Press Releases

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2008) - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:

"It is with profound sadness I learned of the death of Sergeant Prescott Shipway today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. I also wish a quick recovery to the other seven soldiers injured in this incident.

The United Nations-mandated mission in Afghanistan remains a challenging one, but these challenges will not deter us from helping Afghans reclaim their lives and build a more free and democratic society.

The bravery and dedication demonstrated by the men and women of the Canadian Forces in helping make Afghanistan safer and a better place to live are a powerful tribute to the values that this country cherishes.

Canada will remain forever grateful for Sergeant Shipway's sacrifice, and we are saddened by his loss."

Sgt. Prescott Shipway was an infantryman with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based at Shilo, Manitoba.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Information: 613-996-2353/54
        After hours: 613-792-2973
        www.forces.gc.ca

Source: Department of National Defence

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

AuthenTec (NASDAQ: AUTH), the world's leading provider of fingerprint sensors and solutions, today updated revenue estimates for the third quarter and fiscal year 2008 and reported the loss of a 2009 design-in opportunity at a significant PC customer.

Based on order trends and discussions with customers, AuthenTec now expects third quarter 2008 revenue to range between $18.2 million and $18.5 million and fiscal year 2008 revenue to range between $69 million and $71 million. This represents an increase from the $15.1 million reported in the third quarter of 2007 and $52.3 million reported for fiscal year 2007. The Company attributes the reduction in estimated revenue to an overstocked inventory position at a new customer and the impact of lower than expected sales of higher-end notebooks, which are more likely to be equipped with a fingerprint sensor as a standard or optional feature.

Corresponding with the revised revenue estimate, the Company now expects third quarter 2008 non-GAAP earnings per share to range between $0.03 per diluted share to $0.04 per diluted share.

Additionally, AuthenTec has been notified by a significant PC customer that it does not presently plan to use AuthenTec's fingerprint sensors in its next design cycle in late 2009. AuthenTec anticipates an impact to its sales will occur in the second half of 2009. The business of this customer represented approximately 40 percent of AuthenTec's revenue in the second quarter of 2008 and is expected to represent approximately 30 to 35 percent of the Company's revenue in the third quarter of 2008. AuthenTec remains a supplier to this customer and will continue to aggressively compete for future opportunities.

Conference Call Information:

AuthenTec will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), Monday, September 8, 2008. Investors and analysts may join the conference call by dialing 800.291.5365 and providing the participant pass code 22506970. International callers may join the teleconference by dialing 617.614.3922 and using the same pass code. A replay will be available beginning two hours after conclusion of the call and will be available until midnight ET on Wednesday, September 10, 2008. The replay number is 888.286.8010, with a confirmation code of 25958983. International callers interested in listening to the replay should dial 617-801-6888 and use the same pass code. A live web cast (voice only) of the conference call will be accessible from the Investor section of the Company's web site at investors.authentec.com. Following the live web cast, an archived version will be available on AuthenTec's web site.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics:

To supplement AuthenTec's consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses non-GAAP financial measures that exclude from the statement of operations the effects of stock-based compensation and charges related to changes in the fair value of warrants for preferred stock. AuthenTec uses the above non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate the business. Management believes it is useful for itself and investors to review, as applicable, both GAAP information and the non-GAAP measures in order to assess the performance of continuing operations and for planning and forecasting in future periods. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures is intended to provide investors with an understanding of the Company's operational results and trends that enables them to analyze the base financial and operating performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons and analysis of operational trends. AuthenTec believes the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of all non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP results. For additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures, and management's explanation of why it considers such measures to be useful, refer to the filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward Looking Statements:

This quarterly financial results press release contains statements relating to expected future results and business trends that are based upon AuthenTec's current estimate, expectations, and projections about the industry, and upon management's beliefs, and certain assumptions AuthenTec has made. These statements are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipates," "guidance," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "prospects," "outlook," "forecast," and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements." In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are "forward-looking statements." Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, the Company's actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any "forward-looking statement" as a result of various factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: demand for, and market acceptance of, new and existing fingerprint sensors in the PC and wireless markets, general market conditions, the Company's ability to secure design wins for enterprise and consumer laptops and wireless devices, the adoption of AuthenTec's sensors in desktops and PC peripherals, the rate at which the Company increases its activity and opportunities in the wireless market, and additional opportunities in various markets for applications that might use AuthenTec's products, and changes in product mix, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in its SEC filings, including those described in AuthenTec's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2008. These "forward-looking statements" are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the "forward-looking statements," whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About AuthenTec:

With more than 35 million sensors sold worldwide, AuthenTec is the world leader in providing fingerprint authentication sensors and solutions to the high-volume PC, wireless device, and access control markets. AuthenTec's award-winning sensors take full advantage of The Power of Touch by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint technology to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication.

