News, people, new membranes, mergers and acquisition Statkraft to build world's first osmotic power plant Oct, 3, 2007 Statkraft has decided to build the world's first prototype osmotic power plant. The company is also stepping up its initiatives to develop the technology further. Osmotic power is a renewable energy source. Calculations indicate that the technology could contribute around 1,600 TWh on a global basis annually. more Fujitsu America, Inc. today dedicated a hydrogen fuel cell on its Sunnyvale campus Aug. 20, 2007 Sunnyvale, CA, Fujitsu America, Inc. today dedicated a hydrogen fuel cell on its Sunnyvale campus. The fuel cell provides clean, efficient power for the campus data center and other operations, significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Fujitsu, the first Silicon Valley company to install its own hydrogen power plant, has spent a decade making a significant, sustainable investment in enterprise-wide initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations.    more 500 m3/day waste water treatment using advanced oxidation technology in in Suzhou, China Aug.7, 2007 Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited today announced that its subsidiary, Yixing PACT Environmental Technology Company Ltd. ("PACT") has recently been awarded a US$ 1,718,000 contract by an USA Chemical company based in Suzhou, China. The contract covers design, manufacture, supply, and commissioning of a waste water treatment of up to 500 m3 per day using advanced oxidation technology.   more Kruger Inc. announces a partnership with Norit X-Flow Jul. 30, 2007 I. Kruger Inc. (a Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies company) announces a partnership with Norit X-Flow to offer ultrafiltration solutions to the U.S. and Canadian marketplace.   more Millipore Offers Revised Ultrafiltration Application and Product Guide May 17, 2007 Millipore today announced the availability of its revised Ultrafiltration Application and Product Guide. This publication has been expanded and now contains additional product information and more protocols, including those for virus concentration.   more Doughty Hanson to Acquire Norit in the Netherlands April 17, 2007 Doughty Hanson & Co, one of the largest independent private equity firms in Europe, is to acquire Norit, a leading global supplier of purification technologies, for an undisclosed sum.   more Ultrafiltration removes alkaline phosphatase April 10, 2007 Millipore Corporation today announced the availability of the new BioPak C disposable ultrafiltration cartridge.   more Pentair Acquires Porous Media, Furthers Its Water Strategy March 6, 2007 Pentair, Inc. announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Porous Media, a privately held Minnesota company with manufacturing operations in both Minnesota and Texas. The acquisition accelerates the Company's water strategy by strengthening its filtration and separation technology portfolio and extending its reach into attractive new markets.   more ItN Nanovation AG signs letter of intent for joint ventures in China March 1, 2007 ItN Nanovation AG has signed a binding termsheet with the Chinese company Suntar Membrane Technology Co. Ltd. concerning the foundation of two joint ventures: one is planned for the production and the other for the distribution of ceramic tube filter membranes.   more Sartorius AG combines biotechnology division with Stedim S.A. February 22, 2007 Sartorius AG, Göttingen, Germany, has entered into a binding agreement with Stedim S.A., Aubagne, France, and its founders.   more Statkraft to build world's first osmotic power plant Osmotic power is based on the natural process of osmosis. In an osmotic power plant, sea water and fresh water are separated by a membrane. The sea water draws the fresh water through the membrane, thereby increasing the pressure on the sea water side. The increased pressure is used to produce power. After ten years of research and development, Statkraft believes the time is now right to build the first osmotic power plant prototype and is therefore stepping up its initiatives and investments to develop the technology. With this decision Statkraft will have invested more than NOK 100 million to develop a new, renewable energy technology. The research work is supported by The Research Council of Norway. The global technical potential for osmotic power production is estimated at around 1600 TWh, including around 200 TWh in Europe and 12 TWh in Norway, or 10 percent of Norway’s current power production. The innovation has already attracted attention in the international energy community. download: Facts about Osmotic power "We take the task of providing pure energy seriously, and osmotic power is a very promising technology in which we are global leaders. It is clean and emission-free, and could become competitive within a few years,” remarked Statkraft's CEO, Bård Mikkelsen. The prototype