B3 Press Releases For immediate release: 3rd January 2007

B3 Cable Solutions appoint new Managing Director

B3 Cable Solutions (B3) announced that Steve Ellis has joined the company in the role of Managing Director. Steve has assumed responsibility for all B3 business, including the recently acquired Irish cable plant (previously owned by ABB), which serve a host of blue-chip customers in the UK, Ireland and across Mainland Europe.

Mike Walton, formerly Managing Director with B3, has moved into the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, with overall responsibility for delivering the B3 strategy and developing the B3 portfolio of companies.

Steve has 20 years experience in a range of manufacturing sectors, and has acquired a wide range of expertise encompassing sales, operations and general management. His career highlights includes roles within the cable division of BICC Group, (later to become part of the Corning Group), Pirelli Cables & Systems (now known as Prysmian Cables & Systems), AEI Cables and more recently Hoya Lens UK Ltd.

Steve commented, “I am delighted to be returning to the cable industry, a sector where I have spent many years during my career. The B3 business is an exciting place to be; its structure and philosophy delivers a business that can flex quickly to suit the changing requirements of its customers. I am looking forward to applying my experiences from inside and outside the industry, for the benefit of our customers and our balance sheet.”

Mike Walton, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer at B3 added, “We are delighted to welcome Steve into B3. His fresh thinking will continue to develop our lean manufacturing ethos and our commitment to delivering the highest quality customer services. From a Group perspective his appointment further strengthens the operational and management expertise within the business and also enables the Board to focus on its strategy of business acquisition during 2007, and beyond.