Source: AuthenTec

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

SilkRoad technology, inc., the leading provider of talent management solutions, announced today that the firm has expanded their global operations naming Peter Earnshaw Managing Director, Asia and Nicholas Roi as Managing Director, Australia. In addition, the firm is opening offices to support direct sales and marketing efforts in Singapore and Sydney, Australia. SilkRoad announced a $54 million dollar investment round earlier this year to build out operations that capitalize on the increasing global market demand for talent management solutions.

"I am pleased to announce that SilkRoad is delivering on our promise to investors to expand our operations and infrastructure to support our expanding client base worldwide," said Andrew J. "Flip" Filipowski, Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, SilkRoad technology. "The addition of Peter Earnshaw and Nicholas Roi ensures that our customers in the Asia Pacific region will receive outstanding customer service and enjoy solutions that enable them to recruit and retain the best talent."

With over ten years experience in technology and software, Earnshaw is based in Singapore and will lead the overall sales and marketing efforts for the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to joining SilkRoad technology, he was the Asia Pacific Director for Vurv Technology, which he launched in 2005. During his tenure, he built Vurv's client base to include Singapore Airlines, HSBC, MGM Macau and Coca Cola Amatil until it was sold to Taleo in 2008. His previous roles include Business Development Manager for an Australian e-recruitment software provider responsible for key clients such as AirNZ, Mallesons and Woolworths.

Based in Sydney, Roi will lead the Australian sales and marketing efforts. He brings a deep knowledge of enterprise software with experience in the HR/Talent Management Software space gained during his time at Vurv as the Australian sales director. Roi's team in Australia will report to Earnshaw, reprising the successful partnership Roi and Earnshaw enjoyed at Vurv.

About SilkRoad technology, inc.

SilkRoad technology, inc. provides software as a service (SaaS) solutions that significantly improve the talent within its more than 800 customers across the globe. Through SilkRoad's Life Suite(TM), an integrated talent management solution, companies are able to hire better employees, identify high and low performers, drive a pay-for-performance culture and improve employee tenure. The SilkRoad Life Suite solution set includes OpenHire(TM) for recruiting management, RedCarpet(TM) for employee onboarding and life events, WingSpan(TM) for flexible employee performance management, GreenLight(TM) for compensation management, and Eprise(TM) for employee intranets and content management.

SilkRoad technology is headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC with offices in Bedford, MA; Chicago, IL; West Long Branch, NJ; and Hamburg, Germany. More information is available on the Web at www.silkroadtech.com or by phone: U.S. toll free at 866-329-3363 or internationally at +1-336-201-5100.

Source: SilkRoad technology, inc.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) and Origin Energy (ASX: ORG) today announced their plan to create a long-term Australasian natural gas business focused on coal bed methane production and liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and sales.

The transaction is conditioned upon approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board and, if required as a result of an outstanding offer from BG to purchase all outstanding shares of Origin Energy stock, the approval of Origin Energy's shareholders. Under the plan, ConocoPhillips would initially contribute US$5 billion to the joint venture and would carry Origin Energy for their first AU$1.15 billion in joint venture expenses. ConocoPhillips would make up to four additional payments of US$500 million to the joint venture based on project milestones, for a total possible cash acquisition investment of approximately US$8 billion at current exchange rates. As a result of these investments, ConocoPhillips would receive 50 percent equity in Origin Energy CSG Limited, which holds Origin Energy's Queensland, Australia, coal bed methane assets.

The 50/50 joint venture would be comprised of coal bed methane development, operated by Origin Energy, and a liquefied natural gas project, operated by ConocoPhillips. As planned, the joint venture would market the LNG, primarily targeted to Asian markets, with ConocoPhillips leading the marketing venture for the first 10 years. The joint venture would be managed by a board of directors composed evenly of ConocoPhillips and Origin Energy representatives. The project director would be supplied by ConocoPhillips.

"With this investment, ConocoPhillips has gained access to the leading coal bed methane resource in Australia, comprising 8.1 million net acres. Moreover, the company has enhanced its LNG position with the creation of an additional Australian LNG hub serving Asia-Pacific markets. The joint venture leverages ConocoPhillips' strengths and experience in project management, coal bed methane, and LNG technology, operations and marketing," said Jim Mulva, ConocoPhillips' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "This joint venture better balances ConocoPhillips' oil and gas resource mix. In addition, the company's long-term production growth is expected to benefit from a steady, secure source of resource additions. We look forward to working closely with Origin in delivering this valuable energy resource to customers."

