Acquisition

Expro International Group PLC 09 January 2004 09 January 2004 EXPRO INTERNATIONAL GROUP PLC ("Expro" or "the Group") Acquisition Update In line with its strategy of investment in technical innovation, Expro is pleased to announce two recent acquisitions. Both of these technologies have been developed over a period by their respective owners and are ready for commercialisation. They will enhance the range of Well Performance offerings from the Group. Expro has acquired a wireless technology product and capability (including intellectual property) from Flight Refuelling Ltd, a subsidiary of Cobham PLC for £3.25m in cash, with additional deferred consideration of up to £5m tied to revenues obtained over a fifteen year period. The acquired business has developed an industry leading Cableless Telemetry System ("CaTS") which is capable of transmitting data electromagnetically from downhole depths in excess of 10,000 feet and is particularly suitable for brownfield applications. The business provides Expro with 11 specialist development engineers, with expertise in wireless data transmission, to supplement the Group's existing skills in product development. In late 2002 testing of the technology was completed and in the last 12 months four production tools have been successfully deployed in a number of operating locations. Expro is also pleased to announce the acquisition of the well tractoring assets and technology of Houston based Smartract Inc, for US $1.35m in cash, with potential deferred consideration of US $4m tied to revenues obtained over the next thirteen years. The technology is represented by a hydraulically activated tractor system which is used in conjunction with wireline to deploy data gathering and other tooling in horizontal and high deviation wells. It has a unique bi-directional ability that also allows it to perform in-well manipulation of downhole tools. The business employs seven personnel and generated turnover of approximately US $0.5m in the year to December 2003. Both businesses are expected to deliver sustainable growth opportunities and competitive advantage. The development of Expro's Rigless Intervention System for subsea wells has taken a significant step forward with the recent signing of a Development Agreement with three of the world's leading deepwater field developers. A FEED study will now be carried out by Expro's development team to evaluate the feasibility and commerciality of the proposed system. Expro's investment in its state of the art deepwater R&D facilities in Aberdeen will play a pivotal role in the eventual introduction of this leading edge technology. Graeme Coutts, Expro Group Chief Executive said: "Expro has a strong reputation for delivering advanced technology to our clients. Aimed at operational efficiency and cost reduction, all of the aforementioned technologies fit perfectly within our strategy. The two acquisitions demonstrate Expro's ability to identify, acquire and add value to small innovative businesses which can benefit from our reputation and geographic reach." - Ends - For further information, please contact: Expro International Group PLC 0118 959 1341 Graeme Coutts, Chief Executive Colin Ainger, Executive Director Weber Shandwick Square Mile 020 7067 0700 Mike Kirk or Rachel Taylor This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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