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Spirent Communications PLC - Blocklisting Interim Review
BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION SCHEME, 1995 Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 2,386,034 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has 3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p been increased, if the scheme has been EACH increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted 1,753,775 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p under scheme during period: EACH Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 4,132,259 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 3,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 29 SEPTEMBER 2000 3,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 28 MAY 2004 3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH DATED 14 MARCH 2006 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: U.S EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 1,237,364 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 1,237,364 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 435,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH listed and the date of admission: DATED 5 JUNE 2001 3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 1 NOVEMBER 2001 7,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 18 NOVEMBER 2002 1,800,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 6 DECEMBER 2004 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT GLOBAL ALL EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 814,444 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return: The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 814,444 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period: Number and class of securities 1,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p originally listed and the date of EACH DATED 18 NOVEMBER 2002 admission: 700,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 6 DECEMBER 2004 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: NETCOM AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 4,200,894 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted 2,674,007 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p under scheme during period: EACH Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 1,526,887 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities 3,291,399 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p originally listed and the date of EACH DATED 3 SEPTEMBER 1999 admission: 1,739,130 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 8 JULY 2002 6,722,689 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 8 OCTOBER 2002 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: ZARAK AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 2,690,996 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 2,690,996 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 3,895,474 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 14 NOVEMBER 2000 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant I If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT SAVINGS RELATED SHARE OPTION SCHEME Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 68,185 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return: The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 68,185 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period: Number and class of securities originally 200,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH listed and the date of admission: DATED 31 DECEMBER 2003 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous return: 4,453,686 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted under 589,855 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p scheme during period: EACH Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 3,863,831 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 3,720,930 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 1 OCTOBER 2003 3,703,703 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 2 OCTOBER 2003 Total number of securities in issue at the 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 end of the period : p EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: CAW AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 836,399 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return: The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted 2,914 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 833,485 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period: Number and class of securities originally 1,300,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 15 AUGUST 2002 115,394 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 28 AUGUST 2002 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
HERC Products Incorporated Provides Summary of Major Activities Since Delisting
HERC Products Incorporated (PINKSHEETS: HERC) today provided a summary of events since delisting as a reporting company in keeping with its strategy of cost controls, new revenue streams and recapitalization.
Unaudited Results
HERC finished 2004 and 2005 with losses of approximately $1,330,000 and $20,000 respectively. The improvement in results from 2004 to 2005 is the result of cost cutting of internal operations, the cost cutting associated with delisting of the Company's stock and improvement in gross profit margins as the result of developing new lines of business.
Unaudited Partial Results Through June 2006 and Accounting Changes
HERC has revenue through June 30, 2006 of approximately $2,800,000. This revenue represents an increase of more than 30% over the same period in 2005. HERC has also implemented a new accounting software program approved by the Defense Department as a result of new staff and financing arrangements. The Company expects the new system on line before the end of the 2006 third quarter.
New Debt Financing
The factoring agreement with Marquette Capital, where interest exceeded 27%, was replaced with a new facility with Perryville & Broadway Holdings (Perryville). The facility has provided $491,544. The interest rate is 18% and is convertible to Herc Common Stock at prices between $0.03 and $0.10. Warrants were included to purchase up to 5,640,000 shares of Herc Common Stock at prices between $0.03 and $0.10. $40,000 was converted to 1,333,333 shares in January of 2006.
Stock Sales and Other Debt
HERC has sold Common Stock in the Company to individuals associated with one another as former employees of BAE-Marine Engineering Services. These individuals are now associated with or employed by HERC in the development of current lines of business and new lines of business. $380,000 was used to purchase Common Stock at a price $0.013 per share resulting in 29,230,769 new shares being issued.
An expanded credit line agreement is under review, to be serviced by Perryville. The credit line will consolidate the prior Perryville financing and additional new monies for a line of credit financing package on behalf of the Company, as may be required, totaling up to $1.2 million.
