June 17, 2004

BATTELLE SIGNS ALLIANCE AGREEMENT WITH THE JAPAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio-based Battelle announced today that it entered into an alliance agreement with the Tokyo-based Japan Research Institute, Ltd. The parties will cooperate in an effort to develop, evaluate, and execute business opportunities in Japan related to the capabilities of each organization.

Many Japanese companies - facing a deflation economy in mature markets - managed to achieve economic recovery by cost cutting and restructuring efforts, and have now reached the stage where growth activities are being pursued. For many of these organizations, "buying time" by acquiring external skills and technologies becomes an indispensable activity, in order to meet needs and to lead in a rapidly changing market.

In this environment, companies with innovative technologies will attract collaborators and have a strong advantage in forming attractive new businesses.

Japan, ranked No. 1 for R&D expenditures per capita, has numerous original technologies in private enterprises and public research institutions that could lead next-generation markets.

The Japan Research Institute (JRI) has not only supported its clients' IP development and commercialization, but also incubated technology-based businesses of its own. From these experiences, JRI is convinced that the key factors for successfully harnessing technological potential are in evaluating technology from a user's view and finding customers who want technology-based value.

By receiving technical knowledge and skill support from Battelle, one of the world's largest private, independent R&D organizations with top-level researchers across all science fields, JRI can strengthen its supporting activities. More specifically, JRI, with support from Battelle, will support both private enterprises and public research institutions through customized R&D management programs and IP commercialization programs. Through these activities, JRI's goal is to contribute to the rebirth of Japan's national image as a scientific technology leader.

JRI

JRI is a "knowledge engineering" company that offers comprehensive, highly value-added information services, through the coordinated application of its three functions, that is, system integration, consulting, and think tank.

As a systems integrator, JRI offers services in IT strategy planning, implementation, and outsourcing for a broad range of industries and activities.

JRI is also active in research of Japanese and foreign economic issues and formation of policy recommendations, as well as consulting in a wide range of fields such as corporate strategies and public administrative reform. In addition, JRI provides analyses and surveys for incubation activities in the creation of new markets and industries. Through these operations JRI offers a clear vision to its customers towards changes in the economic and social environment as well as developments in the IT area.

Battelle

Battelle is a global leader in science and technology. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it develops and commercializes technology and manages laboratories for customers. Battelle, with the national labs it manages or co-manages, oversees 16,000 staff members and conducts $3 billion in annual research and development. Battelle innovations include the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work in compact disc technology, medical advancements, and fiber optic technologies.

Major Battelle technology centers are located in Columbus, Ohio; Richland, Washington; Aberdeen, Maryland, and Geneva, Switzerland. Battelle manages or co-manages four national labs including: the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory (in partnership with Stony Brook University); the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (in a partnership with Midwest Research Institute); and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (in partnership with the University of Tennessee) for the U.S. Department of Energy.

For more information, contact Akihiko Suwa, The Japan Research Institute, Ltd., at +81(3)3288-4242, or suwa.akihiko@jri.co.jp. You can also visit www.battelle.org or contact Katy Delaney, Media Relations Manager, at (614)424-5544 or delaneyk@battelle.org.