Thursday, April 30, 2009

Investorideas.com founder and President Dawn Van Zant comments on Defense Stocks in Recent Article in South China Morning Post

Fire power -Military spending in the US over the past decade backs up the assertion of analysts that the industry will continue to be resilient, especially with continuing commitments to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan


Investorideas.com founder and President Dawn Van Zant comments on Defense Stocks in Recent Article in South China Morning Post
http://www.scmp.com/

DEFENCE INVESTMENTS
Ajay Shamdasani Apr 28, 2009
As the United States continues to expand its war on terror and looks to counter other global security risks - such as nuclear proliferation and cyber-warfare - the defence industry is expected to be a solid investment tool for years to come, analysts predict http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2c913216495213d5df646910cba0a0a0/?vgnextoid=aed7245bbf2b0210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=teaser&ss=Specials&s=Home&specName=Net+Worth+%28June+2008%29








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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Defense Stock News - Ceradyne, Inc. Reports First-Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Defense Stock News - Ceradyne, Inc. Reports First-Quarter 2009 Financial Results

COSTA MESA, Calif.--April 28 --Ceradyne, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDN) today reported lower than anticipated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. The Company noted that despite the disappointing first quarter, it currently expects that full-year 2009 results will fall within previously announced guidance regarding sales and earnings per share.

Sales for first-quarter 2009 were $99.8 million, compared with $188.5 million in first-quarter 2008. Net income for first-quarter 2009 decreased to $0.7 million, or $0.03 per fully diluted share, compared to $32.4 million, or $1.18 per fully diluted share, in first-quarter 2008. These results include pre-tax non-cash interest expense of $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively, due to the change in accounting for convertible debt which reduced earnings per share by $.02 in each quarter. Fully diluted average shares outstanding for first-quarter 2009 were 26,033,194 compared to 27,406,500 in the same period in 2008.

Gross profit margin was 23.0% of net sales in first-quarter 2009, compared to 37.9% in first-quarter 2008. The provision for income taxes was 39.8% in first-quarter 2009, compared to 36.2% in first-quarter 2008.

New orders for first-quarter 2009 were $150.7 million, compared to $211.8 million for the same period last year. Total order backlog as of March 31, 2009 was $177.2 million, compared to $262.7 million at March 31, 2008.

Joel P. Moskowitz, Ceradyne president and chief executive officer, commented: “Although we had stated and continue to believe that the first quarter of 2009 would be the weakest quarter of the year, nonetheless, we were disappointed in the above reported results and are taking actions to reduce our current operating costs without affecting our future operations, which will be dependent on increasing solar energy related business, new product introductions as well as opportunities in our current business lines, such as military ballistic protection, and newer industrial applications particularly related to oil drilling using our advanced technical ceramics.

“Over the past 15 months, we have reduced our headcount in the United States by approximately 592, or 33%. The bulk of the reductions have been in our California and Kentucky operations, primarily related to military ceramic body armor as well as certain non-defense areas such as automobile/diesel.

“In Europe, where we have seen further reductions in our industrial ceramic business, we have been reducing our costs and will continue to do so throughout 2009. An example of this includes ‘short work weeks’ at ESK Ceramics utilizing German and French government subsidies. We are also in the process of evaluating more permanent headcount reductions as well as the closure of a manufacturing facility.

“Our strong cash position and balance sheet will allow us to continue our previously announced $22 million expansion of our photovoltaic solar cell related ceramic crucible capacity in China, as well as maintaining our R&D activities in Germany and the U.S. We also are continuing our efforts to identify and implement appropriate acquisitions in both defense and non-defense markets.

“On March 31st, we received our first XSAPI production delivery order of approximately $77 million issued against the $2.37 billion 5-year ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) award announced earlier in October 2008. We began shipping this XSAPI delivery order this month and expect to complete shipments this year.

“In February, we had provided 2009 guidance of a sales range of $465 million to $500 million with earnings of $1.60 to $2.00 per fully diluted share. Although the XSAPI order was issued later than originally anticipated with as yet no additional side plate (‘X’ threat) releases, and despite the downturn in our European industrial advanced technical ceramic markets, at this time we continue to reiterate our February guidance with a higher probability of being at the low end of the range for all of 2009.

