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3M Completes Acquisition of Cogent Inc.

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^{Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, December 1st 2010 at 13:40 GMT by Market Wire}  

ST. PAUL, Minn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--3M (NYSE:MMM) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Cogent Inc., pursuant to a merger agreement that was approved and adopted by Cogenta™s stockholders at a special meeting held on Dec. 1, 2010. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cogenta™s stockholders are entitled to receive $10.50 per share in cash.

"Cogenta™s biometric expertise in large-scale systems integration will enhance our ability to provide end-to-end security solutions to our customers. It also expands our reach into law enforcement, public safety and commercial access control applications."

With the closing of the transaction, Cogenta™s common stock ceased to trade on NASDAQ at market close today, and Cogent became a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3M. The subsidiary will be known as 3M Cogent Inc.

aAdding Cogenta™s technologiesa"in finger, palm, face and iris biometric systems for governments, law enforcement agencies, and commercial enterprisesa"to our business is a significant strategic addition to our security credential issuance and authentication product portfolio and service offering,a said Mike Delkoski, vice president and general manager, 3M Security Systems Division. aCogenta™s biometric expertise in large-scale systems integration will enhance our ability to provide end-to-end security solutions to our customers. It also expands our reach into law enforcement, public safety and commercial access control applications.a

Identification and authentication solutions from 3M include border management products; document manufacturing and issuance systems for IDs, passports, and visas; document readers and verification products; and security materials, such as laminates, to protect against counterfeiting and tampering.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3Ma™s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms a" often in combination a" to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit [ www.3M.com ], or follow @3MNews on Twitter.