ProtoSource to Acquire a21, Expanding its Content Services Business

Press Release
May 3, 2001
FRESNO, CA -- ProtoSource Corporation (ProtoSource) (Nasdaq: PSCO, PSCOW, PSCOZ), a California-based Internet services company, announced yesterday that it has executed a definitive Term Sheet to acquire Agence 21, Inc. (a21). The alliance between ProtoSource and a21 (www.a21group.com) expects to provide ProtoSource exposure to the growing stock, sports and fine art photography markets, introducing the company to a21's anticipated presence as an aggressive distributor of highly crafted digital and analog images. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

After looking at numerous acquisition candidates, we chose a21, and while there were several reasons, the first and foremost was their foresight to develop the partner-advocate relationship within the professional photography community and their management team's expertise in this arena, said

Bill Conis, CEO of ProtoSource.

ProtoSource's web design, development and hosting capabilities will assure the highest quality representation of digital archives for the world's most renowned award-winning photographers from a21's high-profile client base.

With our ProtoSource partnership, we hope to offer the elite of the photography industry proper representation for their art, while supporting the future of their craft. We are all about high-end content, quality distribution of images and support of a timeless art, stated

Charles W. Clark, President & Founder of a21.

a21, a development stage company, expects to offer photographers a unique package that encompasses a full range of marketing, business and editorial services. With its own Internet expertise, ProtoSource will be able to support a21 with customized solutions for photographers and agencies, without depending on the infrastructure of others.

Other Internet-related companies in the fast-growing digital imaging industry include Getty Images, Inc. and Corbis Corporation (private).

About ProtoSource Corporation

ProtoSource Corporation is committed to delivering outstanding service and support to its customers, community, employees and shareholders.

ProtoSource Corporation offers complete Internet services to consumers, public agencies and businesses. Services include Web hosting, Web site development and electronic commerce. ProtoSource also owns Suncoast Automation, Inc. of Oldsmar, Florida, a subsidiary engaged in providing customized cable TV systems and programming and high-speed Internet access to the timeshare industry. (www.psnw.com)

The statements contained in this Press Release contain certain forward- looking statements, including statements regarding ProtoSource's expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs regarding the future. All statements contained herein are based upon information available to ProtoSource's management as at the date hereof and actual results may vary based upon future events, both within and without the control of ProtoSource's management.

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CONTACT:  
Bill Conis, 
CEO of ProtoSource Corporation, 
516-532-5694/ 
Web site:  http://www.a21group.com/ 
Web site:  http://www.psnw.com/ 


SOURCE ProtoSource Corporation