Virtual Sciences, Inc. acquires Mirage Graphic Studio

Press Release

Virtual Sciences, Inc. acquires Mirage Graphic Studio to expand portfolio of capabilities

   

SHORT HILLS, NJ —May 4, 2005—Virtual Sciences, a full-service organization dedicated to producing state-of-the-art virtual environments, simulations and interactive communication programs, announced today that it has acquired Mirage Graphic Studio, a Virginia-based 3D rendering and architectural illustration company.

“This acquisition brings a very talented group of people to our company,” said Steve Baum, President and CEO of Virtual Sciences. “By combining the artistic abilities of Mirage Graphic Studio with the digital media credentials of Virtual Sciences, we are in a better position than ever to become a strategic provider to our clients ¾ not only by delivering the highest quality simulations and renderings, but by incorporating those services into a broad spectrum of digital media to provide a complete communication solution.”

Founded in 1999, Mirage Graphic Studio has been at the forefront of translating complex architectural concepts and designs into three-dimensional computer-rendered visualizations. Since its inception, the company has undertaken a variety of projects, producing photorealistic images and animations of private residences, commercial and retail establishments, and hotel and resort properties for a wide range of clients.

“We couldn’t have obtained a better partner to help us exceed our clients’ expectations,” said Matt Donlan, founder of Mirage Graphic Studio. “Virtual Sciences brings both managerial and financial resources that allow us to take our visualization services to the next level while enabling us to concentrate on pushing these technologies into new areas and applications.”

Baum has been leading new communication technologies to the business world for over 15 years. He began developing some of the earliest architectural design simulations in the 1980s and realizing the potential that computer technology could bring as a communication medium, he founded Micro Interactive, one of the first interactive media companies, in 1990. The company grew to employ over 60 professionals and exclusively served Fortune 500 customers such as IBM, CBS, Lucent Technologies, Pfizer, British Airways, MGM and Hilton Hotels. The firm merged with Atlanta-based iXL in 1998 and expanded rapidly from providing simple web services to delivering end-to-end e-commerce solutions.

In 2002, Baum launched Virtual Sciences, building on his architectural, technological, and business experience to bring leading-edge visualization and simulation technologies popularized by the film and entertainment industries to the business world at large.

“Computer generated visualization is rapidly becoming a requirement in a growing number of fields, including some that are just beginning to see its everyday application such as engineering, industrial and product design, forensic and medical fields,” said Baum. “We believe that by vertically, geographically, and organically expanding our capabilities, we can meet this growing demand by providing an all-in-one solution of services, technology, and industry-specific business expertise under one roof. The merging of Mirage Graphic Studio’s skill and creativity with our business capabilities places us in a better position for that than ever before.”

Virtual Sciences is currently considering additional acquisition candidates to facilitate its growth strategy.

About Virtual Sciences

Virtual Sciences, Inc., produces dynamic three-dimensional simulations, virtual environments, and communications solutions for a wide variety of industries, including architectural, engineering, forensic, and the industrial design fields. Founded in 2002 by President and CEO Steve Baum, the company serves a growing list of clients including The Trump Organization, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Bovis Lend Lease, Transystems, as well as many real estate developers, architects, engineers and design professionals. Virtual Sciences is headquartered in Short Hills, NJ and has offices in Virginia Beach, VA. For more information, visit www.virtualsciences.net.