National Press Release

TEMPE, Ariz., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Tempe, Arizona-based catalyst and additives producer SDCmaterials, Inc. announced the closing of a US $14M Series B funding round today. The round was led by Invus Financial Advisors of New York with participation from existing investors Emerald Technology Ventures, BASF Venture Capital, and private individuals.

"We are pleased with our ability to attract a significant new investor, INVUS, while maintaining support from Emerald, BASF and other investors during this period of global economic difficulties. The Series B round recognizes the progress demonstrated in the company's technology and recognizes the significant potential of the company," said Maximilian Biberger, CEO of SDCmaterials.

"We have been tracking this space for quite a while, and we believe that SDCmaterials is setting a new standard. With their unique and proven technology, commercial scale manufacturing facility, seasoned team, and strong customer backing, SDC has the resources necessary to become a major player here," said Sacha Lainovic, Managing Director of Invus Financial Advisors.

"SDCmaterials continues to deliver results that will bring big benefits in automotive catalysis - a key piece of our cleantech strategy," said Walter Locher, Senior Advisor to Emerald.

"BASF VC has been an investor in SDCmaterials since 2006. We continue to be quite impressed with the company's technology, progress, and prospects," said Keith Gillard, Principal at BASF Venture Capital America.

About SDCmaterials, Inc. - SDCmaterials invents and produces advanced catalysts and additives. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, USA. SDCmaterials' unique nano-material fabrication and integration processes deliver substantial benefits to customers that are reaching the limits of traditional production methods. Their catalysts enable substantially reduced precious metal consumption, improved performance, and increased longevity in automotive emissions and chemical production applications. Their additives for ceramics deliver marked improvements in fracture toughness - critical for military armor applications.

About Invus Financial Advisors LLC - Invus Financial Advisors is a sister firm of The Invus Group LLC. Invus is a New York based investment firm with additional offices in London, Paris and Hong Kong. Invus invests in a variety of equity transactions, including buyouts, longer term public equity investments, venture capital, and expansion financings. Invus manages in excess of $4 billion of capital.

About Emerald Technology Ventures - Emerald Technology Ventures is a global leader in cleantech venture capital. Founded in 2000, Emerald is a pioneer in this rapidly emerging sector and is focused on innovative technologies in energy, materials and water. From offices in Zurich, Switzerland, and Montreal, Canada, Emerald manages three venture capital funds and two venture capital portfolio mandates totaling over $440 million.

About BASF Venture Capital GmbH - BVC was established in 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF Future Business GmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany and participates in start-up companies and funds. In doing so, it focuses on companies with innovative business models and technologies in which chemistry is an important key to success.

Contact: Max Biberger, 650-224-1625, max.biberger@sdcmaterials.com

SOURCE SDCmaterials, Inc.