Cergence Announces Launch at NFOEC

Complete Fiber Assembly, Contract Packaging, and Processing for Opto-Electronic Components

DALLAS, Texas — September 16 2002 — Cergence, Inc., announces its entry into the opto-electronic industry during the 2002 National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference in Dallas, Texas. The new company provides complete fiber assembly, contract packaging, and back-end wafer processing for opto-electronic components.

"With changes in the fiber optic industry, we're seeing component manufacturers and system OEMs focus on core competencies," says Cergence CEO, Derek Perez. "We're essentially acting as extensions of their business by providing a one-stop-shop for component processing, assembly and packaging. This vertical integration improves process control and reduces costs for our customers. As we see an increased demand for more sophisticated component integration, we will be able to provide customers with the R&D support to adapt without a huge investment in resources."

Cergence's in-house capabilities include fiber coating and thin film, automated alignment and attachment, and full Telcordia qualification. Cergence is privately funded by Citizens Capital Bank, Lee Capital Holdings, and Prism Venture Partners.

About Cergence
Cergence is a privately held company specializing in fiber assembly, contract packaging and back-end wafer processing of active and passive opto-electronic components for the telecommunications, defense and aerospace industries. For more information, call toll-free, (888) 413-0007, or visit www.cergence.com.

Visit Cergence at NFOEC 2002, Booth #1924.