Press Release 1

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Cone Penetrometer Technology (CPT) business and assets from Hogentogler & Co., Inc. This acquisition brings together the best technologies of two world leaders in CPT, and will provide CPT clients around the world with expanded product offerings including a full line of Cone Penetrometer rigs, a wide selection of digital sensors, acquisition systems, and software, and a variety of soil and ground water sampling devices. A Vertek-Hogentogler line of CPT products including all of Vertek and Hogentogler’s current product offerings will be offered by Vertek, ARA’s manufacturing division, which has been supplying CPT systems since 1990.

Vertek and Hogentogler have formulated a transition plan that will provide seamless coverage, both in terms of product and support, to all Hogentogler CPT users. At this time, Hogentogler CPT users should continue to call Hogentogler for product or support. Parts will be shipped from Hogentogler’s facility in Maryland and the invoices will be generated and mailed by Vertek. During this first phase, Vertek staff will work side by side with Hogentogler’s staff to accomplish a number of tasks including: training, inventory transfer, and product integration. Vertek will send out a second letter informing Hogentogler CPT users of the date to transition product and support calls to Vertek; this transition will occur only after Vertek staff is fully trained on Hogentogler products and inventory has been shifted to Vertek’s facility in Vermont. Vertek and Hogentogler have planned a phased transition over an extended period to provide the best support possible to Hogentogler CPT users.

The third phase of the transition is product integration. Vertek’s goal is to merge the two product lines together in a way that provides component interchangeability to all Vertek-Hogentogler CPT users. The net result will be more choices for both Vertek and Hogentogler CPT users and a unified product line that represents the best elements of Vertek and Hogentogler hardware and software.

We would also like to provide a brief overview of ARA and Vertek, its manufacturing division, for Hogentogler CPT users who may not be familiar with our company. Founded in 1979 in the high-tech environment that thrives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ARA has expanded steadily and currently has a staff of more than 1,000 engineers, scientists, and technicians in offices throughout the country. The Vertek manufacturing division has a staff of 47, including electronics technicians, mechanical assemblers, designers, machinists, and other manufacturing support personnel. Our manufacturing facilities include electronics shops, a fully equipped machine shop, fabrication space, and inventory storage totaling nearly 25,000 square feet. ARA’s mission is to provide in-depth and diversified research, engineering, technical support services, and manufacturing of geotechnical, environmental, and robotic products. ARA approaches every project as an opportunity to go beyond expectations by providing solutions that accomplish all objectives and lead to new possibilities. A strong belief in personal excellence combined with a strict adherence to simple and effective operating principles allows ARA to consistently turn these opportunities into satisfied clients.

Information about the transition will be updated periodically and made available on the Vertek website at http://www.vertek.ara.com and on Hogentogler’s website at http://www.hogentogler.com. Please remember, as a Hogentogler CPT user, if you need immediate assistance to place an order or for technical support during this first phase, please call Hogentogler at 800-638-8582.