Empresas y finanzas

The Carlyle Group, Partnering with J.H. Whitney & Co., Leads Acquisition of Authentix, Inc.



    Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group today announced that

    along with private equity firm J.H. Whitney & Co., a group of existing
    investors that include Manti Resources, Inc., and Authentix´ existing
    management team, it has acquired Authentix, Inc., a company that
    develops and delivers an array of authentication and brand protection
    solutions in the banknote, consumer, medical device, oil and gas and
    pharmaceutical industries, as well as excise tax recovery solutions
    for national and state governments. The transaction closed on April
    18, 2008. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    A pioneer in the rapidly growing authentication industry

    Authentix develops nanoscale-engineered markers, opto-electronic and
    nanophotonic detection devices and software that help its clients
    ensure the authenticity, integrity and safety of their products. Over
    the past five years, Authentix has recovered more than $5 billion in
    lost revenues for its clients, which include Fortune 500 companies and
    national governments. Authentix currently provides authentication
    services in 18 countries on five continents.

    "Focused on industries that are most susceptible to losses from
    the counterfeiting of their products, Authentix will continue to
    capitalize on the authentication market, which is projected to triple
    by 2011," said Steve Bailey, Managing Director, The Carlyle Group. "We
    are excited to work with Authentix´ seasoned management team and
    talented employee base and to continue to invest in research and
    development at a rate commensurate to the growing concern about the
    rise of counterfeiting, smuggling and grey market diversion."

    "This transaction will enable Authentix to tap into Carlyle´s
    global network and expertise and significantly strengthen our
    international business development activities," said David Moxam

    Chairman and CEO, Authentix. "Additionally, we are excited to extend
    our capital base and accelerate our acquisition strategy to better
    serve our existing and future clients across all industries. As the
    dynamics of global counterfeiting continue to evolve, this investment
    affirms our commitment to the use of advanced and innovative
    nanotechnology, device and software platforms for brand integrity and
    excise tax collection programs."

    "Authentix´ unique portfolio of technologies and its
    solutions-based approach has ensured the company is a trusted partner
    to corporations and governments around the world," said Carlyle Senior
    Advisor, Charles Rossotti, who from 1997 to 2002 served as
    Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service. "In particular, Authentix´
    Excise Tax Recovery Programs provide government authorities with the
    ability to effectively authenticate and track goods to ensure tax
    revenues are optimized rather than lost altogether, a major problem

    for example, in tobacco and oil and gas industries. I look forward to
    working with the Authentix team to further expand the company´s global
    client base."

    MHT Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of MHT Partners, which
    focuses on merger and acquisition advisory for tech-enabled growth
    companies, was the exclusive advisor to Authentix in this transaction.

    Authentix´ solutions are built upon three key components:
    authentication, recognition and data management. Depending on a
    particular client´s needs, products are marked with authenticating
    forensic features that range from nanoscale markers embedded in
    packaging materials to molecular markers that can be incorporated into
    the product itself (ranging from fuels to pharmaceuticals). Authentix
    develops a wide range of opto-electronic devices that are used to test
    for these proprietary markers. These devices recognize the in-product
    and on-package markers determining if the product is authentic

    counterfeit or diluted. Data retrieved from product sampling via
    Authentix´ opto-electronic devices can be aggregated and used to
    create real-time reports for clients. This authentication and tracking
    data, for example, highlights geographical problem domains, identifies
    compromises in supply chain integrity, etc. This valuable information
    and analyses enable clients to take appropriate remedial action.

    About The Carlyle Group

    The Carlyle Group is a global private equity firm with $81.1
    billion under management committed to 60 funds. Carlyle invests in
    buyouts, venture & growth capital, real estate and leveraged finance
    in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America
    focusing on aerospace & defense, automotive & transportation, consumer
    & retail, energy & power, financial services, healthcare, industrial

    infrastructure, technology & business services and telecommunications
    & media. Since 1987, the firm has invested $43.0 billion of equity in
    774 transactions for a total purchase price of $229.3 billion. The
    Carlyle Group employs more than 1,009 people in 21 countries. In the
    aggregate, Carlyle portfolio companies have more than $87 billion in
    revenue and employ more than 286,000 people around the world.
    www.carlyle.com

    About J.H. Whitney & Co.

    J.H. Whitney & Co., established in 1946, was one of the first U.S.
    private equity firms pioneering the development of the private equity
    industry. Today, J.H. Whitney remains privately owned and its main
    activity is to provide private equity capital for small and middle
    market companies. J.H. Whitney is currently investing its sixth
    private equity fund, J.H. Whitney VI, L.P., for major endowments

    foundations, pension plans, and high net-worth families. Investment
    activities are focused on small and middle market buyouts of market
    leading companies that are poised for growth in a number of industries
    including consumer products and retail, healthcare services, specialty
    manufacturing and business services.

    About Manti

    Manti is a privately held energy company that invests primarily in
    the energy sector through its subsidiaries Manti Exploration (Oil and
    Gas Exploration and Production), Magnus Energy Marketing (Gas
    Wholesale Trading). Manti is also active in the high technology sector
    with controlling interests in Cimex Medical Innovations (Biomedical
    Devices), and ImmunoBiosciences (Vaccine Technology).

    Headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, Manti has subsidiary
    offices located throughout the U.S. including Houston, TX, Dallas, TX

    Lafayette, LA, New Orleans, LA, Denver, CO and Tulsa, OK. The key to
    Manti´s success has been actualizing high yield, high risk
    opportunities by hiring the best and allowing them to participate in
    the value they create. Another core value is supporting community
    initiatives which inspire and support disadvantaged groups through its
    nonprofit affiliate company, FutureUS.

    About Authentix

    As the global leader in authentication solutions for brand
    protection and excise tax recovery, Authentix(R) is on the frontlines
    of the battle against counterfeiting and smuggling. Authentix offers a
    wide array of world-class solutions that are based on innovative
    nano-scale engineering and mass serialization so that brand integrity
    can be preserved as products move through the supply chain. Authentix´
    solutions safeguard consumers from harmful products and prevent
    profits and tax revenues from being lost to illegal activities, such
    as terrorism. With clients including Fortune 500 companies and
    national governments, Authentix has recovered over $5 billion in lost
    revenues in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical and medical device

    tobacco, spirits, and consumer goods industries. In addition, our
    expertise in the fields of value documents, currency and homeland
    security applications helps protect the very fabric of our society.
    www.authentix.com

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within
    the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
    with respect to our financial results, results of operations, and
    business. All statements, other than statements of historical fact

    are forward-looking statements. Any expectations based on
    forward-looking statements are subject to significant risk and
    uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from
    expectations based on such forward-looking statements. You should
    therefore not rely on these forward-looking statements. We undertake
    no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.