Muse to Acquire Advanced Visual Systems

By Jennifer Freer, Staff Writer


MAY 9 - Muse Technologies Inc., a developer of advanced perceptual computing software, said it will
acquire Advanced Visual Systems, a supplier of data visualization, in a stock purchase.


Muse of Albuquerque, N.M., will issue a maximum of 2.1 million current outstanding shares, or 19 percent, of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding common and preferred shares of AVS. Muse also will assume $2 million of convertible debt of AVS from Kubota Corp. Muse signed the letter of intent to buy AVS May 5.


Muse Federal Systems Group, an Arlington, Va.-based subsidiary, serves NASA and the Navy. With the purchase of AVS, Muse's federal unit will also be able to offer new products and services to its customers. About 25 percent of Muse\022s annual revenue comes from government customers.


"By acquiring AVS, we've taken on a new set of products that appeal to a different aspect of the marketplace, and in that, we have a range of solutions for our federal customers," said Steve Sukman, senior vice president of Muse. "We see a number of agencies embracing data visualization, and a larger range of products for them makes us more attractive."


Muse and Waltham, Mass.-based AVS both work to "help businesses, industrial and government customers
transform massive quantities of data into highly visual representations, such as developing customized visual
solutions and turnkey applications for end users to analyze information," according to Muse officials. In acquiring AVS, Muse plans to expand its products and create new software.


The companies are planning to launch a new version of OpenViz, an AVS-created software product that pro
vides Web-based solutions for interactive analysis and communication of business and financial information.


The acquisition is expected to be completed in the next 60 days, At that time, AVS will become a wholly
owned subsidiary of Muse and will be known as Muse Advanced Visual Systems.


Muse's number of employees will double to approximately 170, and its revenue should double to about
$24 million to $26 million, according to the company.