Ad-hoc | 25 November 2003 07:44

SINGULUS Acquires ODME-Mastering and OTB MoldPro Injection Molding Technology

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– SINGULUS Acquires ODME-Mastering and OTB MoldPro Injection Molding Technology – Optical Disc Market Leadership Further Expanded In accordance with a signed letter of intent, SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, Kahl am Main, plans to acquire from OTB Group B.V. Eindhoven, Netherlands, all shares of its interest in ODME B.V., Eindhoven, Netherlands, including exclusive patent rights and other intellectual property rights to MoldPro injection molding technology effective January 1, 2004. SINGULUS will acquire the complete mastering system product range with the purchase of ODME including approximately 100 employees and annual revenues of over 30 million Euro. The acquisition will not include the companys replication line business which will remain part of the OTB Group. The purchase price will be paid in cash with no plans to increase the share capital. ODME is the world market leader in mastering and already holds the technology for the future of the optical disc industry: Blu-Ray and AOD. This third generation of optical data storage, along with the introduction of high definition digital television, will open new markets in the years ahead. The acquired ODME mastering will be consolidated with the existing SINGULUS OMP mastering activities to form the Eindhoven-based SINGULUS MASTERING, creating an efficient organization with a complete portfolio of leading technology for all existing and future optical disc formats. The acquisition of MoldPro injection molding technology will also impart to SINGULUS benefits that will set it apart from the field. This technology offers unique opportunities for manufacturing very thin substrates that can be employed in the Blu-Ray process. Furthermore, MoldPro is suited for the injection molding of optical substrates and is also slated for implementation in SINGULUS new optical coating system division. The development of MoldPro will be brought to maturation at SINGULUS EMOULD with mass production readiness expected by the end of 2004. Subject to the signing of a final purchase contract and approval by antitrust authorities, the transaction will secure and expand SINGULUS technological and economic leadership position, providing the basis for positive growth in the years ahead. Bernhard Krause, Tel.:+49 (0)6181 9828020 end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 25.11.2003 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 723890; ISIN: DE0007238909; Index: TecDAX, NEMAX 50 Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 250744 Nov 03