From: cyberoid@u.washington (Bob Jacobson)
Subject: INDUSTRY: Thomson S.A. and Wavefront merge
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1993
Organization: University of Washington

Crossposted from comp.sys.sgi.announce


[Is Thomson S.A. the same company that invested in VPL?]

--------------------Forwarded Posting--------------------

From: farhad@ing.thomson-di.fr
Newsgroups: comp.sys.sgi.announce
Subject: WAVEFRONT/TDI Merger
Date: 13 Aug 93 21:35:58 GMT
Organization: Thomson Digital Image


August 4, 1993

WAVEFRONT AND THOMSON DIGITAL IMAGE JOIN FORCES TO EXPAND COMPUTER
GRAPHICS MARKET

[This press release has been slightly edited to remove any blatant
commerical aspects. MJW:moderator]

Wavefront Technologies, Inc. and Thomson Digital Image (TDI), pioneers
in 2D and 3D computer graphics software, today announced an agreement
to combine the two companies. Under the terms of the agreement, TDI's
parent company, Thomson S.A. will transfer all TDI products,
technologies and shares to Wavefront. Thomson, will become a major
shareholder in Wavefront. The transaction is still subject to approval
by the appropriate U.S. and French government authorities and is
expected to be finalized by the end of September.

Wavefront and TDI are technology leaders in complementary aspects of
the computer generated imagery (CGI) production process. Wavefront is
the leader in post production and animation software and TDI is a
premier supplier of innovative modeling and rendering software. While
both companies serve similar customer bases in the engineering,
entertainment and government markets, Wavefront is the CGI market
share leader in America, TDI is the European leader, and each hold
substantial positions in Asia-Pacific. Together, the combined company
represents the industry's largest CGI installed base and offers an
enriched and expanded line of 2D and 3D computer graphics software and
services. To preserve customers' investments, the company will
continue to support and enhance Wavefront and TDI products.

One of the immediate benefits of the combination is that Wavefront's
Composer and Visualizer Paint products have been optimized for the TDI
customer base.  The next step is to make TDI's 3Design surface modeler
available to the Wavefront customer. Simultaneously, the company will
work closely with customers to create a product roadmap that
integrates individual product strengths and identifies new product
development opportunities.

As part of the agreement, Larry Barels will continue in his current
position as chairman of Wavefront and a representative of Thomson will
sit on its board of directors. Wavefront's headquarters will remain in
Santa Barbara with business and development centers in Paris,
Vancouver and Tokyo.

TDI's systems engineering activity, which is strongly correlated to
the Thomson Group's offering, will become part of Syseca.  This
activity involves developing software solutions for 3D visualisation
applications on contracts with corporate and institutional clients in
France and Europe.  The Thomson-CSF subsidiary Syseca specializes in
systems integration and contract software development for civil and
military customers.

Press contacts :
Thomson                                 TDI
Christophe Robin : (33-1) 49 07 86 26   Pierre Fischer : (33-1) 43 87 58 58

>>>>>>-----------------------------------------------------------------<<<<<<
> Farhad PEZESHGI < > < > E-mail: farhad@ing.thomson-di.fr < > < >
Mail: Thomson Digital Image < > 29 rue Ganneron < > 75018 Paris,
France < > < > Tel: 33 1 43 87 58 58 < > Fax: 33 1 43 87 61 11 <
>>>>>>-----------------------------------------------------------------<<<<<<