EXHIBIT 99.1
News Announcement
Smartlogik Board strengthened with appointment of
David Jefferies as Chairman
London -18 December 2000 - Bright Station plc, (LSE: BSN, NASDAQ:BSTN)
(www.brightstation.com <http://www.brightstation.com>) the technology company
and leading provider of Internet and eCommerce solutions, announces the
appointment of David Jefferies C.B.E. as Chairman of Smartlogik
www.smartlogik.com <http://www.smartlogik.com>), its knowledge management
business.
David Jefferies brings to Smartlogik extensive experience of managing and
developing both quoted and unquoted companies, and of taking companies through
initial public offerings. He will join Smartlogik CEO Stephen Hill and Bright
Station's senior management, in the current 'beauty parade' of bankers prior to
an IPO of Smartlogik in early 2001.
From 1989 to 1999 David Jefferies was Chairman of National Grid Group plc (LSE:
NGG) and from 1992 to 1999 he was both Director and Chairman of Viridian Group
plc (LSE: VRD) (formerly Northern Ireland Electricity). He led the expansion of
the National Grid Group in the USA and in South America and was responsible for
the foundation of Energis Telecommunications (LSE: EGS) in 1992. Both Viridian
Group plc and National Grid Group plc listed on the London Stock Exchange during
his Chairmanship.
He had previously been Chairman of London Electricity, from 1981 to 1986.
Mr. Jefferies is currently Chairman of 24/Seven, the utility service provider, a
member of the Board of the Strategic Rail Authority, and Chairman of the
Indo-British partnership, designed to promote bi-lateral trade with India.
Stephen Hill, Chief Executive of Smartlogik, said:
"David Jefferies is ideally qualified to chair the Board of Smartlogik as we
take it through the next stage of its development. 2001 will be a vitally
important year for Smartlogik's growth as a stand-alone operating company, and
we are very fortunate to have secured the services of someone of David's calibre
to lead the Board going forward."
David Jefferies said:
"I am very excited about the prospect of participating in the Smartlogik IPO
process with Stephen Hill and the Bright Station senior management. The
Knowledge Management sector has huge growth potential and Smartlogik is well
positioned to continue to build its share of this market."
- Ends -
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For general enquiries:
Bright Station plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7930 6900
Nick Chaloner, Head of Corporate Communications ([email protected]
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<mailto:[email protected]>)
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Hogarth Partnership Limited (for Bright Station) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7357 9477
John Olsen ([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
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Nick Lockwood ([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
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Notes to editors
Bright Station plc is a technology company and a leading provider of Internet
and eCommerce solutions, which include:
o WebTop web search engine,
o Smartlogik knowledge management software,
o Sparza eCommerce applications, and
o OfficeShopper - the online stationery procurement company.
