The Axean Group announced today that Groupe Silicomp, a global technology services company with headquarters in Grenoble, France, has acquired a majority stake in the company.

The Axean Group, a technology consulting firm with offices in Orinda, Honolulu and Los Angeles, will expand its reach and capabilities by joining Groupe Silicomp's worldwide organization. With this acquisition, Groupe Silicomp solidifies its presence in the US market, which includes its Silicomp America office in Newark, California.

Axean provides technology consulting services, specializing in distributed computing infrastructure and web application development using Windows and UNIX-based technologies. It has well developed information technology and business systems expertise in the areas of healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and state and federal projects.

Groupe Silicomp provides a range of technology solutions including embedded software, high-speed network infrastructure, security services, and wireless solutions, among others. It has offices throughout France and has offices in Singapore, Canada, Switzerland, in addition to the US. Groupe Silicomp, founded in 1983, is a publicly traded firm listed on the French Nouveau Marche Exchange since 1998. It has recorded strong growth of more than 40% per year since 1994.

Axean's management team will remain unchanged and the company will continue to operate as a US firm. Its headquarters will also remain In Orinda, California while there are plans to move and expand its offices to Walnut Creek, California during the first quarter of 2002. Axean will also retain its office in Honolulu to support Hawaii and Asia Pacific operations. Axean will continue its strong presence and commitment in Hawaii and support Asia Pacific project requirements from its Honolulu office. Axean, founded in 1996, was recognized in 1999 as the 6th Fastest Growing Private Company in the San Francisco Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times.

PRESS RELEASE
For more information contact:
Laura Hazzaa
Email: laura.hazza@axean.com
Ph:( 925) 253-4400
January 7, 2002

For more information on The Axean Group, please visit www.axean.com.

For more information on Groupe Silicomp, please visit www.silicomp.com.