Kontron signs contract to acquire Thales Computers

Greater market access and development resources

Eching, Munich, February 20, 2008. Kontron, one of the leading suppliers of embedded computer technology, signed an agreement on February 15th via one of its subsidiary companies to acquire 100% of the shares of the French Thales Computers S.A., a subsidiary of Thales S.A. The closing is expected to take place in March 2008 after approval of the French Ministry of Economy.

The turnover of Thales Computers SA is expected to be more than EUR 20 million for the business year 2008. The company commands particular strength in high-end applications especially in the government, aerospace and transportation sectors. Mr. Ulrich Gehrmann, Management Board Chairman of Kontron AG, stated again that the acquisition would reinforce Kontron’s core business and would provide Kontron with a significant footprint in France.

Founded in 1986, Thales Computers specializes in long term available embedded computer boards and systems based on VME and CompactPCI as well as mezzanine cards. Particular focus is on the full spectrum of PowerPC technology for which Thales Computers also offers the relevant operating system support. Having concentrated in the past on Linux and VxWorks real-time operating systems, the acquisition of Thales Computers enables Kontron to extend its support to include Integrity, LynxOS, RedHat Enterprise, ElinOS and QNX Neutrino amongst others. The overlap between product portfolios is accordingly low. Customers therefore benefit from a larger choice of products, since together both companies offer everything demanded by the VME, CompactPCI and Mezzanine card markets. Kontron can therefore expect larger global turnover in these sectors.

Until now, Kontron has had sales offices in France. The acquisition of Thales Computers will offer French customers more comprehensive local support through native speakers. In addition, Thales Computers’ strong sales presence will further strengthen the turnover of Kontron’s comprehensive product portfolio in France.

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About Kontron
Kontron designs and manufactures standard-based and custom embedded and communication solutions for OEMs, systems integrators, and application providers in a variety of markets. Kontron engineering and manufacturing facilities, located throughout Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, work together with streamlined global sales and support services to help customers reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage. Kontron’s diverse product portfolio includes: Computer-on-Modules, SBCs/blades, open-modular platforms and systems, HMIs, and custom capabilities. Kontron is a Premier member of the Intel® Embedded and Communications Alliance and was awarded 2006 Intel Member of the Year. The company is a recent three-time VDC Platinum vendor for Embedded Computer Boards. Kontron is listed on the German TecDAX stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com.


Reader contact Americas:
Kontron America Inc.
14118 Stowe Dr
Poway, CA 92064-7147
United States of America
Tel: +1 (888)-294-4558
Fax: +1 (858) 677-0898
sales@us.kontron.com
http://www.kontron.com/


Editor contact Americas:
Richard Pugnier
Kontron America Inc.
14118 Stowe Dr
Poway, CA 92064-7147
United States of America
Tel:+1 (858) 623-3006
Fax:+1 (858) 677-0615
richard.pugnier@us.kontron.com

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