Navy Approvals
Herc had its chemical cleaning formula approved by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for use by ships personnel, contractors and Ship Repair Facilities.
A NAVSEA approval was received for testing of a new technology to preserve pipes, plenums and tanks. An application for the new product was conducted on the USS Ogden in October of 2005. Additional test applications are pending.
Herc received notice that its patent for the cleaning of Counter Measure Washdown Systems has been issued.
Acquisitions and Licenses
Herc agreed to terms to purchase all of the assets of Sperco Incorporated of Oldsmar, Florida. Terms for the purchase include an earn-out based on a percentage of revenue that does not exceed more than 50% of the profit each year over 2 years. Sperco is a contracting company that provides water and wastewater construction and rehabilitation to municipalities in Florida.
Herc also established licenses of the Company's patents in Jacksonville, Florida, Yuma, Arizona and Latin America.
New Offices and Location Changes
Herc has opened new offices in Pascagoula, Mississippi to service the Gulf Coast and Yulee, Florida to service the Atlantic Coast marine business. The Company also expanded the San Diego office based on the hiring of the tank department manager from Continental Maritime of San Diego/Northrop Grumman (CMSD/NG). CMSD/NG made the decision to close their tank-cleaning department during 2006. Herc, having had a teaming agreement with CMSD/NG to support that department, is working to obtain the personnel from that department throughout the remainder of the year and assume as much of the revenue as possible.
The Company expects to provide greater detail and additional information in a letter to shareholders that will be posted on the Company's website at www.hercprod.com and mailed or emailed to those shareholders that have provided their information to the Company in the near future. The Company is updating its website and will soon utilize that space to keep shareholders informed of current events of the Company.
This press release contains forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, each of which speaks only as of the date made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Company's previously filed SEC reports.
HERC Products Incorporated provides pipe cleaning, environmental tank cleaning and other corrosion control services utilizing its proprietary and patented chemistry and processes. HERC's patented chemistry and processes are currently used in cleaning marine, fire protection, potable water, chemical feed line, wastewater treatment and other systems.
Windmill International Denies Any Wrongdoing -
Virginia-Based Firm Refutes Inaccurate Information in a
Recent Associated Press Story
Virginia-based financial
services company Windmill International, Ltd. responded
today to the allegations and misinformation contained in an
Associated Press story. The story claims the firm is being
named in a sealed whistleblower suit for their interaction
with Custer Battles, a company formerly banned by the
government from doing business in Iraq.
Associated Press journalist Deborah Hastings indicated she
had obtained a copy of the sealed suit.
Windmill founder Douglas Combs responded to the story by
saying, "Any allegation of wrongdoing on the part of
Windmill or its principals in this civil suit is baseless
and absolutely untrue. We're confident that after reviewing
the evidence we are willing to provide, any third party
would confirm and understand there was no acquisition of
Custer Battles, or Danubia Global, or a conspiracy to
circumvent a government suspension. I'm disappointed the AP
chose to publish a sensational story based on allegations
rather than fact."
In response to the apparent leak of the sealed suit to the
press, Windmill General Counsel Chris Johnson said, "We have
not been notified of any suit. The only information we have
is the claim Ms. Hastings made in her story. We are
particularly disappointed to note that such supposedly
sealed documents have been given this type of publicity with
the effect of unfairly discrediting our company and
principals."
Windmill confirmed that Custer Battles shared a mutual
interest in providing a low-cost alternative service
supporting US government operations by utilizing talented
well-trained Eastern European (NATO) personnel. Custer
Battles and later Danubia Global when it purchased Custer
Battles were among several companies Windmill considered,
but did not acquire, when pursuing this business strategy.
Windmill approached Air Force Deputy General Counsel Steven
Shaw as part of its consideration to better understand the
ramifications of the suspension against Custer Battles and
its principals in a potential collaboration with Windmill.
After reviewing the commercial aspects of the deal and
following the single meeting with Mr. Shaw, Mr. Combs
personally informed Mr. Shaw via email that Windmill would
not pursue any interest in Custer Battles or its principals.
