Posted January 15, 2002 Manufacturing News MRO Software Urges Datastream Board to Negotiate MRO Software, Inc. (Bedford, Mass.; www.mro.com) responded to Datastream's (Greenville, S.C.; www.datastream.net) refusal to enter into discussions regarding MRO Software's acquisition proposal. In a letter sent today, MRO Software urged Datastream's management to open negotiations. On December 20, 2001 MRO made an offer to purchase Datastream Systems, Inc. for $6.00 per share, consisting of $1.00 in cash and $5.00 in the form of MRO Software common stock. At the time this represented a premium of 45% over Datastream's average closing price over the prior 15 trading days ($4.15 per share). Datastream subsequently acknowledged the offer and said its board would evaluate the offer. On January 8, Datastream distributed a press release and letter announcing its decision to reject MRO Software's offer. "The logic behind this combination remains compelling," said Chip Drapeau, president and CEO, MRO Software. "The response from the capital markets and Datastream shareholders to our offer signals significant support for opening negotiations regarding our proposal. We are disappointed by Datastream's unwillingness to sit down and enter into even preliminary discussions with us. We've made it clear that we would be willing to increase our offer if Datastream's management would come to the table, justify additional value, and negotiate on behalf of their stockholders." The Manufacturing Report © Copyright 2002 by Lionheart Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. E-mail Editorial Dept: tmr-editorial@lionhrtpub.com Lionheart Publishing, Inc. 2555 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 299, Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone: 770-431-0867 | Fax: 770-432-6969 E-mail: lpi@lionhrtpub.com