will provide Statkraft with a better understanding of the challenges involved in developing osmotic power technology and represents a necessary platform for the further development of the technology. The prototype plant will be built at the paper pulp manufacturer Södra Cell Tofte’s plant at Hurum in Buskerud, Norway. The location will provide the osmotic plant with a good supply of fresh water and sea water, along with access to the established infrastructure. Statkraft is very satisfied with the location and the collaboration with a company with a green environmental profile and a major focus on renewable energy. The construction of the prototype is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The osmotic power plant will produce between 2-4 kW of energy. The Statkraft Group is a leading player in Europe within renewable energy. The Group generates hydropower, wind power and district heating and constructs gas power plants in Norway and Germany. Statkraft is a major player on the European energy exchanges. In Norway the company supplies electricity and heat to around 600,000 customers through its shareholdings in other companies. In 2006 Statkraft recorded a profit after tax of NOK 6.3 billion, and employed more than 2,100 employees in nine countries. The world needs pure energy. Statkraft works to deliver this every day. For further information, please contact: Knut Fjerdingstad, Spokesperson, tel.: +47 24 06 71 61 / 90 18 63 10 Torbjørn Steen, Vice President Communications, tel.: +47 24 06 72 28 / 911 66 888 www.statkraft.com Fujitsu America, Inc. today dedicated a hydrogen fuel cell on its Sunnyvale campus Fujitsu Becomes First Silicon Valley Company to Install Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power New Power Plant is Clean, Sustainable and Economically Viable Step for Fighting Global Warming by Reducing CO2 Emissions Sunnyvale, CA, August 17, 2007 — Fujitsu America, Inc. today dedicated a hydrogen fuel cell on its Sunnyvale campus. The fuel cell provides clean, efficient power for the campus data center and other operations, significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Fujitsu, the first Silicon Valley company to install its own hydrogen power plant, has spent a decade making a significant, sustainable investment in enterprise-wide initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations. The hydrogen fuel cell will provide 50 percent of the power needed to cool the Fujitsu Sunnyvale campus data center and labs, reducing the amount of fossil fuel that must be burned to maintain operations and easing pressure on the local power grid. According to the EPA, data centers across the U.S. consumed about 61 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2006, roughly 1.5 percent of the total U.S. electricity consumption, and based on current trends, consumption is expected to double by 2011. The fossil fuel-burning power plants used to generate this electricity release more than 40 percent of the total U.S. CO2 emissions, a prime contributor to global warming. "Our real-world use of the hydrogen fuel cell is a clear demonstration of the ability of corporations to make a significant and financially responsible investment in reducing harmful impacts on the environment, with the ultimate goal of reversing global warming," said Tetsuo Urano, head of American operations, Fujitsu America. “With a payback of about three and a half years and a lifespan of about 15 years, hydrogen power is an excellent investment for the company. All of us at Fujitsu have a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, and we are proud of the leadership we've shown over the years, from reducing our carbon footprint, to eliminating lead and other harmful wastes from our supply chain and products, to broad recycling and reuse programs. We will continue to invest in innovation and programs that are both good for the environment and good for our business." The hydrogen fuel cell installed on the Fujitsu Sunnyvale campus is the UTC Power PureCell(TM) Model 200 system, featuring ultra-low emissions. It meets the most stringent air emissions standards as set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB 07). Although it utilizes natural gas, it produces 35 percent less CO2 per megawatt-hour than the average fossil fuel-based power plant, and approximately 4,000 lbs per year less NOx, the equivalent of taking more than 100 average passenger cars off the road. The system has a low sound profile at 60 decibels at 30 feet, and emits no ozone-depleting fluorocarbons. Fujitsu America will also be contributing to water conservation. When compared to conventional power plants, a UTC Power PureCell(TM) Model 200 system will save at least 800,000 gallons of water per year. Over the 15-year life of the fuel cell system, Fujitsu will leave 12 million gallons of water untouched. “Fujitsu is a model for how large organizations can work through the