METSO FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH ASPEN TECHNOLOGY FOR INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR PROCESS INDUSTRIES

Metso Corporation's automation and control technology business area, Neles Automation has made an agreement to start partnership with Aspen Technology Inc. to strengthen its market position in process automation solutions. By integrating the technology of the two companies, the process industry customers will be able to deploy a comprehensive information management solution.

The partnership involves integrating Aspen Tech's process historian database, the process explorer and the related layered applications into Neles Automation's information management module. This module forms an intrinsic part of nelesDNA, the Dynamic Network of Applications, recently introduced by Neles Automation. The nelesDNA is an open automation application environment which continuously networks all process industry automation and information operations from the field to the office in one integrated system to support decision making in the organization.

Aspen Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: AZPN) is the leading supplier of integrated software and solutions that enable process manufacturers to automate and optimize their plants and extended supply chains, while enabling e-business. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, the net sales of Aspen Technology Inc. totaled USD 220 million. AspenTech employs more than 1,500 people worldwide.

Metso's automation and control technology business area, Neles Automation develops and supplies process automation and flow control solutions for the pulp and paper, refining, petrochemical, chemical and energy industries. In 1999, the business area had net sales of EUR 599 million and 4,350 employees.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems. In addition to fiber and paper technology, Metso's business areas are automation and control technology and machinery. The net sales of Metso Corporation was EUR 3.4 billion in 1999 and personnel totaled approximately 23,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki Exchanges and New York Stock Exchange.