To: Patrese who wrote (7205 ) 1/25/1999 1:32:00 PM From: Ariella Respond to
Question/Answer period from conf. call ...Q - Deutsch Bank Securities A - Some statements you've made have implications on the way the business is being run (sounds slightly defensive). I'd like to spend more time interfacing with life science companies so we can accelerate some things on hold, biotech agreements....maybe we haven't been clear. I have 1250 employees spending a disproportionate time on nuts and bolts operations. I think I've told the investment community that there would be a lengthy time evaluating the company -- most of the work is behind us. We've identified each of the customer segments, we're putting together restructuring plan, we have world-class employees. This is a process that is well underhand being led by an exceptional team of people. This will all come to fruition in next 6 to 9 months. This does not need more of my time. .....We want to be ready by fall selling season.Q - Deutsch again.... A - I think you must have missed the whole thrust [of my talk]. I think I said there will be almost a total stop of acquistions -- not intellectual property, but companies --the intellectual properties are the pieces that are only available to people who are there at the right timing. They give franchise value for next 25 to 50 years. On balance sheet issues, we have put those things behind us. My time is not needed there.Q - Wisconsin Investment Board A - Thank you!Q - Piper Jaffrey A - yes it is on track. ......as Q - Otis Bradley, Guilford Securities A - $15 million restructuring job. Maximum pay back will be two years (no longer than two years to recover that, yes). Q- Graystone Partners A - JT repeats SEC full review. Subsequently, we have no accounting issues outstanding. We've gone through 30 acquisitions and not had to restate. We feel very good about that.