process of understanding their energy requirements, researching the best solution to meet their fiscal requirements and their environmental impact goals, and then making a solid, long-term investment in a clean, efficient, cost-effective energy system,” said Jan van Dokkum, UTC Power President. "Our environmentally advanced UTC Power PureCell(TM) products offer proven reliability, energy productivity and a reduced carbon footprint to benefit our customers and their communities." www.utcpower.com www.fujitsu.com 500 m3/day waste water treatment using advanced oxidation technology in in Suzhou, China Aug. 7, 2007 Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited today announced that its subsidiary, Yixing PACT Environmental Technology Company Ltd. ("PACT") has recently been awarded a US$ 1,718,000 contract by an USA Chemical company based in Suzhou, China. The contract covers design, manufacture, supply, and commissioning of a waste water treatment of up to 500 m3 per day using advanced oxidation technology. Pact's new manufacturing facility will come on line by end September. The facility will break ground with two new product lines for sludge dewatering and membrane-enhanced biological treatment. Both products are considered to be Best Available Technologies in their field. The belt filter press for sludge dewatering is manufactured to the detailed specifications of Ecomacchine S.p.A. and under their supervision. Ecomacchine is an Italian company established in 1976 and is specialized in manufacturing of sludge handling and dewatering equipment. The high dewatering efficiency of the Ecomacchine filter press ensures substantial savings in cost of waste haulage. The membrane enhanced biological treatment (MBR) makes use of Toray ultrafiltration membranes. Toray, a major Japanese company, is a world leader in membrane separation technologies used for water and wastewater alike. The MBR process combines PACT's biological treatment know-how with that of Toray's membrane expertise to produce a high quality effluent making it possible to recycle or re-use the wastewater in a footprint much smaller than conventional biological treatment plants. The two products will be marketed in China and abroad and will be exhibited at the WEFTEC San Diego USA show in mid October this year. WEFTEC is the world's largest exhibition in the field of water and wastewater treatment and attracts visitors from countries worldwide. About Pact: PACT, based in Shanghai, is a global provider of environmental solutions for industrial and municipal clients, focusing on water and wastewater treatment. Pact's capabilities cover design, manufacturing, sourcing, installation and servicing of water/wastewater treatment, water desalination plants and equipment. Certain statements in this news release regarding the Company's expectations, estimates, present view of circumstances or events, and statements containing words such as estimates, anticipates, intends, or expects, or words of similar import, constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements indicate uncertainty and the Company can give no assurance with regard to actual outcomes. Specific risk factors may include, without limitation, having the Company's offices and operations situated in Hong Kong and China, doing business in China, competing with Chinese manufactured products, competing with the Company's own suppliers, dependence on vendors, and lack of long term written agreements with suppliers and customers, development of new products, entering new markets, possible downturns in business conditions, increased competition, loss of significant customers, availability of qualified personnel, negotiating definitive agreements, new marketing efforts and the timely development of resources. See the "Risk Factor" discussions in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Euro Tech Holdings Company Limited, Hong Kong - www.pactchina.com T.C. Leung, Chairman and CEO, or Jerry Wong, CFO, Tel. +852-2814-0311, Fax +852-2873-4887 Kruger Inc. announces a partnership with Norit X-Flow Jul. 30, 2007 I. Kruger Inc. (a Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies company) announces a partnership with Norit X-Flow to offer ultrafiltration solutions to the U.S. and Canadian marketplace. Norit X-Flow is one of the world's leading companies in development and supply of innovative membrane technology with over 25 years of experience in R&D and product development. Norit X-Flow has achieved great success, and has been a dominant membrane supplier in many countries of the world including Germany, China, India as well as other parts of Europe and Asia. Norit's success with XIGA and Seaguard has established the company as an innovative and respected membrane manufacturer. Kruger is a leading supplier of water and wastewater systems in the U.S. and has established their reputation as an innovative company that effectively and