LONDON - 26th February 2003 Hercules, a leading manufacturer of multimedia products that enhance the PC experience today announced that it has commenced distribution with Spire Technology Limited for the distribution of the new Hercules flat panel LCD monitors and ATI powered graphics accelerator cards. Spire Technology is already considered a key distributor of flat panel monitors and this has enabled Hercules to gain access to key channels such as independent resellers, retailers and system integrator markets.

The distribution agreement will ensure that Hercules also strengthens its current distribution model by gaining access to key OEM and reseller accounts via Spire Technology not previously traded with by Hercules. It will also provide the bandwidth needed to get the new ATI Roadmap into the UK channel

Spire Technology Limited will take the following new Hercules flat panel monitors:

· Prophetview 720 15"
· Prophetview 920 17"
· Prophetview 920 17" DVI

And the following graphics cards:

· 3D Prophet 9700 Pro 128MB DDR
· 3D Prophet 9700 128MB DDR
· 3D Prophet 9500 Pro 128MB DDR
· 3D Prophet All In Wonder 9000 Pro 64MB DDR
· 3D Prophet 9000 128MB DDR
· 3D Prophet 9000 Pro 128MB DDR
· 3D Prophet 9000 PCI 64MB DDR

The most recent additions to the Hercules range are two powerful contributions to the world of 3D gaming: the 3D Prophet 9700 and 3D Prophet 9500 Pro graphics boards, created to transform standard PCs into world-class gaming machines. 3D Prophet 9700 also comes with an incredibly exciting software bundle, including the full retail version of the brand-new, highly-anticipated No One Lives Forever 2: A spy in H.A.R.M.'s way(tm).

The Prophetview LCD monitors with their slender ultra flat design, futuristic boomerang base, available in metallic blue and now the new fashionable black colour, are a stylish work of art, creating the new standard in ultra-slim screens, perfect for the office or home. They are the perfect companion to complete the matching, sleek but functional desktop scene of screen, keyboard and mouse. Furthermore, they take up less desk-space than other monitors, have ultra-low power consumption, are lightweight and comply with the highest safety regulations.

The Hercules Prophetview 920 and 920Dvi are high quality 17-inch LCD monitors featuring a large display area, with a viewing area similar to a 19" tube monitor. It is compatible with VGA graphics boards and function at a recommended resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels for games and multiple window applications. The monitors enhanced high contrast and brightness settings provide optimal visual comfort.

PJ Fletcher, Head of the Graphics Business Unit for Hercules commented "Spire is a pro-active, focussed distributor with an impressive growth track record and an excellent reputation within the channel. Their imminent move to new larger premises and future expansion plans make this an ideal time to for us to work with Spire in taking the new Hercules and ATI Roadmap to the market place."

John Appleton, Director of Sales and Marketing for Spire added, "We are delighted to be working with Hercules for their superb new range of stylish flat panel monitors and their outstanding ATI-based graphics cards. With their excellent reputation in the graphics and display markets Hercules will greatly enhance our product range and strengthen our position as one of the industry's few remaining trade-only distributors. The stylish TFT monitor range in particular offers a particular exciting opportunity as the flat panel market continues to expand and users become more discerning, looking for style as well as substance."