Unfortunately, in June of 2005 while still in preliminary
discussions with Danubia Global, Windmill prematurely
released from its Bucharest office a press notice focused on
a project in Eastern Europe where it was incorrectly
mentioned that Windmill purchased a share in Danubia Global
- the information was wrong and an employee was terminated
for disseminating the flawed release without authorization.
Danubia Global has since issued its own statement denying
Windmill's ownership of Danubia Global.
Board meeting minutes, personal interviews and e-mails given
to The Wall Street Journal all confirm that Windmill had
never acquired either Custer Battles or Danubia Global and
certainly did not create any avenues for them to bypass the
government-imposed restriction on contracting in Iraq.
Windmill International is confident it will be found
innocent of all allegations and stands ready to provide
documentation to support any potential investigators in
their inquiry.
Mr. Combs added, "I understand the desire to root out those
defrauding the government - the problem here is they have
the wrong company. As a former enlisted infantry Marine, I
want the guys in Iraq to get the best of all we have to
give. That's what makes this allegation so distasteful to
me. I look forward to working in partnership with the
government to ensure there was no wrongdoing by Windmill or
its principals, to get this mischaracterization behind us."
Windmill International, Ltd. is an offshoot of Windmill
International Singapore, established in 1972, conducting
business globally, where Mr. Combs was partner for more than
9 years. As founder of Windmill International, Ltd. in the
US, Mr. Combs has led the company in providing high-quality
financial and government services focused in Central and
Eastern Europe.
 This Week on MoneyTV, 7/28MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures. Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net. The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net. Featured companies on this week's show include: Atlantis Holding Corporation CEO Robert Thompson spoke of the company's diversity and announced a new company division in 3-D presentations. XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich spoke of the company's marketing efforts in China. Tasco Holdings International, Inc. C.O.O. Brian Pockett announced the development of a stem cell extraction kit.
Baltia Air Lines, Inc. (OTCBB: BLTA) Baltia Air Lines, Inc. CEO Igor Dmitrowsky discussed fuel prices and their relationship to airline profitability. Sage Global Solutions, Inc. CEO Henry Davidson announced the company has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Dragon International Group Corporation (OTCBB: DRGG) spokesperson Marc Siegel announced the company has entered into an agreement to distribute pharmaceutical packages in India. Swiss Medica, Inc. CEO Raghu Kilambi announced the company has initiated distribution of their products in non-retail channels. Nova Energy, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NVNG) Senior Consultant William Howe discussed domestic energy and new exploration technology. Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET. MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM. A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV. |
 Atlas America, Inc. to Report Operating Results for the Fiscal Quarter Ended June 30, 2006 and to Host Earnings Conference CallAtlas America, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATLS) announced today that it will release its results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006 after market hours on Thursday, August 3, 2006, and invites investors and other interested parties to listen to the live webcast of its quarterly conference call on Friday, August 4, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This call is being webcast live and can be accessed by investors and other interested parties from the home page of the Company's website at www.atlasamerica.com. For those unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, the replay of the webcast will be available following the live call on the Atlas Pipeline Partners website and telephonically beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on August 4, 2006 until midnight ET on September 5, 2006, by dialing 888-286-8010, passcode: 25269127. Atlas America, Inc. is an energy company engaged primarily in the development and production of natural gas in the Appalachian Basin for its own account and for its investors through the offering of tax advantaged investment programs. For more information, please visit our website at www.atlasamerica.com, or contact investor relations at bbegley@atlasamerica.com. Certain matters discussed within this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although Atlas America, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include financial performance, regulatory changes, changes in local or national economic conditions and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including quarterly reports on Form 10Q, reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K. |
VNU SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE CHANGE TO PRIVATE COMPANY STATUS
New Supervisory Board Members Appointed at EGM;
VNU Acquires Preferred Shares, Squeeze-Out Procedure to Start
Haarlem, the Netherlands – VNU, a leading global information and media company, announced that it has changed its legal name to VNU Group B.V. from VNU N.V., as shareholders approved its conversion into a private company at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) here today.