responsibly introduces new technologies to the U.S. water market. Kruger has successfully introduced multiple BNR technologies, filters, sludge treatment technologies and drinking water technologies over the last 15 years. According to Kruger's President, Mike Gutshall, "Kruger has a proven success with innovative processes and solutions. We believe that membrane technologies will continue to grow and play an even more significant role in water and wastewater treatment throughout the U.S. In response to the potential increase in membrane needs, Kruger has teamed up with quality membrane manufacturers, like Norit X-Flow, to supply membrane solutions to the U.S. market. Our goal is to have the appropriate solutions and products that meet our client's current and future needs." Kruger will supply Norit X-Flow membranes not only as a stand-alone solution, but also as a combined solution with other Kruger processes such as ACTIFLO® High Rate Clarification (ACTIMEM®) and as a final polishing step following their biological systems in order to provide their clients with a guaranteed overall process performance. www.krugerusa.com Millipore Offers Revised Ultrafiltration Application and Product Guide May 17, 2007 Billerica, Massachusetts --- May 17, 2007 --- Millipore today announced the availability of its revised Ultrafiltration Application and Product Guide. This publication has been expanded and now contains additional product information and more protocols, including those for virus concentration. Millipore has issued this publication as the latest in a series of application and product guides, following the Cell Biology and Immunodetection Application and Product Guides released earlier this year. Ultrafiltration discs and devices are essential sample preparation tools in today’s life science, clinical, and forensics laboratories. Expanding from 64 pages to 100 pages in length, the revised guide includes the following sections: Membrane filtration overview — gives background information about ultrafiltration and the factors that affect recovery. Selection guide — helps researchers choose the most appropriate ultrafiltration tool for a wide range of applications, including protein concentration, desalting, PCR cleanup, and sequencing reaction cleanup. Product overview — supplies detailed information on Millipore’s range of ultrafiltration products. Protocols — includes ultrafiltration applications for proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses as well as Millipore and customer data to demonstrate the effectiveness of ultrafiltration technology. Glossary — provides easy-to-use directory of associated terms. To obtain a copy of the publication, please contact Millipore Tech Service at 1-800-MILLIPORE (or +1-978-715-4321) or visit www.millipore.com/biosciences. Millipore’s Bioscience Division provides innovative tools, services and biological reagents that drive advancements in biomedical and academic research as well as support the discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals. The product portfolio has been further enhanced with the 2006 addition of Chemicon®, Upstate® and Linco® product lines, allowing Millipore to provide the most complete offering of life science tools on the market. Our customers work in leading research laboratories across a variety of industries throughout the world. Millipore improves their laboratory productivity and efficiency through optimized workflows. For more information, please contact Millipore Tech Service at 1-800-548-7853 or 951-676-8080 or visit www.millipore.com. About Millipore Millipore is a leading provider of products and services that improve productivity in laboratory research and bioprocessing manufacturing sites. Through its broad product portfolio, the Company drives growth through innovation and delivers higher value-added applications to the marketplace. Millipore experts have a comprehensive understanding of customers’ research, which results in superior tools, technologies and services. The Company is part of the S&P 500 index and employs approximately 5,800 employees in more than 47 offices worldwide. For additional information on Millipore Corporation, please visit www.millipore.com. Millipore, Chemicon, Linco, and Upstate are registered trademarks of Millipore Corporation. Doughty Hanson to Acquire Norit in the Netherlands April 17, 2007 Doughty Hanson & Co, one of the largest independent private equity firms in Europe, is to acquire Norit, a leading global supplier of purification technologies, for an undisclosed sum. Norit, which is headquartered in Zenderen, is a leading supplier of consumables, components and systems to the water and beverage purification industries. Norit operates globally through a network of 12 production sites in seven countries covering more than 100 countries worldwide. Norit is expected to generate revenues of €369 million in 2007. Significant features of the