“Our management is focused on the challenges of the global economic downturn. Our plan is to continue to ‘tighten our belt’ without compromising our strategic goals and emerge from this recession as a more efficient company. Our strong balance sheet and positive cash flow of $10.5 million in the first quarter of 2009 will provide the financial wherewithal to carry out our plans.”

Ceradyne will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. PDT (11:00 a.m. EDT) to review the financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. To participate in the teleconference, please call toll free 877-717-3046 (or 706-634-6364 for international callers). Investors or other interested parties may listen to the teleconference live via the Internet at www.ceradyne.com or www.earnings.com. These web sites will also host an archive of the teleconference. A telephonic playback will be available beginning at 11:00 a.m. PDT today through 9:00 p.m. PDT on April 30, 2009. The playback can be accessed by calling 800-642-1687 (or 706-645-9291 for international callers) and providing Conference ID 96359101.

Ceradyne develops, manufactures and markets advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, automotive/diesel and commercial applications. Additional information can be found at the Company’s web site: www.ceradyne.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of Ceradyne that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "expects," "intends," "future," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof.

Full news and financial tables - www.ceradyne.com.

Ceradyne, Inc.Jerrold J. PellizzonChief Financial Officer(714) 549-0421orSilverman Heller AssociatesPhil Bourdillon/Gene Heller(310) 208-2550







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Monday, April 27, 2009

Skanska Awarded Construction Contract for a Military Facility in UK for GBP 150 M, about SEK 1.8 Billion

Skanska Awarded Construction Contract for a Military Facility in UK for GBP 150 M, about SEK 1.8 Billion
April 27 2009 - STOCKHOLM, Sweden---Regulatory News:

Skanska (STO:SKAB) has been contracted to build new facilities at the UK Ministry of Defence site, Royal Air Force Wyton in Cambridgeshire. The contract totals GBP 150 M, about SEK 1.8 billion. The order amount is included in order bookings for the second quarter of 2009.

The customer is the Ministry of Defence’s property unit, Defence Estates.

The project is part of a larger modernization program covering technical premises, three buildings on the base for 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) as well as service, leisure and recreation facilities. In addition, the project includes land and civil engineering work to improve the exterior environment within the station area. Skanska is also responsible for all engineering as well as the mechanical and electrical installations in the new buildings.

Work begins this summer and the first stages are scheduled to be completed at year-end 2011. The project will be fully completed in autumn 2013.

The headquarters of the British Ministry of Defence in central London was rebuilt and modernized by Skanska in 2001-2004 and a major expansion of a defence facility in Woodbridge, completed in 2006.

Skanska UK reported revenues of SEK 17.9 billion in 2008, with about 4,900 employees. The company is active in building and civil construction, utilities and building services. Skanska is also a leader in the British program for private public partnerships, PFI (Private Finance Initiative).

This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com

Skanska AB may be required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act.

Skanska is one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups with expertise in construction, development of commercial and residential projects and public-private partnerships. The Group currently has 56,000 employees in selected home markets in Europe, in the US and Latin America. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Skanska's sales in 2008 totaled SEK 144 billion.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

Contacts Skanska UKTanya Barnes, Head of Communicationstel +44 1923 423 905orSkanska ABPeter Gimbe, Press Officertel +46 10 448 88 38orDirect line for media:tel +46 10 448 88 99







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EMRISE Announces Nearly $2 Million in Annualized Profit Improvement Through Companywide Program Aimed at Streamlining Operations and Reducing Cost

EMRISE Announces Nearly $2 Million in Annualized Profit Improvement Through Companywide Program Aimed at Streamlining Operations and Reducing Cost

Realignment of All Business Units Expected to Increase Efficiency Without Impacting Growth

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.--April 27 2009 --EMRISE CORPORATION (NYSE Arca:ERI), a multi-national manufacturer of defense and aerospace electronic devices and communications equipment, today announced that it has implemented a companywide program to streamline its operations and reduce costs throughout all of its operating business units in the U.S., the U.K. and France that is expected to achieve annualized cost savings approaching $2 million. The program, which includes headcount reductions and other cost saving initiatives, is designed to eliminate redundancies and increase operating efficiency in all business units, without impacting the Company’s ability to grow.

EMRISE Chairman, President and CEO Carmine T. Oliva said the Company streamlined its operations in nearly every functional area of the business including engineering, manufacturing, sales, and administrative support.

