February 6, 2004 -- BALTIMORE, MD. – Vertis, the premier provider of targeted advertising, media, and marketing services, announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Pacific PreMedia, Inc., a California corporation providing prepress services, and several of its founders and employees. “We are pleased that we were able to settle what we believed was an egregious case of trade secret theft and unfair competition, particularly in a state so unfavorable to prosecuting these types of claims. In the settlement, Pacific PreMedia admitted no wrong-doing, but we think the payment of a six figure settlement—which is larger than the September 2003 Orange County jury award in ColorGraphics vs. Graphic Press—speaks volumes,” said John Howard, senior vice president and general counsel of Vertis. Vertis’ complaint alleged that the individual defendants, while working for Vertis and accepting paychecks for a period of over six months, actively conspired to establish a competitive company based almost solely on Vertis’ client list. Additionally, Vertis’ complaint stated that the defendants misappropriated trade secret and proprietary information, and made misrepresentations to Vertis, taking steps to conceal their ongoing and extensive efforts. “In our opinion, this settlement is a tremendous victory and one which demonstrates that companies and individuals will be held accountable for maintaining ethical and business standards,” said Herb Moloney, chief operating officer of Vertis. “The settlement reinforces Vertis’ reputation and leadership within the advertising production services industry, a category served under Vertis’ suite of targeted marketing solutions.” For more information, please contact Michelle Metter or Donovan Roche at (619) 234-0345.