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CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES RANK AMONG FASTEST GROWING IN NORTH AMERICACanada Stakes Claim with Two of Top Eleven in Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500TORONTO, November 16, 2000 – Continuing to build on its reputation as a technology leader, Canada boasts 46 (9 percent) of the fastest growing technology companies in North America, according to the 6th annual Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500. Two Canadian companies placed in the first 11 spots on the 2000 ranking, the first since the Fast 500 expanded to include all of North America. "Although the results aren’t surprising given Canada’s significant role in the development of the current high tech landscape, it’s rewarding to see Canadian companies recognized for their initiative and contributions to the new economy," says Garry Foster, National Director, Technology and Communications, Deloitte & Touche. "It isn’t a secret that Canada has a highly competitive and flourishing technology industry and our strong showing in the Fast 500 confirms that," adds Foster. North Vancouver, B.C.-based software developer, Pivotal Corporation, achieved the No. 9 place in the North American rankings with a growth rate of 34,548 percent. Its revenues increased from C$110,000 in 1995 to C$38,251,000 last year. Eleventh place was taken by Stratos Global Corp., a communications company based in Toronto. Stratos experienced 27,650 percent growth with revenues growing from C$527,000 in 1995 to C$145,769,000 in 1999. On average, Canadian companies ranking on the Fast 500 experienced 3,372 percent growth. "Pivotal is extremely honoured to be named among North America's ten fastest growing technology companies," said Norm Francis, president and CEO of Pivotal Corporation. "The company's remarkable growth is due to our unrelenting commitment to technology innovation, market leadership and customer success. Pivotal's demand chain network solutions are allowing companies worldwide to achieve maximum revenue generation through business agility and customer satisfaction." Top spot in the 2000 ranking went to Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRTL), a communications company based in McLean, Virginia. Primus, which has significant operations in Canada achieved a five-year revenue growth of 71,257 percent. Combined, the top five Fast 500 winners’ average growth rate was more than 59,000 percent. The average overall growth rate for Fast 500 companies was 3,956 percent in 2000, down from 4,998 percent last year. More than three-quarters of the companies on the Fast 500 are in the computer, software and communications sectors. At 46 percent, software companies make up the greatest sector represented on the ranking. Internet companies have consistently doubled in recent years and now comprise 17 percent, communications companies follow at nine percent with computers and peripherals at five percent. Other sectors include: biotechnology (9 percent), medical, scientific and technical manufacturing (9 percent), other technology related businesses (3 percent) and semiconductors, components and electronics (2 percent). The Fast 500 list is compiled from three sources: winners of Deloitte & Touche’s 22 regional North American Fast 50 programs including the Canadian Technology Fast 50, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. To qualify for the Fast 500, entrants must have had 1995 revenues of at least US$50,000 or C$75,000 for the United States and Canada, respectively. About Deloitte & Touche Deloitte & Touche is one of Canada’s leading assurance and advisory, tax, and management consulting firms, with over 5,500 people in more than 50 cities across the country. Our firm's multifunctional professionals regularly bring their expertise to developing effective business solutions to clients in all sectors of the Canadian economy. In Quebec, we operate as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche. Deloitte & Touche is part of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a global leader in professional services with more than 90,000 people in over 135 countries. We are a firm of choice – our mission is to help our clients and our people excel. About Deloitte & Touche’s Technology & Communications Group The Technology & Communications Group is composed of service professionals who have a wealth of experience serving technology and communications companies throughout the world in areas including Internet, software, semiconductors, cable, publishing, communication utilities, networking, computers and peripherals, and related industries. These specialists understand the challenges that technology and communications companies face throughout all stages of their business growth cycle and are committed to helping them succeed. Deloitte & Touche is a leader in providing strategic, financial, operational, and information technology assistance to its technology and communications clients. Note to Editors: For a complete Fast 500 ranking of the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500 winners for 2000, visit www.fast500.com. For more information: Lynn Cook
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