Shareholders approved the conversion of VNU from a public company (naamloze vennootschap) into a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid), along with related amendments to the company’s Articles of Association. The conversion was made official with the execution of a notarial deed following the conclusion of the EGM.New Supervisory Board Members Appointed
VNU also announced that, during the meeting, which was held at VNU’s Haarlem headquarters, the following new members were appointed to the company’s Supervisory Board:
- Mr. J.A. Quella (representative of The Blackstone Group L.P.);
- Mr. J.A. Attwood, Jr. (representative of The Carlyle Group);
- Mr. D. F. Akerson (representative of The Carlyle Group);
- Lord C. Hollick (representative of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.);
- Mr. R.J. Bressler (representative of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.),
The new Supervisory Board members replace Messrs. R. Reid of The Blackstone Group, E.P.S. Merrill of The Carlyle Group, M.J. Connelly of The Carlyle Group, S. Brown of KKR and G.R. Taylor of Thomas H. Lee, all of whom were appointed to the Supervisory Board during the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on June 13, 2006, and resigned their positions at the conclusion of today’s meeting. The other current members of the 12-person Supervisory Board will retain their positions. Each board member has a term that expires at the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2010.
All other shareholder proposals, which can be found at www.vnu.com/cg/shareholdersMeeting, were adopted during today’s meeting.Acquisition of Preferred B Shares
After today’s EGM and prior to VNU’s conversion into a private company, VNU, in view of its proposed new financing structure (see VNU press release of July 10, 2006), acquired all of the preferred B shares in its share capital from Valcon Acquisition B.V. (Valcon).
Valcon declared its public offer for VNU unconditional on May 21, 2006 and now holds or controls approximately 99.5% of VNU's share capital. Valcon anticipates that it will initiate a squeeze-out procedure (uitkoopprocedure), as referred to in the Dutch Civil Code, on or about Monday, July 31, 2006, to acquire all of the company’s remaining ordinary shares.About VNU
VNU is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair) and trade shows. The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. VNU employs nearly 41,000 people and had total revenues of EUR 3.5 billion in 2005. For more information, visit www.vnu.com.
China Digital Communication Group Added to China Small Cap Index
China Digital Communication Group (OTCBB: CHID), one of the fastest growing battery components manufacturers in China, announced today that it has been added as a component of the Ludlow China SmallCap Index.
China Digital CEO Ran Liang said, "We're pleased to be part of the Ludlow China SmallCap Index. This further enhances our visibility in the American capital markets and provides us with useful exposure to investors."
About Ludlow Capital
Headquartered in Manhattan, Ludlow Capital is a full service investment banking company that assists companies and institutional investors by arranging private equity financing and secondary public offerings.
The Ludlow Small Cap China Index is a basket of some of the top U.S.-traded OTC and small cap Chinese stocks. The index provides institutional and individual investors a gauge for tracking the day-to-day performance of small cap Chinese stocks in a diversified basket. The index is designed for investors who have a long-term bullish outlook on China's emerging market. The Ludlow China Index is owned and operated by Ludlow China Fund, Inc., based in New York City.
About China Digital Communication Group
China Digital Communication Group has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shenzhen E'Jenie Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd. and Galaxy View International. E'Jenie manufactures and sells advanced high-quality lithium-ion battery shell and cap products to all major lithium-ion battery cell manufacturers in China and has recently begun manufacturing complete batteries. E'Jenie's products are used to power mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops, digital cameras, PDAs, camera recorders and other consumer electronic digital devices. Galaxy View, through its subsidiary Sono Digital, is a leading supplier of third-generation (3G) communications technology and equipment in China. China Digital Communication Group is continuing its expansion, while seeking distribution partners and acquisitions in new global markets, including the United States. For more information, visit http://www.chinadigitalgroup.com or contact Roy Teng of China Digital, (310) 461-1322, e-mail: info@chinadigitalgroup.com.
