc.com

Web site: http://www.chatsworthdata.com/

Crittenden Regional Hospital Selects Federal Signal Critical Communications SystemSmartMSG system to enable medical facility communications interoperability

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Federal Signal Corporation's Safety and Security Systems Group, a leader in advancing security and well-being, announced today that Crittenden Regional Hospital in West Memphis, Arkansas, has deployed its Federal Signal SmartMSG critical communications system to enable interoperable first responder communications and urgent notification.

"Crittenden Regional needed advanced interoperability technology to meet the challenges of complex emergencies that cross various organizational boundaries," said Roy Rogers, manager of information technology at Crittenden Regional. "This Federal Signal critical communications system pairs instant interoperability with urgent notification to bring our first responders together easily and quickly in minutes."

The Federal Signal SmartMSG system provides first responders with a comprehensive interoperability solution to enable emergency alert notification and live communication across virtually any device, including 2-way radios, phones, computers, pagers, public and industrial warning systems, sirens and more. Disparate radio systems can be bridged by docking radios into the mobile command and control unit or stationary unit. With the Federal Signal SmartMSG system, communications equipment is linked to enable various entities to work together seamlessly during emergency incidents and planned events.

The system also provides distributed instant messaging architecture that features instant scalability, redundancy and automated fail-over in support of thousands of users across hundreds of servers. Fully integrated alert notification reaches PCs, wireless handheld devices like pocket PCs, PDAs and cellular phones, along with landline phones, pagers, video enabled devices and radios. The Federal Signal SmartMSG system offers secure and encrypted communication for alert notifications, voice-over-IP (VoIP) communication, radio linked talk groups and two-way text or voice communication.

"In the event of a health, HazMat, fire or police-related incident, the SmartMSG system will enable Crittenden Regional to quickly and easily notify medical first responders regardless of communications device," said Michael K. Wons, vice president of Federal Signal's Public Safety Systems Division. "Crittenden Regional is setting the pace for first responder interoperability. We're excited to enable their medical first responders to connect, communicate and collaborate to protect people every day in their community."

The Codespear-enabled Federal Signal SmartMSG critical communications system is part of the Federal Signal Public Safety Systems interoperability platform.

About Federal Signal

Federal Signal Corporation is a leader in advancing security and well-being for communities and workplaces around the world. The Company designs and manufactures a suite of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial and airport customers. Federal Signal's portfolio of trusted, high-priority products include Bronto aerial devices, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers, E-ONE fire apparatus, Federal Signal safety and security systems, Guzzler industrial vacuums, Jetstream waterblasters and Vactor sewer cleaners. In addition, the company operates consumable industrial tooling businesses. Federal Signal was founded in 1901 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. http://www.federalsignal.com/

About Crittenden Regional Hospital

Crittenden Regional Hospital is a JCAHO accredited 152-bed acute care facility, with a long history of responding to the requests of the region. Today Crittenden Regional offers a wide variety of healthcare services from emergency medicine to home healthcare. Too, it is continuously expanding services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Crittenden Regional serves the citizens of eastern Arkansas living in the counties of Crittenden, Mississippi, St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Cross, Poinsett and Shelby County, Tennessee.

Federal Signal Corporation's Safety and Security Systems Group

CONTACT: Len Grice, Director, Marketing Services of Crittenden Regional
Hospital, +1-870-735-1500, ext. 1070, len_grice@crhwm.org; or John Segvich of
Federal Signal, +1-708-587-3486, jsegvich@federalsignal.com

Web site: http://www.federalsignal.com/

Hampden, Massachusetts Residents to Benefit from Verizon Wireless Network ExpansionInvesting to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Voice, Multimedia and Internet Access

HAMPDEN, Mass., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Hampden County, Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site. The new site increases wireless voice and data coverage and capacity along Glendale Road, Main Street, and Scantic Street, as well as the surrounding area in the town of Hampden, Massachusetts.

Verizon Wireless has invested nearly $44 billion since it was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services like BroadbandAccess and V CAST. Regionally the company has invested nearly $2.2 billion into its New England network, including over $292 million in 2007 alone.