“Earlier this month, we said during our 2008 results conference call that we were in the process of making significant cost reductions at our business units as well as at the corporate level, and we have now substantially completed that process at the business unit level,” Oliva added. “It is always very difficult to see many of our valued employees have to leave, especially since they are such an important asset; however, difficult times call for difficult decisions and we have not spared anyone or any area from this top down review.

“Our fundamental business is doing well, particularly our electronic devices business which is being bolstered by defense spending in our primary force protection and terrorist interdiction product areas, as can be seen from our recent announcements of new orders,” Oliva said. “We continue to be optimistic about the expected growth rates in the defense sector for 2009, and we do not see the headcount reductions and other cost saving measures negatively affecting our ability to service our customers or to take on new business.”

EMRISE management expects there will be one-time costs of approximately $500,000 associated with the business unit headcount reductions and other cost saving initiatives, the majority of which will be recorded in the first half of 2009.

During the Company’s recent conference call, EMRISE management said that the one-time costs of headcount reductions and other cost cutting measures, along with the unfavorable impact of exchange rates would likely lead to a net loss for the first half of 2009. However, as a result of streamlining its operations and the improvements in exchange rates the Company anticipates will occur later this year, EMRISE management expects the Company to be profitable in the last half of 2009.

The Company also plans to announce overhead cost reductions at the corporate level during the second quarter of 2009. These reductions will also be significant and will further add to the nearly $2 million of profit improvement that is contemplated from the changes made at the business unit level.

About EMRISE Corporation

EMRISE designs, manufactures and markets electronic devices, sub-systems and equipment for aerospace, defense, industrial and communications markets. EMRISE products perform key functions such as power supply and power conversion; RF and microwave signal processing; network access and timing and synchronization of communications networks. Primary growth driver applications for EMRISE products include “Radio Frequency Devices for Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Jamming Systems” and “Edge Network Timing and Synchronization” equipment. EMRISE serves customers in North America, Europe and Asia through operations in the United States, England and France. The Company has built a worldwide base of customers including a majority of the Fortune 100 in the U.S. that do business in markets served by EMRISE and many similar-size companies in Europe and Asia. For more information go to www.emrise.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release, including without limitation EMRISE’s ability to achieve annualized cost savings at a business unit level approaching $2 million, ability to eliminate redundancies and increase operating efficiency in all business units, without impacting the Company’s ability to grow or ability to streamline its operations in nearly every functional area of the business, ability for EMRISE’s business to be bolstered by defense spending in our primary force protection and terrorist interdiction product areas, ability to predict expected growth rates in the defense sector for 2009, ability to implement headcount reductions and/or other cost saving measures without negatively affecting EMRISE’s ability to service customers or to take on new business, ability to predict one time costs and/or ability to ensure that the majority of such costs will be recorded in the first half of 2009, ability to predict improvements in exchange rates later this year, ability to be profitable in the last half of 2009, ability to achieve additional overhead cost reductions at the corporate level, ability to announce such reductions and/or for such reductions to further contribute to profit improvement in 2009, are all forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of EMRISE CORPORATION could differ from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, unforeseen technical issues, unforeseen changes in customer demand, unforeseen delays in receipt of materials from our vendors, inability of our products to meet customer specifications, changes in the economic, industry or political climate that may negatively impact demand for our future products, and those factors contained in the “Risk Factors” Section of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and other Company filings.

Contacts EMRISE CorporationJohn Donovan, 909-987-9220 ext. 3201Vice President Finance and Administrationjdonovan@emrise.comorAllen & Caron Inc.Rene Caron, 949-474-4300 (investors)rene@allencaron.comLen Hall, 949-474-4300 (media)len@allencaron.com







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American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $4.4 Million Service and Maintenance Order from the U.S. Government for ZBVs

American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $4.4 Million Service and Maintenance Order from the U.S. Government for ZBVs

BILLERICA, Mass.--April 27 2009 -American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E®) (NASDAQ: ASEI), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today the receipt of a $4.4 million order from the U.S. government for service and maintenance for Z Backscatter Vans (ZBV) — the industry’s top-selling mobile X-ray screening system.

“As one of the most effective tools for mobile X-ray inspection, the ZBV continues to support the security initiatives of this valued U.S. government client,” said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO. “Receipt of this service and maintenance contract ensures that the U.S. government’s ZBVs will continue to operate at the highest levels of performance for their critical counterterrorism missions.”

