May 2, 2007
Albuquerque, New Mexico

CVI is pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed with Barloworld Scientific Ltd. to acquire Melles Griot. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, but it is expected to close in the next few weeks.
The acquisition brings together two leaders in optical and laser technology. With worldwide manufacturing and distribution in Asia, Europe, and North America, the new company will be uniquely positioned to take a significant leadership position supplying optical components, lasers, and opto-mechanical assemblies.
Stuart Schoenmann, CEO of CVI states, “We are extremely excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for our customers, employees and shareholders. The Melles Griot acquisition is a significant component of CVI’s plan to expand our capabilities and manufacturing capacity to meet worldwide demand.
CVI’s overall acquisition strategy is to expand product lines, to increase manufacturing capabilities, and to address growing market opportunities. The Melles Griot acquisition will enable CVI to meet customer demand for high volume laser and optical production along with complex optics and assemblies.”
“Melles Griot is eager to become a strategic part of CVI,” says Blake Fennell, CEO of Melles Griot. “CVI has a strong world-wide brand, manufacturing, distribution network and access to capital. This is a great opportunity for the Melles Griot team to focus on photonic technologies within a company dedicated to the industry.”
About Melles Griot
Melles Griot is a leading global supplier of photonics products including optical components and systems, lasers, motion-control systems, laser measurement instrumentation and opto-mechanical hardware. The company has manufacturing and distribution activities in 41 countries, serving industries as diverse as semiconductor, biotechnology, metrology and research.
About CVI
Serving semiconductor, biotech, industrial, commercial, aerospace and research industries, CVI combines 35 years of optical manufacturing expertise with precision machining and mechanical design to produce integrated opto-mechanical assemblies. CVI is a leading manufacturer of optical components, providing engineering, rapid prototyping, high volume production, and system integration for challenging requirements. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, CVI operates manufacturing facilities in New Mexico, California, the British Isles, and South Korea with sales representatives and distributors located worldwide. CVI has been a portfolio company of Norwest Equity Partners, a leading private equity firm, since May 2003.
For further information, please contact Lynore Abbott, Director of Marketing, 200 Dorado Place S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87123, by phone at 505-296-9541, by e-mail at labbott@cvilaser.com, or visit the CVI website at www.cvilaser.com.