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St. Louis Business & Technology News
www.slfp.com/SLFPBIZp.htm "When you think Saint Louis, think Saint Louis Front Page," a weekly publication covering the news and events in the greater St. Louis area. St. Louis Front Page P.O. Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com To advertise, contact: advertising@slfp.com |
PLEASANTON, CA, (PRNewswire) October 19, 2003 - The waterproof gauntlet, CommanderGauntletTM, is the latest wireless accessory to come from NetworkAnatomy, a designer and manufacturer of advanced interoperable communication systems. The one-size-fits-all gauntlet is a wireless system that contains a two-way radio, cellular and satellite technologies, a PC-based interactive monitor, an interlaced audio/video camera, integrated power systems and extreme lighting to provide its user with "out-front" communications access without restricting hand movements or use of fingers. The waterproof gauntlet is ruggedized to withstand bumps and impacts, measures 15 inches in length and is pliable enough to provide unrestricted hand and wrist movement. The material used in constructing the gauntlet was chosen to provide a snug fit on any adult forearm for extended periods of time without constricting blood flow. Doug Linman, CEO and chief designer of the high-tech device says that the inspiration for the lightweight accessory comes directly from the field. "These wireless devices were designed to work as an extension to our CommanderPacksTM in any harsh environment where the user has to be on the move or has to use both hands, such as in a Search and Rescue operation, in fire zones or any emergency situation. The user can make or receive a call using radio, cellular or satellite frequencies, light the area and transmit video images, access incident forms from their on-board PC - even e-mail documents from their forearm - without having to stop or open their CommanderPack." The CommanderPack is the first lightweight, self-contained communications system designed for deployment anywhere on earth at a moment's notice. The 11 lb. system is worn like a back pack and comes with a helmet nest featuring a micro video camera, microphone and extreme lighting. The communications and information management gear can be accessed by opening the waterproof pack or by wireless controls from the optional gauntlet. Overnite Transportation Opens Expanded St. Louis Facility RICHMOND, VA, (PRNewswire) October 19, 2003 - Overnite Transportation Company has opened the doors to a new St. Louis Service Center for its trucking operation to an expanded facility. From its expanded 140-door service center on Hall Street, Overnite Transportation provides next-day service to 17 states, covering nearly 12,000 points in major markets including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and Milwaukee. The St. Louis Service Center's one- and two-day service umbrella covers major East Coast points, and extends to Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. "Relocating our St. Louis operation gives Overnite the additional capacity to handle our customers' service needs in Missouri and beyond," said Central Region Vice President Steve Smith. "The larger facility not only strengthens our interregional capabilities throughout the central and Midwestern states, but also our long haul capabilities for cross-country shipments." Overnite Holding, Inc., the parent company of Overnite Transportation Company, reported revenue in excess of $1.3 billion in 2002. A nationwide and regional less-than-truckload carrier with premium long-haul capabilities, Overnite Transportation serves more than 45,000 points in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. Aurora Combined With Pinnacle Foods Corporation ST. LOUIS, (PRNewswire) October 19, 2003 - Aurora Foods Inc. has revised its financial restructuring to include combination with Pinnacle Foods. The company has announced a Letter of Intent with J.P. Morgan Partners LLC (JPMP), J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. (JWC), an informal committee of bondholders representing approximately 50% of the Company's outstanding senior subordinated notes and C. Dean Metropoulos and Co. (CDM) pursuant to which Aurora's previous agreement with JWC will be amended to provide for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which Aurora will be combined with Pinnacle Foods Corporation (Pinnacle). Upon the completion of the combination, C. Dean Metropoulos, CEO of Pinnacle Foods Corporation, will serve as Chairman and CEO of the Pinnacle/Aurora business. Aurora also announced that the revised restructuring transaction has received the support of its senior lenders. On August 8, 2003, JPMP and CDM entered into an agreement to purchase Pinnacle from Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Inc. JPMP and CDM have subsequently agreed to permit JWC to invest in the entity that will acquire Pinnacle. "The revised transaction represents a major step forward in Aurora's restructuring efforts," said Dale F. Morrison, Aurora's Chairman and interim Chief Executive Officer. "It achieves our objectives of significantly reducing balance sheet leverage, enabling the Company to attain meaningful cost reductions and maximizing value for stakeholders. The combined company will be financially strong and well positioned for future growth." "I am extremely excited at the challenge and opportunity of combining two currently independent packaged food businesses in Pinnacle and Aurora," said C. Dean Metropoulos, CEO of Pinnacle Foods Corporation. "Each brings with it a strong set of brands and personnel that together will be combined to create a solid platform for growth." Mr. Metropoulos has over 15 years of entrepreneurial food industry experience having founded and run Stella Foods, Inc., one of the largest producers of specialty cheeses in the U.S., and subsequently successfully acquired and sold The Morningstar Group, International Home Foods, Ghirardelli Chocolates, Bumble Bee Tuna, Mumm and Perrier Jouet Champagnes, Hillsdown Holdings, and, most recently, Pinnacle Foods Corporation. Also upon closing of the transaction Mr. Morrison, who had been serving as interim Chief Executive Officer of Aurora, will return to his role as an operating partner of Fenway Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. Return to St. Louis Front Page |
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