Origin's Managing Director, Grant King, said, "ConocoPhillips' investment gives confidence in the delivery of a coal bed methane-to-LNG project. The joint venture combines Origin's extensive coal bed methane reserves and resources and operational capabilities with ConocoPhillips' proven LNG and coal bed methane development and operating capabilities. We believe the joint venture will deliver both companies with a strong and competitive position in a rapidly growing market for LNG."

Origin Energy estimates a gross resource base of 42 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of coal bed methane, including 17 tcf of prospective resources, located in the Bowen and Surat basins in Queensland. Based on this total resource, the transaction value is $0.38 per mcf. Four or more LNG trains, utilizing ConocoPhillips' proprietary Optimized Cascade(SM) LNG technology and each processing an estimated nominal 3.5 million tons of LNG per year, are anticipated. An estimated 20,500 wells are envisioned to supply both the domestic gas market and the LNG development. The drilling and production operations will be supported by gas gathering and centralized gas processing and compression stations as well as dewatering and water treatment facilities. Initial plans for a four-train development would enable production of 23 tcf gross (11.4 tcf net) of the coal bed methane resource, with significant upside potential. Based on the resources for the four-train development plan, the transaction value is $0.70 per mcf (net). ConocoPhillips anticipates peak production of 175,000 net barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day in 2023, excluding effects of possible reversions. Based on Origin Energy estimates as of June 30, 2008, ConocoPhillips anticipates booking reserves of approximately 100 million BOE from this project in 2008.

"This project builds on ConocoPhillips' already strong portfolio of opportunities, and we expect it to provide competitive income and cash flow per BOE. These high-quality, long-lived, low-risk resources are expected to generate long-term cash and earnings, benefiting the company's financial performance and enhancing shareholder value," said Mulva. "We anticipate no significant change to our ongoing disciplined dividend, capital, operating and share repurchase programs. Our debt-to-capital ratio is expected to remain in our targeted range of 20-25 percent."

The transaction, which is subject to the previously mentioned Australian regulatory approval and possible approval of Origin Energy shareholders, as well as other customary conditions, is expected to close in October 2008. All necessary transaction documents have been signed by ConocoPhillips and Origin Energy, and both companies' boards of directors have approved the transaction.

Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor, and Allens Arthur Robinson and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal counsel for ConocoPhillips on this transaction.

ConocoPhillips will provide additional information on its future capital, operating and share repurchase plans in its 2009 capital budget news release, expected in December 2008, and at its annual meeting with the investment community, scheduled for March 12, 2009.

Origin is a leading Australasian integrated energy company with interests in oil and gas production, merchant and contracted power generation and energy retailing. It is the largest holder of proved and probable gas reserves in eastern Australia, the largest owner and developer of gas fired generation in Australia and the largest green energy retailer in Australia. It also has significant investments in renewable energy. For more information go to www.originenergy.com.au.

ConocoPhillips is an international, integrated energy company with interests around the world. Headquartered in Houston, the company had approximately 33,100 employees, $190 billion of assets, and $253 billion of annualized revenues as of June 30, 2008. For more information, go to www.conocophillips.com.

NOTE TO INVESTMENT COMMUNITY

Origin Energy will conduct an investment community conference call today, Sunday, September 7, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern. A Webcast of the presentation with slides will be available in a listen-only mode to individual investors, media and other interested parties on the Internet at www.originenergy.com.au.

NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA

Origin Energy will conduct a media conference call today, Sunday, September 7, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. Those wishing to participate should dial 800-701-269 (Australia) or 011 61 2 8823 6760 (all other locations) approximately 5 minutes before the call; the password is Origin Energy.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. You can identify our forward-looking statements by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements relating to ConocoPhillips' operations are based on our management's expectations, estimates and projections about ConocoPhillips and the petroleum industry in general on the date these presentations were given. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the approval of the transaction by Origin Energy's shareholders, the ability of the parties to obtain necessary regulatory approvals, each party's ability to successfully operate and finance the proposed joint ventures, crude oil and natural gas prices; refining and marketing margins; potential failure to achieve, and potential delays in achieving expected reserves or production levels from existing and future oil and gas development projects due to operating hazards, drilling risks, and the inherent uncertainties in interpreting engineering data relating to underground accumulations of oil and gas; unsuccessful exploratory drilling activities; lack of exploration success; potential disruption or unexpected technical difficulties in developing new products and manufacturing processes; potential failure of new products to achieve acceptance in the market; unexpected cost increases or technical difficulties in constructing or modifying company manufacturing or refining facilities; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, transporting or refining synthetic crude oil; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; potential liability for remedial actions under existing or future environmental regulations; potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; general domestic and international economic and political conditions, as well as changes in tax and other laws applicable to each party's business. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting ConocoPhillips' business generally as set forth in ConocoPhillips' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including their Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007, as updated by subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. ConocoPhillips is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors -- The SEC permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. The company uses certain terms in this release, such as "gross resource base" and "prospective resources," that the SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures in the company's periodic filings with the SEC, available from the company at 600 North Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, Texas 77079 and the company's Web site at www.conocophillips.com/investor/sec. This information also can be obtained from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Source: ConocoPhillips