AS&E’s Z Backscatter Van™ (ZBV)

The Most Maneuverable, Versatile Mobile X-ray Detection System on the Market

A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, AS&E’s Z Backscatter Van is the Number One selling non-intrusive mobile inspection system on the market. ZBV is a low-cost, highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections. The system’s unique “drive-by” capability allows one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect vehicles and objects. For personnel safety in dangerous environments, a remote console is available for operating the system in stationary mode from a distance of up to 500 meters.

AS&E’s Worldwide Service and Support

AS&E’s highly skilled Field Service Engineers (FSEs) provide support services worldwide. Each FSE, with a technical degree in electrical and mechanical engineering or equivalent experience, is trained in the operation and repair of electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanics, electrical systems, and computers. Available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, FSEs are located at AS&E offices in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

About AS&E®

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. With over 50 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company’s product line utilizes a combination of technologies, including patented Z Backscatter technology, Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD), high energy transmission and dual energy transmission X-ray. These technologies offer superior X-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E’s complete range of products include cargo inspection systems for port and border security, baggage screening systems for facility and aviation security, and personnel and passenger screening systems. AS&E systems protect high-threat facilities and help combat terrorism and trade fraud, drug smuggling, weapon smuggling, and illegal immigration and people smuggling. AS&E customers include leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, airports and corporations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), HM Revenue & Customs (U.K.), Hong Kong Customs, and Abu Dhabi Customs. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit www.as-e.com.

Safe Harbor Statement. The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E’s financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered “forward-looking” under applicable securities laws. AS&E wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein include the following: significant reductions or delays in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E’s products; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats; and the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth, and future delays in federal funding. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E’s periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time.

Contacts Red Javelin Communications, Inc.Dana Harris, 978-440-8392dana@redjavelin.comorAmerican Science and Engineering, Inc.Laura Berman, 978-262-8700lberman@as-e.com






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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Defense Stocks -Investing in a Secure World

Defense Stocks -Investing in a Secure World

Global Defense Stocks Directory added to Water Stocks, Renewable Energy Stocks and Biotech Stocks Directories

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, water and Homeland Security, has updated the Investor Ideas Membership to include the Defense and Homeland Security Stocks Directory.

Investor Ideas provides independent investors access to research tools in key sectors. InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering leading industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Investor Ideas research tools empower independent investors to facilitate their own research. The
Stock directories are also a useful tool for brokers, institutions and funds in the relative sectors.

Investorideas.com has upgraded memberships to include access to the Insiders Corner , Water Stocks Directory, Renewable Energy Stocks Directory , Biotech Stocks Directory and most recently the Defense Stocks Directory at Investorideas.com and security portal, Homelanddefensestocks.com.

Investorideas.com Membership – stock directories
With markets and investor sentiment changing daily- it is more important than ever to stay on top of key trends! Gain Exclusive Insight on Leading Sectors, Global Trends, and Insider Trading Ideas, News, Articles and Investor Ideas Members only Stock Directories.
Become an InvestorIdeas.com member: http://www.investorideas.com/membership/

About Homelanddefensestocks.com- HomelandDefenseStocks.com Portal is a global meeting place for investors and industry following defense and security, within Investorideas.com. Global visitors use the site daily to research the latest news, articles, audio, research reports and stock directories.

Affiliated Homeland Security/Defense Website –
The National Homeland Security Knowledgebase (NHSK) - Securing a Better World
(NHSK) is a leading Non-Government Website for search phrase "Homeland Security" featuring a comprehensive collection of links and resources and news in Homeland Security, Defense and global security issues.

Free Defense Stocks and Industry Newsletter: http://www.twotigersonline.com/newsletter.html

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com
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Friday, April 24, 2009

GE Announces Agreement with SAFRAN for SAFRAN to Acquire a Majority Stake in GE Security’s Homeland Protection Business

GE Announces Agreement with SAFRAN for SAFRAN to Acquire a Majority Stake in GE Security’s Homeland Protection Business

NEWARK, Calif.---GE (NYSE:GE) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with SAFRAN for SAFRAN to acquire 81% of GE Security’s Homeland Protection business for $580MM. Upon close, GE will own 19% and SAFRAN will have majority interest with 81%. The transaction has been approved by the Boards of both companies, and will be subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The Homeland Protection business will become part of SAFRAN’s Defense Security division of Sagem Securite, led by Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO, Sagem Securite. Dennis Cooke, will continue as President & CEO, for the Homeland Protection business and headquarters will remain in Newark, CA.

