7 September 2000  

Strategic breakthrough with Czech AEC Ltd.:

Norway-based computer security specialist Norman ASA will today acquire PKI technology and product rights and also the development team from Czech AEC Ltd, a company which has developed base technology and complete solutions within the field of digital certificates and signatures to secure e-commerce, e-mail and online banking services.

This acquisition follows a letter of intent, which was signed on June 26, this year. Since then the two computer security companies have carried out a successful due diligence process and have agreed that Norman shall take over technology, products and 25 employees.

"Strategic breakthrough in securing use of the Internet"

AEC Ltd. is one of very few companies in the world that has developed base technology and products to secure e-commerce, e-mail and online banking services, so-called Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Issue and use of digital certificates are a key part of this technology.

"By adding PKI technology to its range of products and competence in virus control, personal firewalls, security and access control to workstations, Norman will position itself as the market's most complete supplier of security solutions for Internet users," says Norman's President and CEO Bjørn Fosli.

Complete product range

Following this acquisition, Norman will have a complete range of products in the PKI area. This will also provide very good synergies with the company's existing products for VPN, encryption and physical access control to workstations. Combined with risk analysis, virus protection, data recovery and secure data erasure, Norman will also now positioning itself as one of the most complete suppliers in the computer security market.

Further information from:

Bjørn Fosli, president, Norman ASA, tel: +47-67-10-97-17 (office), +47-90-51-84-68 (mobile)

About AEC Ltd

AEC Ltd. holds a leading position in the Czech and Slovak markets for computer security, with a market share of 50 per cent. Established in 1991, it had revenues of NOK 15 million last year. As a result of growing demand, the workforce has expanded by 30 per cent since January alone. Both the Czech Republic and Slovakia are experiencing strong economic growth. This in turn is generating more investment in the information technology infrastructure and creating an increased demand for computer security solutions. AEC has its head office in Brno, a sales office in Prague, and a subsidiary in Slovakia. Its 45 highly competent staff includes 30 people involved in product development and technical support, while the remainder form a well-functioning market and sales team.