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3M to Acquire HighJump Software
ST PAUL, MN (Jan. 5, 2004)3M (NYSE: MMM) announced today
that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HighJump Software
Inc., a provider of supply chain execution software and solutions, including
related trademarks and patents. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed,
and the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and approval by
HighJump Software's shareholders.
"Adding HighJump Software's suite of supply chain execution solutions
gives 3M a powerful new platform to grow our existing service and solutions
business, focused on helping customers optimize their business processes," said
John Pohl, division vice president, 3M Industrial Services and Solutions
Division. "HighJump Software brings to 3M tremendous market knowledge
and experience, strong industry and channel relationships, and proven
business practices."
Demand for supply chain execution solutions is growing as customers
across many markets face increasingly complex supply chains driven globally
by customer and regulatory requirements. HighJump Software provides a
comprehensive suite of industry-leading and highly adaptable supply chain
execution solutions. The suite includes advanced, tightly integrated,
solutions for warehouse and yard management, transportation management,
supply chain visibility and event management, trading partner collaboration,
and data collection.
In January 2003, 3M launched the 3M Integrated Packaging Tool, a web-based,
data-enabled packaging information management system. This tool is the
first to integrate product information, package design and production
systems to better manage compliance, time to market, product surety and
packaging costs for customers in industries such as food and beverage,
life sciences, chemical, and consumer packaged goods. Combining 3M's
strong brand, global presence and business process excellence with HighJump
Software's leading-edge supply chain execution expertise will help customers
optimize their business processes across an even broader range of industries
and geographies.
Commenting on the transaction, Chris Heim, chief executive officer,
HighJump Software, said, "We are very excited about our future with 3M.
This is the right thing to do for our customers and our employees. We'll
be located in the same place, with the same strong focus on serving our
customers. Our business has a strong history of innovation and growth.
3M's global strength and brand leadership will make us even stronger."
This transaction is expected to close in late January 2004, after regulators
and HighJump Software's shareholders approve the transaction.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this press release that are not purely
historical are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding
3M's and HighJump Software's expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions
or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements
included in this press release are based upon information available
to the companies as of the date hereof, and the companies assume no
obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.
About HighJump Software®
Founded in 1983, HighJump Software is a $36 million, premier provider
of robust, adaptable supply chain execution (SCE) solutions that deliver
competitive advantage to manufacturers, distributors, retailers and third-party
logistics companies. HighJump Software offers SCE solutions that can
be easily and precisely tuned to fit the operational needs of a wide
range of organizations from midsize to large companies and divisions
of the Fortune 1000. HighJump Software's SCE systems are in use at more
than 700 companies today. St. Paul Venture Capital and Gemini Partners
are currently primary investors in HighJump Software.
About 3M—A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever
they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M
to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch,
Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O.
Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's
70,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead
in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics
and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care;
industrial and transportation.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon
and O-Cel-O are trademarks of 3M.
HighJump Software is a trademark of HighJump Software.
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