Verticalnet and WingSpan Team to Deliver Comprehensive Spend Analysis for DeCrane Aircraft Across More Than $300 Million in Direct and Indirect Spend

Business Wire, Feb 27, 2006

MALVERN, Pa. -- Spend Visibility for DeCrane, a Mid Market Company, to Span Multiple Global Facilities Forming A Strategic Sourcing Platform Aimed at Improved Efficiency and Cost Reduction

Verticalnet, Inc. (Nasdaq:VERT), a leading provider of on-demand supply management solutions, announced today that it has teamed with its partner, WingSpan, to meet the spend analysis needs for DeCrane Aircraft. DeCrane is the largest manufacturer of cabin systems and components for corporate, VIP, and head-of-state aircraft. Clients include distinguished OEMs such as Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Gulfstream, and Raytheon.

DeCrane's business requirements included the need for a spend analysis solution that provided visibility into over $300 million of both direct and indirect material spend across approximately 12 key facilities worldwide. DeCrane decided to leverage the on-demand capabilities of the Verticalnet XE Supply Management Solution Suite and related services from WingSpan. The combined spend solution will form the basis of a global strategic sourcing initiative that is designed to significantly reduce DeCrane's cost structure and improve the efficiency within its supply chain.

"We evaluated several companies and approaches to meet our spend visibility requirements," said Dick Kaplan, DeCrane's Chief Executive Officer. "The comprehensive spend analysis capabilities, rapid implementation timeline, and strong experience of WingSpan and Verticalnet met the unique needs of a mid-market company like DeCrane."

According to Michael Hamel, President of WingSpan, "As a Verticalnet partner, and as experienced purchasing professionals familiar with the on-demand Verticalnet XE Solution Suite, WingSpan is able to combine our sourcing expertise with the right technology from Verticalnet to meet the sophisticated demands of customers such as DeCrane Aircraft."

"Verticalnet is excited to be working with our partner WingSpan to meet the needs of our joint customer DeCrane Aircraft," states Nathanael V. Lentz, President and CEO of Verticalnet. "Many mid-market companies like DeCrane are beginning to leverage software and specialized services to gain visibility into corporate spend. The fact that the Verticalnet XE suite is on-demand means that our customers see results sooner without lengthy software implementations and costly software upgrades." Lentz concludes, "We are excited to be part of the winning partnership with WingSpan and DeCrane."

The Verticalnet XE Supply Management suite is available on-demand and includes:

--Verticalnet(R) Program Manager -- lowers the total cost of ownership and improves productivity through sound and re-usable program and process management

--Verticalnet(R) Spend Manager -- a fast, intelligent, and repeatable solution for identifying, evaluating, and quantifying enterprise-wide sourcing opportunities while measuring compliance

--Verticalnet(R) Negotiation Manager -- accelerates and improves negotiated savings through online auctions and eRFX events

--Verticalnet(R) Procurement Manager -- simplifies and improves control over the procurement process to help companies realize the maximum cost savings identified through supplier sourcing and negotiation

--Verticalnet(R) Contract Manager -- provides real-time insights into contract obligations, exposures, expirations, changes and renewals delivering greater control, reducing costly oversights and minimizing supplier risk

--Verticalnet(R) Performance Manager -- enables companies to effectively track and manage supplier performance, contract compliance and identify potential areas of supplier risk

About DeCrane Aircraft

DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc. is a leading supplier of integrated assemblies, sub-assemblies and component parts to the aerospace industry. Through its operating groups, Systems Integration and Cabin Management, DeCrane refurbishes, retrofits and equips business, VIP and head-of-state aircraft. The company provides the latest furnishings, audio visual, communications systems, cabin management systems, auxiliary fuel tank systems and other products and services to the aerospace industry.

About WingSpan Partners

WingSpan Partners, Inc., a proven team of purchasing specialists, focuses on practical sourcing programs that help Private Equity firms and pre-IPO companies rapidly increase earnings and cash flow for their clients. To help achieve cost leverage, WingSpan offers unique "On Demand" e-sourcing events with by-the-drink pricing on the most desirable e-sourcing tools in a hosted environment. Additionally, Wingspans "Instant ROI" programs shortcut lengthy data collection and RFP projects with pre-negotiated savings for most indirect categories of spend. For more information about WingSpan, visit us on the Web at: www.wingspanpartners.com

About Verticalnet

Verticalnet is a leading provider of on-demand supply management solutions that enable companies to identify and realize sustained value across the supply management lifecycle. Going beyond traditional spend management and sourcing approaches, Verticalnet's solutions provide the visibility, insight and process control required to maximize the sustained value realization from supply management. Large enough to help customers attain supply management success worldwide, yet nimble enough to provide individual attention and remain focused on customer priorities, Verticalnet is helping leading Global 2000 companies and mid-market enterprises move their supply management efforts to the next level through an optimal blend of software, comprehensive services, and deep category knowledge and domain expertise. To learn more, please visit us at www.verticalnet.com.