Axeda Systems and JMI Equity Enter into Definitive Agreement for Sale of DRM Assets

Axeda Systems and JMI Equity Enter into Definitive Agreement for Sale of DRM Assets

MANSFIELD, Mass., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Axeda Systems Inc. , today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its device relationship management (DRM) business and related assets to a new corporation formed and owned by JMI Equity Fund V, L.P., a Baltimore and San Diego based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on investments in the software and business services industries, for $7,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities related to the DRM business.

The Axeda Board of Directors, based on the unanimous recommendation of a special independent committee of disinterested directors, has approved the transaction and definitive agreement and has recommended to Axeda's stockholders that they approve the transaction. Each of Axeda's officers and directors, other than the members of the special committee, have agreed in writing to vote in favor of the transaction.

In connection with the transaction, JMI has committed to provide $1.5 million of bridge loans, of which the remaining $900,000 will be advanced promptly.

The asset sale does not involve or affect Axeda's industrial automation product line which is marketed under the "Supervisor" name, and which shall continue to operate through the Company's Axeda Systems S.A.S. subsidiary.

The transaction is expected to close in late October, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the Axeda stockholders.

Axeda stockholders are advised to read the proxy statement regarding the transaction, when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. Axeda expects to mail a proxy statement about the asset sale to its stockholders and will file such proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Stockholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement (when available) and other documents filed by the companies at the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov/. Stockholders can also obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement (when available), together with any other documents Axeda has filed with the SEC, by directing a request to Axeda Systems Inc., 21 Oxford Street, Mansfield, MA 02048, attention Investor Relations, telephone: (508) 337-9200.

About JMI Equity

JMI Equity, based in Baltimore and San Diego, is a private equity firm exclusively focused on investments in the software and business services industries. Founded in 1992, JMI has invested in over 60 companies throughout North America and has approximately $700 million of capital under management. JMI invests in growing businesses. The firm's focus is on providing the first institutional capital to self-funded companies. JMI also invests in select recapitalization and management buyout financings. Representative investments include Unica Corporation, Blackbaud, Inc., NEON Systems, Inc., META Group, Inc. (acquired by Gartner, Inc.), Jackson Hewitt, Inc., Transaction Systems Architects, Inc., Control Point Solutions, Inc., NetPro Computing, Inc., Network Intelligence Corporation and Panorama Software, Ltd. For more information on JMI Equity, visit http://www.jmiequity.com/.

About Axeda

Axeda Systems Inc. is the world's leading provider of Device Relationship Management (DRM) software and services. The Company's flagship product, the Axeda(R) DRM system helps manufacturing and service organizations increase revenue while lowering costs, by proactively monitoring and managing devices deployed at customer sites around the world. Axeda DRM is a highly scalable, field-proven, and comprehensive remote management solution that leverages its patented Firewall-Friendly(TM) technology to enable Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication by utilizing the public Internet. Axeda customers include Global 2000 companies in many markets including Medical Instrument, Enterprise Technology, Office and Print Production Systems, and Industrial and Building Automation industries. Axeda has sales and service offices in the U.S. and Europe, and distribution partners worldwide. More information about Axeda is available at http://www.axeda.com/.

Certain Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release are considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and it is Axeda's intent that such statements be protected by the safe harbor created thereby. Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including our intention to sell, and the timing of the sale of, the DRM business, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and the forward-looking statements made in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (a) the possibility that Axeda may fail to meet several significant closing conditions -- the failure of any one of which may result in the transaction not being consummated; (b) the risk that the transaction may close more slowly than expected or not at all; (c) potential disruptions resulting from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; transaction costs; and (d) other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Axeda's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

No assurance can be given that we will be successful in pursuing to conclusion the sale of the DRM business to JMI. Other important risks and uncertainties include our ability to obtain all necessary approvals, consents and agreements from our stockholders and other third parties required to consummate the transaction and to retain key employees through the transition period between the signing of the agreement and the closing of the sale of our assets. Investors are advised to read Axeda's Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly those sections entitled "Factors Affecting Operating Results" and "Risk Factors" for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. Axeda assumes no obligation to update the forward- looking information contained in this press release.

(C)2005 Axeda Systems. All rights reserved. Axeda, Axeda Systems, Axeda DRM, Axeda Device Relationship Management System, Axeda Agents, Axeda Applications, Axeda Policy Manager, Axeda Enterprise, Axeda Access, Axeda Software Management, Axeda Service, Axeda Usage, Automatic eCommerce, Firewall-Friendly, and Access. Insight. In Real Time. are trademarks of Axeda Systems. All other trademarks are either property of Axeda Systems or property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Erin Nolan Smith
Axeda Systems Inc.
+1 (508) 851-1251
enolan@axeda.com

Source: Axeda Systems Inc.

CONTACT: Erin Nolan Smith of Axeda Systems Inc., +1-508-851-1251,
enolan@axeda.com

Web site: http://www.axeda.com/

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Profile: computer software