3M to Acquire Mercury Online Solutions Inc.; Digital Signage Technology Complements Printed Graphics Business

Digital signage networks enable centrally controlled delivery ofdigital content to vast networks of display screens and interactivekiosks. The trend toward in-store digital signage networks isaccelerating driven by the desire to improve shopping experiences andinfluence purchase decisions by providing relevant information andpromotional messaging nearer to the product shelf where purchasedecisions are made.

This acquisition accelerates 3M's entry into the rapidly growingdigital signage network marketplace. "The addition of Mercury OnlineSolutions Inc.'s digital signage networks is a natural extension of3M's existing graphics business and allows us to use our globalservices platform," said Robert Doughty, division vice president, 3MCommercial Graphics Division.

Mercury Online Solutions Inc. offers industry-leading networkreliability, a portfolio of proprietary hardware and the entire suiteof FRED brand software products. In addition, Mercury Online SolutionsInc. provides an array of network design and management servicesincluding system consulting and design, implementation, monitoring andremote diagnostics, technical support and service, and contenthosting.

"Mercury Online Solutions Inc.'s industry leadership, along withthe quantity, variety and geographic diversity of the present digitalsignage opportunities, indicate that the industry has outgrown itsfounders," said John Eisenhauer, president and founder, Mercury OnlineSolutions Inc. "3M's global reach and commitment to innovation willdrive a dramatic and positive evolution within the industry based onsynergies in our skills, processes, values and vision."

The acquisition is expected to close in August subject tocustomary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release that are not purelyhistorical are forward-looking statements, including statementsregarding 3M's and Mercury Online Solutions Inc.'s expectations,beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Allforward-looking statements included in this press release are basedupon information available to the companies as of the date hereof, andthe companies assume no obligation to update any such forward-lookingstatement.

About Mercury Online Solutions Inc.

A pioneer in the digital signage network industry, Mercury OnlineSolutions Inc. is a provider of highly reliable, large-scale digitalsignage network solutions, including dynamic signage and interactivekiosks that build brands and create competitive advantages forbusinesses and organizations of every size. Based in BainbridgeIsland, Wash., it employs approximately 30 people.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen.Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know theycan rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands includeScotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete,Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countriesaround the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise,technologies and global strength to lead in major markets includingconsumer and office; display and graphics; electronics andtelecommunications; safety, security and protection services; healthcare; industrial and transportation. For more information, includingthe latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite,Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

FRED is a trademark of Mercury Online Solutions Inc.