acquisition are as follows: - in line with Doughty Hanson’s strategy to acquire market-leading, mid- to large-sized European businesses; - existing management to invest c. 20% of the acquisition vehicle; - closing expected mid-2007, upon receipt of regulatory approvals; - ING to be mandated lead arranger of debt financing for the acquisition. Mark Corbidge, Principal, Doughty Hanson & Co., said: “Norit is an excellent business, operating in a number of attractive end markets with strong growth and earnings potential. We believe that there is further scope for growing the business and we look forward to working with the experienced management team.” Norit is a high-quality business, with a number of attractive characteristics: - leading market positions in purification for the water and beverage industries; - supplies a number of high-growth end markets driven by growing water scarcities around the world, the need to reduce water usage in production processes and increasing regulation; - good margins and strong recurring revenue base; - record of innovative product development; - experienced and well-respected management team led by Chief Executive, René Kuipers and Chief Financial Officer, Bernard ten Doeschot. Negotiations with the current majority shareholder, the Dutch private equity firm Gilde Buy Out Partners, have progressed to such a stage that final agreement is likely to be reached. In accordance with applicable Dutch rules, the works council of Norit and representative trade unions have been informed and will be consulted prior to the signing of a definitive SPA. Doughty Hanson seeks to work with experienced, professional management teams in the businesses it acquires and to develop shared strategic goals. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close mid-2007. Doughty Hanson is one of the most successful private equity firms in Europe and has a long track record of successful investment. All of Doughty Hanson’s funds are in the top quartile of performance rankings. For more information visit   www.doughtyhanson.com or   www.norit.com. Ultrafiltration removes alkaline phosphatase April 10, 2007 Millipore Corporation today announced the availability of the new BioPak C disposable ultrafiltration cartridge. This in-line cartridge is designed to minimize alkaline phosphatase (ALP) released by bacteria that may be present in immunoassay and clinical analyzer feed water used to prepare buffers, make blanks and rinse tubing and probes. CLSI® Clinical Laboratory Reagent Water (CLRW type) can degrade quickly when standing in tubing and reservoirs during downtime, increasing bacterial counts and releasing ALP. This can interfere with some biochemical assays, resulting in inconsistent blanks and/or the need for more frequent decontamination and calibration. When attached to any Millipore AFS® or Elix® Clinical water purification system as a final purification step, the Millipore BioPak C filter will deliver ALP-free water with bacteria levels lower than 10 cfu/mL (typically < 1 cfu/mL). The BioPak C cartridge is delivered decontaminated by beta irradiation at 15 kGy and can be stored for two years before usage. The filter allows flow rates up to 3 L/min at 1.5 bar and ensures up to 120 days of continuous operation. The BioPak C cartridge can be installed easily on most immunoassay and clinical chemistry analyzers on the market today, providing improved laboratory efficiency and performance with lower overall running costs. Millipore delivers a broad and innovative range of systems for clinical and immunochemistry instruments that improve laboratory productivity and ensure accurate daily results. Its clinical products benefit users in hospitals, physicians’ offices, reference and forensic labs, as well as diagnostic manufacturers. Millipore’s Bioscience Division provides innovative tools, services and biological reagents that drive advancements in biomedical and academic research as well as support the discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals. The product portfolio has been further enhanced with the 2006 addition of Chemicon®, Upstate® and Linco® product lines, allowing Millipore to provide the most complete offering of life science tools on the market. Our customers work in leading research laboratories across a variety of industries throughout the world. Millipore improves their laboratory productivity and efficiency through optimized workflows. About Millipore Millipore is a leading provider of products and services that improve productivity in laboratory research and bioprocessing manufacturing sites. Through its broad product portfolio, the Company drives growth through innovation and delivers higher value-added applications to the marketplace. Millipore experts have a comprehensive understanding of customers’ research, which results in superior tools, technologies and services. The Company is part of the S&P 500 index and employs approximately 