Allen-Vanguard announces agreement with its lenders and status of investor discussions

OTTAWA, July 2 /CNW/ - Allen-Vanguard Corporation (TSX: VRS - News; "Allen-Vanguard" or the "Company") of Ottawa, Canada today announced that it reached an agreement with its Lending Syndicate ("lenders") that defers to September 30, 2009 the US$4.8 million quarterly principal repayment otherwise due today under the existing credit agreement with the lenders dated December 29, 2008.
In conjunction, the Company reported on the status of discussions with an undisclosed U.S. investor with which it has been engaged on an exclusive basis since April regarding a going-private transaction. "This has been an extensive process," said David E. Luxton, President and CEO. "Discussions have advanced to the point where we may shortly conclude definitive terms, but should we not do so then we will resume discussions with other specific, interested parties with a view to reducing our long-term debt by a minimum of $US50 million by September 30, 2009, as previously stated."
"In parallel, we remain focused on our business," said Mr. Luxton. "With strong activity in the international market, we are concentrating sales efforts in the Middle East, Latin America and parts of Asia. As well, with the draw-down of U.S. troops in Iraq and intensified conflict in Afghanistan we expect to finally see quantity orders for Symphony systems now that U.S. Supplemental funding has been passed and is in place for these requirements. With slippage into the next quarter we have re-planned our forecast and cash flow accordingly with the continued support of our lenders."
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect Allen-Vanguard's current expectations regarding future events, its strategy, expected performance and condition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "estimates" or negative versions thereof and similar expressions. In addition, any statement that may be made concerning future performance, strategies or prospects, and possible future acquisitions or dispositions, is also a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and economic factors. Forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees of future performance, and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made about the Company. Any number of important factors could contribute to these digressions, including, but not limited to, general economic, political and market factors in North America and internationally, interest and foreign exchange rates, global equity and capital markets, business competition, technological change, changes in government regulations, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, and catastrophic events. We stress that the above-mentioned list of important factors is not exhaustive. We encourage you to consider these and other factors carefully before making any investment decision and we urge you to avoid placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Further, you should be aware that the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, prior to the release of the next Management Discussion and Analysis to be released by the Company or except as required by law.
About Allen-Vanguard
Allen-Vanguard Corporation supports the mission of military and homeland security forces around the world with leading proprietary solutions for protection and counter-measures against hazardous devices of all kinds, whether chemical, biological, radiological or explosive ("CBRNE"), including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and remotely controlled IEDs ("RCIED"s). Allen-Vanguard equipment is in service in more than 120 countries. Products include Electronic Counter-Measures ("ECM") equipment for jamming remote detonation of terrorist devices, specialty security equipment for Explosive Ordnance Disposal ("EOD"), remote intervention robots for hazardous applications, and personal protective wear for use in dealing with explosive and bio-chemical agents. Allen-Vanguard is the developer and/or sole, worldwide licensee of proprietary technologies such as the Med-Eng bomb suit, the Defender (TM) and Vanguard (TM) Mk2 bomb disposal robots, and the Universal Containment System and CASCAD Foam system for blast mitigation and decontamination of bio-chemical warfare agents. Professional services encompass counter-IED intelligence, training and advisory services, including the Triton (TM) Report on terrorist incidents around the world. The Company operates globally through its wholly-owned subsidiaries under the names "Allen-Vanguard", "Med-Eng" and "Hazard Management Solutions". Head office operations are located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with manufacturing operations in Pembroke, Ontario; Ogdensburg, New York; and Tewkesbury, U.K. The Company has professional services operations in Shrivenham, UK, Canada and in the U.S. in Arlington, Virginia, plus sales offices in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Asia. Allen-Vanguard's shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "VRS".
To find out more about Allen-Vanguard Corporation (TSX: VRS - News), visit our website at www.allen-vanguard.com.
For further information
Robin Sundstrom, (647) 822-8111, ir@allenvanguard.com