BroadbandAccess offers computer users the nation's most reliable high- speed wireless mobile broadband network, operating at average upload speeds between 500 and 800 kbps, and download speeds between 600 kbps and 1.4 mbps over Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess with EV-DO Revision A network. V CAST brings video clips of TV shows, music on demand and other multimedia services to wireless phones.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the fourth quarter of 2007 as the company added two million net new customers and, for the thirteenth consecutive quarter, reported the lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the wireless industry.

The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "can you hear me now" national advertising campaign. Nationally, these test men and women drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways as well as major roads and surface streets in high- population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts, to confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

BroadbandAccess speed claim is based on stationary tests with 5 MB FTP data files w/o compression and requires compatible EV-DO Rev. A device. Actual throughput speed varies. BroadbandAccess is available to more than 240 million people in 248 major metros in the U.S. V CAST Music phone & per song charges required; airtime may apply for music downloads. Additional charges required for other V CAST services. Offers & coverage, varying by service, not available everywhere. Network details and coverage maps at vzw.com.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Michael Murphy of Verizon Wireless, +1-781-932-1213; or Marcia
Simon of Thomson Communications for Verizon Wireless, +1-860-399-0191

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

VH1 Launches Online Site to Cast One Would-Be Suitor for the Upcoming Season of 'The Pick-Up Artist 2'Online Submission Process Begins Today At PickUpArtist2Casting.com"The Pick-Up Artist 2" Slated To Premiere 4th Quarter, 2008 With "Mystery," "Matador" and New Wing Girl Tara

NEW YORK, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 is teaming up with world-renowned pick-up artist Mystery for a second season of the hit how-to dating series "The Pick-Up Artist." Beginning today, an online casting call has launched at http://pickupartist2casting.com/. One would-be suitor who doesn't yet have what it takes to make it in the dating world will be cast alongside seven other men in the upcoming "The Pick-Up Artist 2," premiering later this year.

The 10-week online casting competition will be divided into three rounds that are loosely based on the "how-to" techniques Mystery teaches in the series. For example, online contestants will need to tell a 1-minute story about themselves that they believe will capture the attention of a woman. In another round, contestants will be asked to describe their perfect date, among other things. For each round, users will be required to upload a selection of videos, photos and essays about themselves.

The desperately in-need-of-help "winner" will be chosen by online voters and will appear on the upcoming season of "The Pick-Up Artist 2." While one person will be chosen online by the users, the show's producers will be accessing the site and may consider others they find online during their casting process to find the remaining seven men.

"The first season of 'The Pick-Up Artist' hit a nerve with viewers and quickly became a cultural phenomenon that went deeper than watching awkward men attempting to perfect their dating skills. It resonated, because at some point everyone has experienced feeling insecure about striking up conversation with someone," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President of Programming and Development, VH1. "By opening up the casting process online, every guy has a shot at earning one of the prized slots in the world's most unique 'classroom'."

This season of "The Pick-Up Artist" brings a new twist to the show, as a female wing girl will join Mystery in the quest to whip the eight cast members into dating shape. Filling this role will be Tara, Mystery's part-time helper from season one. This season she is returning as a full-time wing girl. With help from Mystery, Tara and Mystery's returning wingman, Matador, these men will go through a rigorous 8-week session in the hopes that they will learn the ins and outs of the dating scene. At the end of the eight weeks, one winner will be named "Master Pick-Up Artist" and will be awarded $50,000.

The first season of "The Pick-Up Artist" averaged 1.2 million total viewers, 35% higher than VH1 prime average during the 4th quarter of 2007. The series was a viewer hit, driving VH1 to be a top-five network on basic cable in its 9-10 PM time period during its run.

"The Pick-Up Artist 2" is a production of 3 Ball Entertainment and VH1. JD Roth, Todd Nelson and Adam Greener are executive producers for 3 Ball Entertainment. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Noah Pollack are executive producers for VH1.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1 Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

Contacts: Erica Cantwell Luis Defrank 212-846-3683 212-846-7012 Erica.cantwell@vh1staff.com luis.defrank@vh1staff.com

VH1

CONTACT: Erica Cantwell, +1-212-846-3683, Erica.cantwell@vh1staff.com,
or Luis Defrank, +1-212-846-7012, luis.defrank@vh1staff.com, both of VH1

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://pickupartist2casting.com/