Metapack receives funding

Brainspark PLC
3 April 2001

                                BRAINSPARK plc



  METAPACK RECEIVES THIRD ROUND FUNDING FROM CAZENOVE PRIVATE EQUITY, CROSS
                 ATLANTIC CAPITAL PARTNERS AND TOP TECHNOLOGY



London, April, 3rd, 2001 - Brainspark plc, the incubator focused on investing
in, and developing technology and Internet-related businesses, today announced
the successful completion of a third-round of funding for MetaPack, one of its
partner companies.

MetaPack, the fulfilment specialist has secured £3.25m of third round
funding from investors Cazenove Private Equity, Cross-Atlantic Capital
Partners and Top Technology. Prior to this round, the company has raised £3.7m
from investors including Brainspark, Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, WPP and
Top Technology.

The company is projected to break even by the end of 2001 and the additional
funding will continue to fuel business expansion at a time when businesses are
recognising the critical importance of fulfilment and turning to experts like
MetaPack for help.

MetaPack was formed in December 1999 to provide an end-to-end fulfilment
solution for businesses with complex supply chains. MetaPack combines
extensive expertise in technology, operations and project management with
best-of-class business partners to offer a broad range of services for online
retailers, business services and manufacturing companies. The first customer
to take Metapack's end-to-end fulfilment system is Boots' and Granada Media's
integrated TV and web venture 'Wellbeing' which was launched earlier this
month.

Patrick Wall, joint-MD of MetaPack said:

' At a time when investors are generally more cautious, we see this successful
funding as a significant endorsement of Metapack. We have an unrivalled
combination of technology and operational skills and have developed industry
leading integrated fulfilment solutions. MetaPack will use this funding to
accelerate growth and strengthen its market position as the leading expert in
this area.'

Stewart Dodd, CEO of Brainspark added:

'This is good news for MetaPack and good news for Brainspark. We are now
seeing very strong indicators from the more established companies in our
portfolio of the long-term viability of these businesses. Funding in this
climate is a clear recognition of this potential and demonstrates the value
created through the process of incubation.'



Enquires:



Brainspark (020 7843 6600)

Stewart Dodd

David Hart



MetaPack (020 7843 9958)

Patrick Wall

Juliet Earp



Citigate Dewe Rogerson (020 7638 9571)

Martin Jackson / Charles Vivian