LEUVEN MINDGATE

Nikon Corporation and Metris


Today, 25 July 2009, Nikon Corporation announced that its cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding Shares and Warrants of Metris becomes unconditional as the 85% threshold has been reached

Leuven, July 25th - Nikon Corporation, a pioneer in optical technology, has announced today that its wholly-owned Belgian subsidiary NIMD SPRL ('NIMD') has acquired, during the Initial Acceptance Period which ran from June 24, 2009 until July 22, 2009 (inclusive), 85.25% of the outstanding shares of Metris NV ('Metris'). As the 85% threshold was reached (and the other conditions satisfied), the cash tender offer becomes unconditional.

Further to NIMD owning 85.25% of the Shares following the Initial Acceptance Period of the Takeover Bid, NIMD has decided to reopen the Takeover Bid from July 27, 2009 to August 14, 2009 (inclusive).

Metris' board of directors and executive management are delighted with the successful outcome of the friendly bid. The management of Metris is looking forward to teaming up with Nikon Corporation, a leading Japanese industrial multinational with a strong global consumer brand and a pioneer in the field of optical technology. The management feels confident that this transaction enables Metris to strengthen its leadership position as an innovator in optical metrology.

Bart Van Coppenolle, the CEO and founder of Metris, commented: 'We are delighted by our shareholders' response to the convincing business logic of this transaction. We look forward to further strengthening our investment in future product development and customer support, leveraging the strength of a strong international technology group with an excellent brand and a strong balance sheet. I would like to express our gratitude to Metris' shareholders who have supported us over the years, allowing Metris to become the leading technology company in the micro metrology segment. We also look forward to working closely with our new colleagues, customers and suppliers within this enlarged group. We will continue to deliver the most innovative and reliable products and services to our global customers and business partners.'

Jefferies International and ING acted as financial advisors to Metris in relation to the Takeover Bid.

About Metris N.V.
Metris designs, develops and markets a unique range of 3D hardware and software inspection systems servicing design and manufacturing industries. The company's reliable and innovative metrology solutions cover the full range of measurement volumes required by automotive and aerospace customers, in both fixed and portable configurations and with optical and touch sensors. Further details are available at www.metris.com .

For further information please contact:
Renaat Van Cauter
Director Marketing Communications
Tel: +32 16 74 01 00 - Mobile: +32 486 64 24 33
E-mail: renaat.vancauter@metris.com

About NIKON CORPORATION
NIKON CORPORATION was established in Japan in 1917 and is a pioneer of optical technology. Nikon commands a high global standing in the manufacture and sale of camera-related products, such as digital cameras, as well as binoculars and other optical products for consumers, such as ophthalmic lenses. These items complement Nikon's diverse array of industrial precision equipment that includes semiconductor-related equipment, IC and LCD steppers and scanners, microscopes and measuring instruments.
Additional information about NIKON CORPORATION is available at http://nikon.com/ .

For further information please contact:
Tomas Sweertvaegher
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Brussels
Tel: +32-486-339108
E-mail: tomas.sweertvaegher@ogilvy.com

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