Thelen Represents Seaworthy Systems in Sale to Rolls-Royce

NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, and HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 3, 2007 -- A Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP M&A team has assisted Seaworthy Systems, Inc. in its sale to Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc., a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce North America and U.K.-based Rolls-Royce Group plc.

Attorneys from Thelen's Hartford, Connecticut, Washington, DC, and New York offices all contributed to successfully closing the deal. Hartford Office Managing Partner Norman H. Roos led the transaction team, with associate Karen L. Culton overseeing all aspects of the sale and its closing. Washington, DC attorneys Rebecca S. Hartley, Carl A. Valenstein, and Stuart B. Nibley assisted with international regulatory issues; New York partner Brian R. Gallagher advised and negotiated on tax matters; Hartford partner Beverly W. Garofalo negotiated employment agreements; and New York partner James N. Karas advised and negotiated ERISA and benefits aspects.

Seaworthy Systems Inc., based in Connecticut, with offices in New Jersey, Virginia and California, has provided expertise to the US Navy and Coastguard for more than 30 years.

The company offers in-depth engineering design and technical analysis, operational support, and software development for marine and industrial clients.

Under the sale, which closed on Thursday, September 27, 2007, Seaworthy's work will now be part of a new service that Rolls-Royce is developing for its naval customers: long-term, guaranteed power availability and complete propulsion plant support for ships.

"This deal is a good example of Thelen's ability to handle complex mergers and acquisitions in the high-tech arena," said Mr. Roos. "Seaworthy's cutting-edge technology and workforce will solidify Rolls-Royce's reputation as one of the world's leading suppliers of independent power sources for all modes of transport."

  For more information, contact:

  Kevin Livingston
  National Manager of Public Relations
  Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP
  415.369.7224
  klivingston@thelen.com

  About Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP

Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP is an international law firm with approximately 600 attorneys, and offices in New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Hartford, Northern New Jersey, Shanghai, and London. The firm provides superior legal services in complex commercial litigation; corporate and capital markets transactions; project and asset finance; construction; labor and employment; intellectual property; information technology; domestic and international tax; employee benefits; government affairs; and real estate.