Auto-Graphics Raises Stake in Datacat to 100 Percent; Plans Infusion of Electronic Delivery Technology

Business Wire, Oct 20, 1997

POMONA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 1997--Auto-Graphics Inc. (OTC:AUGR) said Monday it has acquired 100 percent ownership of Datacat Inc., a specialized catalog publisher 50 percent owned by Auto-Graphics since 1989.

Datacat will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary and share headquarters facilities with Auto-Graphics in Pomona. Datacat will continue under the same name and focus on publishing custom illustrated parts catalogs for the wholesale heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, according to William Kliss, chief operating officer of Auto-Graphics, who assumes a similar position at Datacat.

"The way is now clear for aggressive investment by Auto-Graphics of its unique expertise in Internet, Web, SGML and CD technologies in Datacat's growth," Kliss said. "Datacat customers should see positive improvements from this acquisition, yet they will be able to work with the same people they have come to rely upon for quality service."

Trends in publishing and library automation -- the two principle markets for Auto-Graphics -- are converging towards electronic delivery, with an accelerating interest in the World Wide Web, according to Kliss.

"Auto-Graphics library and publishing products have fueled these trends, and the solutions already developed for those markets will be introduced into the Datacat portfolio of products and services," he said.

Auto-Graphics' other business areas include electronic services to publishers of reference materials, Internet-based resource sharing services and systems to library consortia, and, through the recently established A-G Canada Ltd. subsidiary, online bibliographic information and interlibrary loan management software to Canadian and international markets.

The Datacat telephone number is unchanged at 909/595-0014, as is the fax number, 909/595-3506. A new Web site for Datacat is under construction, but in the meantime, the Auto-Graphics Web site can be visited at http://www.auto-graphics.com .

Company Information

Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics provides information publishing and database resource sharing systems to the publishing and library communities.

CONTACT: Auto-Graphics Inc., Pomona

Bill Kliss, 909/595-7204

or

Lages & Associates

Debbie Bellan/Beverly Lages, 714/453-8080