Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: FEI Announces Largest Single Order for Electron Microscopes in Company's History

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Abstract:
FEI announced today the largest single order in the company's history, from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, or KAUST, where a substantial investment is being made to create a world-class, graduate-level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement in the Saudi Kingdom.

FEI Announces Largest Single Order for Electron Microscopes in Company's History

HILLSBORO, OR | Posted on October 28th, 2008

FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC), a leading provider of high-resolution imaging and analysis systems, today announced that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) of Saudi Arabia has ordered multiple FEI systems as part of its plan to build a world-class, international, graduate-level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement. The order includes industry-leading Titan™ and Titan Krios™ transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and a Helios DualBeam™ system, as well as several mid-range products and a comprehensive support package to ensure the success of KAUST's investment. The systems will be used in a variety of material science and life science research and teaching applications. Shipments are expected to begin in the first half of 2009 and will be spread over several quarters.

"We are honored to be chosen by KAUST to support its impressive program to develop a leading research university," said Don Kania, president and CEO of FEI Company. "Given the very high standards the KAUST has set for all of its activities, we view our selection as confirmation of our technology leadership position and unique capability to support world-class nanoscale research. This is an important order in FEI's history, and it illustrates the significant investments that forward-looking countries and institutions around the world are making in nanotechnology."

"We look forward to using the advanced capabilities of the FEI systems," stated Dr. Mohamed E. Samaha, interim VP for Research at KAUST. "They are an important part of King Abdullah's vision and our overall plans to build one of the world's leading scientific research institutions, for the benefit of the long-run economic development of Saudi Arabia as well as global scientific discovery."

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About FEI Company
FEI (Nasdaq: FEIC) is the world leader in pioneering technologies and applications that deliver imaging solutions for 3D characterization, analysis and modification/prototyping with resolutions down to the sub-Ångström level. Our customers, working in advanced research and manufacturing, are supported by field-experienced applications specialists. They have open access to FEI’s prestigious global user network so they can succeed in accelerating nanoscale discovery and contribute to better living through new product commercialization. FEI’s NanoPorts in North America, Europe and Asia provide centers of technical excellence where our world-class community of customers and specialists collaborate on the ongoing development of new ideas and innovative solutions. FEI has sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world.

About KAUST

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is being built in Saudi Arabia as an international, graduate-level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement in the Kingdom, across the region and around the globe. As an independent, merit-based institution, KAUST will enable top researchers from around the globe and across all cultures to work together to solve challenging scientific and technological problems. The KAUST global research and education network will support diverse talents both on its campus and at other premier universities and research institutions through collaborative research agreements, grants, and student scholarship programs. The core campus, located on more than 36 million square meters on the Red Sea at Thuwal, is set to open in September 2009. For more information about KAUST, visit www.kaust.edu.sa.

FEI Company Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include statements about a customer order that contemplates shipment of several different tools over several quarters beginning in 2009. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, possible cancellation of all or part of the purchase order, inability to recognize revenue for the tools during the period in which the tools are shipped, delays in shipments, and possible failure to manufacture and deliver tools as expected. Please also refer to our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

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