MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, July 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Astris Energi Inc. (OTCBB:ASRNF), the world's leading alkaline fuel cell (AFC) technology company, announced today that Gary G. Brandt, formerly Chief Financial Officer of Hydrogenics Corporation, has joined the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Mr. Brandt is a senior business leader with extensive cross-industry and cross-border experience in alternative energy, telecommunications, and technology. From 2001 to 2005, he was CFO of Hydrogenics Corporation, a hydrogen and PEM fuel cell technology company based in Toronto. During his tenure, the Company completed a fully marketed equity offering that raised US $62 million with excellent participation from US institutional investors. As well, the Company completed three acquisitions, including the acquisition of Stuart Energy for US $120 million. Mr. Brandt played an instrumental role in the integration of these companies. Business development initiatives launched during his tenure drove a five-fold increase in revenues at Hydrogenics to pro forma US $35 million. During the same period, US institutional ownership of Hydrogenics increased from zero to more than 30 percent. Prior to his position at Hydrogenics, Mr. Brandt was CFO of Colorado-based @Link Networks, Inc. Mr. Brandt completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario and his Masters of Business Administration at York University, Toronto.
"Gary Brandt is a well respected industry leader with an enviable track record," said Jiri K. Nor, Chairman and CEO. "He has raised capital, overseen mergers and acquisitions, and delivered revenue growth specific to our industry. Our Board will benefit from his energetic presence and his demonstrated expertise in business development and capital markets financing. As Astris evolves into the next stage of business development, I expect Gary will play an ever increasing role in our company's future success."
About Astris Energi Inc.
Astris is a late-stage development company committed to becoming the leading provider of affordable fuel cells and fuel cell generators internationally. Astris is commencing pilot production of its POWERSTACK(tm) MC250 technology in 2005. Astris is the only publicly traded company in North America focused exclusively on the, economically more favorable, alkaline fuel cell. Additional information is also available at the company's website at www.astris.ca.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this release that are not statements of fact may be considered "forward looking statements" as that term is defined under securities laws in the United States and Canada. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual events or results.