An investment profile on China Digital Communication Group may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com/chinadigital/profile.php.
For investor relations information regarding China Digital Communication Group, contact Frank Hawkins or Ken AuYeung, Hawk Associates, at (305) 451-1888, e-mail: info@hawkassociates.com. An online investor kit including press releases, current price quotes, stock charts and other valuable information for investors may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com and http://www.americanmicrocaps.com.
Forward-looking statement: Except for the historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, factors relating to future sales. These forward-looking statements may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, uncertainties in product demand, risks related to doing business in China, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing economic conditions around the world, release and sales of new products and other risk factors detailed in the company's most recent annual report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 Flip4Mac WMV Support for Intel Macs Now AvailableVersion 2.1 Software Release Features Support for Intel Macs and Faster Windows Media Encoding for PowerPC Mac UsersTelestream, the media encoding specialist, today announced availability of Flip4Mac™ WMV version 2.1 software. Release highlights include universal support for Apple's Intel-based Macintosh systems and significantly faster Windows Media encoding for PowerPC Mac users. The Flip4Mac WMV update is free and available for download on Microsoft and Flip4Mac websites. "We are pleased to offer Intel support for the large base of Mac users who have been eager to receive this release since our announcement in April," said Barbara DeHart, Vice President, Flip4Mac Products. "Considerable buzz has been generated throughout the Mac community as is evidenced by the immense number of users who offered to participate in our beta testing process." Flip4Mac WMV is comprised of a collection of QuickTime™ components that enables Mac OS X users to play, import and export Windows Media® files using QuickTime-based applications. In addition to universal support for Intel-powered Macintosh systems, version 2.1 includes significantly faster export optimizations for PowerPC Mac users. PowerPC users will see encode speeds four to six times faster with version 2.1. "The Flip4Mac WMV 2.1 release gives users total control over their export speeds," comments Derrick Freeman, Video Streaming and Compression Specialist at GeniusDV and Flip4Mac beta tester. "Our clients need solutions that can speed up their workflows, and the v2.1 release gives them the faster export speeds they need. When higher quality output takes precedence over speed, the flexible export settings in Flip4Mac WMV produce the results that our clients are looking for." Additional new features in Flip4Mac WMV v2.1 include: multi-language audio support in the WMV player; overlay when importing Windows Media content in trial mode; support for Web authors to disable save as feature in embedded streams and improved support for MMS servers and live streams. The Flip4Mac WMV family includes free playback of Windows Media files and a range of import and export capabilities priced from $29 to $179. In January, Microsoft began free distribution of Windows Media Components for QuickTime, powered by Flip4Mac. Since that time, millions of Flip4Mac downloads have occurred. The free version 2.1 update is available for download on www.microsoft.com and www.flip4mac.com. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. About Flip4Mac (www.flip4mac.com) Exporting and importing media in the formats users require shouldn't be a hassle. Telestream's Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Macintosh make it easy. Since its beginning in 1998, Telestream, the company that pioneered high-quality media exchange over IP networks, has recognized the vital need for seamless access to media in any format across any network -- in a way that is transparent to any user's workflow. With Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Macintosh, Telestream leverages its expertise in media encoding, transcoding, and digital workflows to enable an all-Macintosh workflow for media professionals. About Telestream (www.telestream.net) Telestream products have set the standard with the world's leading media and entertainment companies, corporations, and government institutions for the encoding, organizing, and delivery of digital media. Customers rely on Telestream products for convenient, cost-effective, and robust digital media access and exchange over IP networks. The company's core workgroup and enterprise solutions and newer Flip4Mac tools for the Macintosh streamline digital media workflows for content owners, creators, and distributors in any industry segment. Telestream and its team of video experts are located in Nevada City, the "video valley" region of Northern California. The company is privately held. About GeniusDV (www.GeniusDV.com) Located in Orlando, Florida, GeniusDV is a Digital Video Editing Training Center. Classes include training on Avid Express HD, Final Cut Studio and After Effects software applications. GeniusDV also offers a one day video streaming and compression training class, and Flip4Mac WMV Studio Pro HD is one of the software applications featured in the class. The company also offers video streaming consulting services.
