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Ontario
Teachers' Pension Plan partners with Accel-KKR as Acquisition is
Finalized
Alias
Poised For Future Growth as an Independent Company
Toronto,
Ontario and Menlo Park, California, June 15, 2004 - Accel-KKR,
the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Teachers') and Alias management,
today announced the completion of the acquisition of Alias from
SGI (NYSE: SGI) for $57.5 million US. Accel-KKR is a technology-focused
private equity firm and Teachers' is one of Canada's largest pension
plans with net assets of more than $75 billion CDN. Alias is the
leading provider of 3D graphics technology and services for the
film, video games, web, interactive media, automotive, industrial
design, education and visualization markets.
"We
are very excited to be moving into our next phase of growth with
the backing of two such prestigious organizations," said Doug
Walker, President of Alias. "Both Accel-KKR and Teachers' have
embraced Alias' vision and mission and we anticipate their backing
will help us continue to deliver innovative solutions enabling our
customers to create, visualize and communicate the world's most
compelling digital visual experiences. Accel-KKR and Teachers' will
be solid business partners that will help extend our resources and
network of business relationships. Our goal will be to capitalize
on the enormous market potential in the 3D software market for both
professionals and consumers."
Tom
Barnds, Managing Director of Accel-KKR commented, "We are pleased
to complete this investment and begin working with Alias to execute
its business plan as an independent company. We have spoken to a
wide range of customers and have consistently heard how much they
value Alias' innovative software and services."
Ben
Bisconti, Managing Director of Accel-KKR added, "We are excited
about Alias' future and look forward to working with Doug Walker
and his team as they continue to develop advanced industry-leading
solutions."
Jim
Leech, Senior Vice-President, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, added,
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to invest in Alias,
the global leader in 3D graphics software. It is a world-class company
with an impressive management team and great potential for growth."
There
will be no changes to the management team, organization, services,
support or product availability as a result of the sale of the business.
About
Alias
As the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias
develops award-winning software, custom development and training
solutions for the film and video, games, web, interactive media,
automotive, industrial design, education and visualization markets.
On March 1, 2003, for the awards year 2002, the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences awarded Alias|Wavefront an Oscar®
for scientific and technical achievement for the development of
Maya® software, the professional 3D animation and effects package.
Alias also offers a powerful range of services for new to advanced
users in the most demanding environments. Learning Tools and training,
support, and professional services help meet rigorous production
deadlines.
Entertainment
customers include: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., CNN, Digital Domain,
Disney, Electronic Arts, Industrial Light & Magic, Factor 5
LLC, Midway Games, Nintendo, Pacific Data Images (PDI), Pixar, Sega,
Sony Pictures Imageworks, Square Co., Ltd., Warner Feature Animation
and Weta Ltd. Design customers include AT&T, BMW, Boeing, Fiat,
Ford, General Motors, Honda, Italdesign, Kodak, Kwikset, Mattel,
Price Pfister, Renault, Rollerblade, Sharp, Trek Bicycle, Teague
and Timex.
Alias
is headquartered in Toronto with a Custom Development Center in
Santa Barbara. Please visit the Alias website at http://www.alias.com
or call 1-800-447-2542 in North America. International contact numbers
include: Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, +44 (0) 1494 441273;
Germany, East & Southeast Europe, 0049 89 31 70 20; France,
Spain and Portugal, +33 1 44 92 81 60; Italy, 39 039 6340011; Japan
and other parts of Asia Pacific, 81 3 5797 3500 and Latin America,
770 393 1881.
About
Accel-KKR
Accel-KKR is a technology-focused private equity investment firm
founded by venture capital firm Accel Partners and private equity
firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co. Accel-KKR invests primarily
in technology companies with between $25 million and $150 million
in revenue. Accel-KKR prefers majority ownership positions and investment
opportunities in which it can contribute to the creation of long-term
shareholder value. At the core of Accel-KKR's investment strategy
is a commitment to developing strong partnerships with the management
teams of its portfolio companies.
About
Teachers'
The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is an independent corporation
responsible for investing $75.7 billion in assets and administering
the pensions of Ontario's 250,000 active and retired teachers. With
a solid track record of investment in North America and Europe,
Ontario Teachers' has $4.5 billion invested in private and venture
capital including companies that seek to grow and add value to their
businesses in the telecommunications, information technology, and
biotechnology sectors.
For
more information, contact:
Lynn
Lim
Marketing Manager
Alias South Asia Pacific
Tel : +65 6236 2545
Email: llim@alias.com
Kekst
and Company
Andrea Calise/Joseph Kuo
Tel: 212 521 4845/212 521 4863
Andrea-calise@kekst.com/joe-kuo@kekst.com
Ontario
Teachers' Pension Plan
Debra Hanna
Manager, Pension Communications
Tel: 416 730-5351
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