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars Snackfood US celebrated today the national launch of M&M'S(R) Premiums -- a new collection of shimmering chocolate gems available in five sophisticated varieties: Mint Chocolate, Raspberry Almond, Triple Chocolate, Chocolate Almond and Mocha. The smooth, rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates made their formal debut as a premium chocolate with a unique fashion event during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, hosted by megastars Eva Longoria Parker and the sassy Ms. Green. M&M'S(R) Premiums are a colorful new way to experience premium chocolate -- as a treat for yourself or to be shared with friends.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080907/AQSU501)

Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan served as the ultimate style platform for Longoria Parker and Ms. Green to introduce new M&M'S(R) Premiums to the fashionable crowd with a colorful launch event. Models showcased the upscale M&M'S(R) while dressed in vibrantly colored gowns inspired by the rich jewel-tones of the new product. The gowns were created by red carpet designer Pamella Roland, known for her elegantly feminine and luxurious designs.

Roland specifically selected Longoria Parker's premium gown for the event, which will be auctioned via "Clothes Off Our Back" to benefit children's charities.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of M&M'S(R) Premiums with such a chic, revered style backdrop as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said Michele Kessler, vice president, marketing, Mars Snackfood US. "The opportunity for the brand to partner with a star the caliber of Eva Longoria Parker emphasizes the fashionable, sophistication of the product. We are certain our new 'gems' will add a splash of style and fun to the premium chocolate category."

Glamorously Delicious

M&M'S(R) Premiums are rich with layers of flavor, and these "dressed up" chocolate candies taste as good as they look. "M&M'S(R) Premiums offer a little bit of luxury with each tantalizing bite," said Longoria Parker. "The flavors and chic colors make them a delicious treat that I can't wait to share with my girlfriends." The five varieties of M&M'S(R) Premiums are seriously good without being serious:

    -- Raspberry Almond is blissful, raspberry-flavored white chocolate and
       almond wrapped in dark chocolate
    -- Tantalizing Mocha tempts with delightful mocha-flavored milk chocolate
    -- Mint Chocolate means sinfully good white chocolate mint sheathed in
       dark chocolate
    -- Chocolate Almond reveals a delightfully delicious, freshly roasted
       whole almond
    -- Triple Chocolate has truly tempting layers of milk chocolate, white
       chocolate and dark chocolate

Each variety of M&M'S(R) Premiums is housed in an eye-catching, curvy box with resealable packaging for convenience and freshness, ensuring that these gems are sure to make a sparkling first impression.

Ms. Green: A Premium Spokescandy

Eva Longoria Parker wasn't the only VIP in the spotlight at the M&M'S(R) Premiums launch. M&M'S(R) Brand's own sassy superstar, Ms. Green emceed the event, introducing the dazzling looks inspired by each flavor. Ms. Green herself has strutted into the premium limelight, making her white-heeled-clad appearance in both the print and broadcast advertisements for M&M'S(R) Premiums. The animated TV spots feature Ms. Green playfully cavorting with the unique ingredients that differentiate M&M'S(R) Premiums flavors; including almonds, raspberries, coffee beans and luxurious dark, white and milk chocolate -- while being filmed for an advertisement by her fellow characters, Red, Yellow and Blue, who are in awe of Ms. Green's antics.

M&M'S(R) Premiums have arrived and are adding a splash of style to the premium chocolate aisle. The six-ounce M&M'S(R) Premiums gems are available nationwide in food, mass, convenience and drugstores for a suggested MSRP of $3.99. For more information on the entire line of new M&M'S(R) Premiums products, please visit http://www.mms.com.

About Mars Snackfood US:

Mars Snackfood US is the United States snack operations of Mars North America. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the United States, Mars North America includes food, snack and pet care segments, which are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Mount Olive, N.J., Mars North America employs more than 12,000 associates in the United States, with 54 facilities nationwide. Mars Snackfood US, headquartered in Hackettstown, N.J., includes some of the world's favorite brands such as DOVE(R) Brand Chocolate, M&M'S(R) Brand, MILKY WAY(R) Brand, SKITTLES(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, STARBURST(R) Brand, 3 MUSKETEERS(R) Brand, TWIX(R) Brand and more. Additional popular brands in the petcare and food segments for Mars North America include UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats. Please visit http://www.mars.com.

**For U.S. based distribution only**

SOURCE Mars Snackfood US