July 28, 2006 11:06:00 AM ET
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July 28, 2006 11:09:00 AM ET
 Electro Energy Joins Plug-In Hybrid Development ConsortiumElectro Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: EEEI), a developer and manufacturer of advanced rechargeable batteries, announced today that it has joined the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium (www.hybridconsortium.org). The Consortium, founded in August 2005 by Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RZ), Pacific Gas and Electric (NYSE: PCG), Maxwell Technologies (NASDAQ: MXWL), and Electrovaya (TSX: EFL), brings together component suppliers working to accelerate the commercial production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Consortium members cooperate to identify specifications, develop compatible technologies and deliver innovative new system solutions that make affordable plug-in hybrids possible. EEEI's proprietary bi-polar rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (BP-NiMH) battery currently powers a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle which is an adapted Toyota Prius, developed in cooperation with a Consortium member, the California Cars Initiative (CalCars). The Company's demonstration vehicle made news this spring when it appeared at several high-profile events, including one that took place in May in Washington, D.C., as national gas prices soared. A number of senators and representatives, including members of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy, test-drove the car and learned first-hand of the substantial fuel savings it promises. Electro Energy's vehicle is capable of driving 20 to 25 miles on a single battery charge without using any gasoline, the equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon of fuel economy. Further driving range is possible in the normal hybrid operating mode. Experts estimate that PHEV electrical energy costs would be less than 3 cents per mile in all-electric mode, compared to 12-14 cents per mile for gasoline priced at about $3 per gallon.
"We are delighted to welcome Electro Energy as a member of our organization," said David West, Vice President Marketing for Raser Technologies. "EEEI has collaborated with Consortium member CalCars throughout this year to incorporate its innovative battery technology into a prototype PHEV. The Company has contributed to significant achievements in just 11 months." Michael E. Reed, CEO of Electro Energy, said, "We are very pleased to join the creative companies that have formed the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium. Their innovative leadership has become a primary driver for a new kind of vehicle that will greatly improve fuel economy for consumers, reduce air-polluting emissions and reduce our imports of foreign oil. Electro Energy is proud to be counted among them." About Electro Energy Inc. Electro Energy Inc., headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, was founded in 1992 to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-powered, rechargeable bipolar nickel-metal hydride batteries for use in a wide range of applications. Its Colorado Springs operation supplies aerospace-grade high quality nickel cadmium batteries and components for satellites, aircraft and other specialty applications. EEEI is also developing high power lithium rechargeable batteries utilizing the Company's proprietary bi-polar design. EEEI has recently acquired significant manufacturing assets near Gainesville, Fla., to accelerate commercialization of its battery technology. For further information, please visit www.electroenergyinc.com. Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the companies, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following: general economic and business conditions; competition; unexpected changes in technologies and technological advances; ability to commercialize and manufacture products; results of experimental studies; research and development activities; changes in, or failure to comply with, governmental regulations; and the ability to obtain adequate financing in the future. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factors disclosure contained in certain of Electro Energy Inc.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings available at http://www.sec.gov. Pursuant to a December 1, 2004 agreement, Consulting For Strategic Growth I, Ltd. ("CFSG1") provides Electro Energy with consulting, business advisory, investor relations, public relations and corporate development services, for which CFSG1 receives a fixed monthly fee for the duration of the agreement. Independent of CFSG1's receipt of cash compensation from Electro Energy, CFSG1 may choose to purchase the common stock of Electro Energy and thereafter sell those shares at any time it deems appropriate to do so. For more information, please visit www.cfsg1.com.
July 28, 2006 10:15:00 AM ET
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