5,800 employees in more than 47 offices worldwide. For additional information on Millipore Corporation, please visit www.millipore.com. Millipore, AFS, Elix, Chemicon, Upstate and Linco are registered trademarks of Millipore Corporation. BioPak is a trademark of Millipore Corporation. CLSI is a registered trademark of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. For more information, please contact Millipore Tech Service at 1-800-548-7853 or 951-676-8080 or visit www.millipore.com. Pentair Acquires Porous Media, Furthers Its Water Strategy Minneapolis - March 6, 2007 - Pentair, Inc. (NYSE:PNR) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Porous Media, a privately held Minnesota company with manufacturing operations in both Minnesota and Texas. The acquisition accelerates the Company's water strategy by strengthening its filtration and separation technology portfolio and extending its reach into attractive new markets. "Porous Media is a compelling strategic fit with our existing water business," said Randall J. Hogan, chairman and chief executive officer. "We will leverage Porous Media's filtration and separation technologies across Pentair's existing Water customers, especially in markets outside of North America. For example, we believe Porous Media's oil separation technologies, developed for the petrochemical market, will effectively address unmet needs for our existing wastewater reuse and recovery customers globally," he said. "In addition, we will capture synergies from the acquisition by applying Pentair's Integrated Management System, especially our supply management and lean disciplines," Hogan said. The Company noted that the acquisition also brings strong technical talent to its Water Group, including engineering, material science, media development and application capabilities. These strengths are reflected in Porous Media's current product offerings and robust new product development pipeline. Porous Media's well-protected product portfolio includes high-performance filter media, membranes and related filtration products and purification systems for liquids, gases and solids for the general industrial, petrochemical, refining and healthcare market segments, among others. Within its offering, consumable products represent more than 80 percent of Porous Media's sales and provide an established base of recurring revenue, according to Pentair. Pentair said the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007, and that the purchase price is approximately $225 million or, adjusted for tax benefits, 9.7 times 2007 expected EBITDA. Pentair expects the acquisition to be approximately $0.03 to $0.04 dilutive in fiscal year 2007, with a significant portion of the dilution attributable to the fair market step-up in inventory. Pentair also announced it is reducing the top end of its previously announced 2007 earning guidance range of $2.00 to $2.15 to reflect the dilutive impact of the acquisition. About Pentair, Inc. Pentair (www.pentair.com) is a diversified operating company headquartered in Minnesota. Its Water Group is a global leader in providing innovative products and systems used worldwide in the movement, treatment, storage and enjoyment of water. Pentair's Technical Products Group is a leader in the global enclosures and thermal management markets, designing and manufacturing thermal management products and standard, modified, and custom enclosures that house and protect sensitive electronics and electrical components. With 2006 revenues of $3.15 billion, Pentair employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide. Contact: Pentair, Inc. - Rachael Jarosh, Communications, 763-656-5280 www.pentair.com ItN Nanovation AG signs letter of intent for joint ventures in China ItN Nanovation AG (ISIN DE000A0JL461) has signed a binding termsheet with the Chinese company Suntar Membrane Technology Co. Ltd. concerning the foundation of two joint ventures: one is planned for the production and the other for the distribution of ceramic tube filter membranes. ItN Nanovation will hold 50.1 percent of shares in the distribution company and 49.9 percent of shares in the production company. The final realization of these plans is subject to approval by various Chinese authorities. Should the authorization process run according to schedule, the joint ventures will commence operations by the first quarter of 2008 at the latest. With these joint venture plans, ItN Nanovation will gain access to the attractive Asian market while making use of even more reasonably priced production possibilities for ceramic filter membranes. This means that ItN Nanovation can combine the clearly superior product properties of ceramic membranes compared to the polymeric filter membranes still predominantly in use with a distinctly more attractive price structure. Suntar Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinomem Technology Ltd., a leading supplier