Mitchell International Finalizes Purchase of Ensera Inc.

    SAN DIEGO--Sept. 24, 2001--Mitchell International announced today that it has finalized its purchase of Ensera Inc., a move that further solidifies Mitchell's position as the leading provider of e-commerce solutions for the insurance and collision repair industries.
    "Uniting Ensera with Mitchell International further expands our ability to provide our customers with the most advanced, flexible and innovative e-commerce solutions in the industry today," said Jim Lindner, Mitchell chairman, president and CEO.
    Ensera develops and provides technology solutions to automate the communications and workflow processes across the business enterprises in the automotive claims and collision repair marketplaces. Ensera's products and strategies closely complement those of Mitchell International, making the two organizations an excellent fit.
    "Our customers will benefit from the synergies, strengths and talents of the combined organization," said Lindner. He noted that Ensera brings a strong talent pool, significant technology experience and a solid customer base, including Fireman's Fund and others, which expands Mitchell's existing online customer base. The Ensera purchase also brings AutocheX, the collision repair industry leader in Customer Satisfaction Indexing (CSI), which Ensera acquired earlier this year.
    "Ensera's many attributes will add to Mitchell's already strong industry presence," Lindner said.
    Mitchell, a long-time industry leader with more than 55 years of experience, provides award-winning customer service, the industry's most trusted database, and innovative software solutions.
    "Together, we will be able to offer our customers unequaled e-commerce opportunities," Lindner said. "Our union will also further enhance Mitchell's delivery of open communication solutions, which is a distinguishing hallmark of both Mitchell and Ensera technologies. Open communication enhances efficiencies industry-wide by enabling insurers, shops and all industry participants to more easily share and process claims-related information."
    As part of the acquisition, Anthony Aquila, Ensera founder and CEO, and several other key Ensera executives, will assume senior management positions within Mitchell. Aquila has accepted a position as executive vice president.
    Aquila said Ensera is pleased to join with a respected and long-time industry leader like Mitchell. He called the union an "awesome combination" that will enhance future technology development.
    "This brings together in one organization the talent and expertise of some of the best minds in the industry for creating e-commerce solutions," he said. "This can only serve to accelerate the development of the next generation of e-business tools and applications which will benefit the entire industry."
    Steve Yin, senior vice president of marketing and product management, said Mitchell is already executing the integration of Mitchell and Ensera product suites.
    "Together, we become the industry's e-commerce powerhouse with a depth and breadth of offerings unmatched in the industry," Yin said.