“This is a great move for our Homeland Protection business,” said Dennis Cooke, President & CEO, GE Security Homeland Protection. “Our business has a strong leadership team, dedicated and talented employees, innovative technology, a large installed base and a strong brand. This move aligns Homeland Protection with a business that is committed to globalization and further investment in new detection technologies and new products for the Homeland Security space.”

The combined company will focus on identification solutions and detection offerings globally and will benefit from continued access to technology advancements from GE’s Global Research Center and GE Healthcare. The combination of the complementary technology of both businesses will provide customers with the benefit of new technology solutions to keep ahead of the changing threats.

SAFRAN and GE are expanding their already strong relationship as the companies have been working together for more than 35 years to deliver Aviation technology solutions. The new entity will feature SAFRAN’s industry-leading ID management, plus Homeland Protection’s world-class aviation safety, checked baggage screening, military & critical infrastructure protection together with new growth platforms in Chem/Bio, X-ray and Radiation/Nuclear detection.

Jean-Paul Herteman, CEO of SAFRAN, said: “Following our 2008 acquisitions of SDU-Identification (a Dutch manufacturer of secure passports and ID documents) and Motorola’s biometrics business (Printrak brand), adding GE Homeland Protection will significantly bolster our Group’s third core business. This makes SAFRAN a pivotal player in the security market, a business that will generate 20% of the Group’s total revenues in the medium term, with double-digit profit perspectives and reducing exposure to aerospace cycles. Furthermore, this transaction is the latest step in our long-standing relationship of mutual trust and partnership with GE that reaches back some 35 years.”

Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Sagem Sécurité, added “There is growing demand from both governments and private industry for cutting-edge security solutions, based on long-term projects anchored in advanced, very-high-reliability technologies. From this standpoint, the SAFRAN Group is in a perfect position to meet today’s most demanding public security requirements.”

Combining Homeland Protection’s capabilities with SAFRAN’s portfolio will enable SAFRAN to become a leading global player in airport security solutions. Already a world leader in biometric identification solution, SAFRAN will now provide a differentiated, integrated offering to customers. From checked baggage screening to passenger identity and credentialing to check in, SAFRAN will be able to provide seamless, fully integrated solutions to customers in homeland security. This will enable customers to proactively address threats delivered by terrorists and drug traffickers prior to a potential occurrence.

“This newly combined company is an excellent fit for our Homeland Protection team,” stated Dean Seavers, President & CEO, GE Security. “GE Security will continue to focus on our core security product portfolio with a strong commitment to delivering security innovations that bring value, quality and high performance to our customers and end users.”

SAFRAN, headquartered in Paris, France, will maintain GE Security’s Homeland Protection operations in the U.S., Asia and Europe, Middle East and Africa.

About GE Security

GE Security, Inc. is a wholly owned affiliate of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) focused on communication and information technologies for security and life safety solutions. GE Security has more than 5700 employees with operations in over 26 countries and is represented by some of the best-known brand names for intrusion and fire detection, access and building control, video surveillance, explosives and drug detection, key management and structured wiring. GE Homeland Protection, Inc. is focused on explosives and narcotics detection and has approximately 780 employees located in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.gesecurity.com.

About SAFRAN Group

SAFRAN is an international high-technology group with leadership positions in its core businesses of aerospace propulsion, aircraft equipment, and defense security. The SAFRAN Group employs about 54,000 people in over 30 countries and generates revenue of more than €10 billion. It comprises many companies with prestigious brand names and holds, alone or in partnership, global or European leadership positions in its markets. SAFRAN is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is included in the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indices. For more information: www.safran-group.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties which could adversely or positively affect our future results include: the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest rates and commodity prices; strategic actions, including dispositions; future integration of acquired businesses; future financial performance of major industries which we serve, including, without limitation, the air and rail transportation, energy generation, media, real estate and healthcare industries; unanticipated loss development in our insurance businesses; and numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive and regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

Contacts GE Enterprise Solutions/GE SecurityMichelle May, +1-989-835-3563michelle.may@ge.comorEdelman for GE SecurityJoanne Rasch, +1-202-277-3105joanne.rasch@edelman.com

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