of membrane technology listed on the Singapore stock exchange. Press contact: Andreas Kuntz, press spokesman - Tel. +49 (681) 5001–467 www.itn-nanovation.com Sartorius AG combines biotechnology division with Stedim S.A. Sartorius AG, Göttingen, Germany, has entered into a binding agreement with Stedim S.A., Aubagne, France, and its founders. According to this agreement, Sartorius acquires the Stedim shares held by the founders at a price of 43.00 euros per share, hereby becoming the majority shareholder of Stedim. The agreed transaction as a whole further contains the launching of a tender offer by Sartorius to the Stedim shareholders as well as the contribution of the carved-out Sartorius biotechnology division into Stedim against issuance of new Stedim shares, each step occurring on the same day as the acquisition of the Stedim shares. The valuation of Stedim underlying the contribution and the contemplated offer price will also be 43.00 euros per Stedim share. The founders will remain invested in the combined company with a substantial shareholding. Upon completion of the transaction, Sartorius will hold the majority of share capital and voting rights of the combined company and will fully consolidate this subgroup in its own financial statements. The combined company will be called Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. and will be listed on the Eurolist of Euronext Paris. To maintain substantial free float, Sartorius will offer to those Stedim shareholders not tendering their shares into the offer and remaining invested a limited protection against a potential decrease of the share price below the capitalized offer price. This way, Stedim shareholders will be further incentivised not to tender their shares into the tender offer, but to participate in the development of the combined company, instead. The transaction, which is expected to be completed in summer 2007, is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, the General Meeting of Stedim’s shareholders and further conditions (including requirements and authorizations under capital markets law). The board of Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. will be composed of four Sartorius and three Stedim-representatives, inter alia, Professor Dr. Arnold Picot, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Sartorius AG, and Bernard Lemaître, founder and current Chairman of Stedim S.A.. Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, CEO and Executive Board Chairman of Sartorius AG, will be CEO and Chairman. Stedim supplies the biopharmaceutical industry, has an attractive market share in the market of disposable bag systems for pharmaceutical applications and has further product segments with significant growth potential. By this business combination with Stedim, Sartorius is strengthening its high-growth biotechnology activities, especially in the USA, the key global pharmaceutical market. In 2006, Stedim earned € 91.4 million, of which 44 percent were generated in the USA. Stedim employs approx. 540 employees at its locations in France, USA and Tunisia. On a pro forma basis, Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. is expected to generate 400 - 420 million euros in sales revenues and to achieve an operating EBITA margin of approx. 14 percent in 2007. The transaction and integration costs are estimated at approx. 5 – 10 million euros for 2007. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the period of 2007 to 2011 is projected at 14 - 15 percent. In 2011, the EBITA margin is anticipated to further increase. Sartorius, due to the envisaged transaction, has adjusted its forecast for 2007 and its five-year plan upward. For 2007, pro forma sales revenues for the Sartorius Group are expected to increase to 660 - 680 million euros, the operating EBITA margin (excluding the above mentioned transaction and integration costs) is anticipated to rise to approx. 12 percent. CAGR for the period of 2007 to 2011 is forecasted to be at 11 - 12 percent. The EBITA margin should further increase until 2011. This announcement is made for information purposes, only. It does not constitute an offer to purchase nor an invitation to make an offer to sell shares in Stedim S.A. The tender offer to acquire the shares in Stedim described in this announcement has not started yet. An offer to buy or an invitation to make an offer to sell will exclusively be based on a draft tender offer and the related documentation to be filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). www.sartorius.com

membrane-guide.com Are you lauching a new product ? Did your company built a new plant ? delivered an important piece of equipment? agreed to a distribution agreement ? Publish your article, post your news release... for the membrane technology: Conferences, Exhibitions, Training, Workshops   mehr Nachrichten l'actualité des membranes Press release: latest news, 2007, 2006, 2005.