3M, AiT Conclude Merger.

Business Editors

ST. PAUL, Minn. & OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 2002

AiT (TSX:AIV) and 3M (NYSE:MMM) announced today that they have closed their previously announced transaction to join their security-related businesses. Effective immediately, AiT becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M Canada Company, operating under the name 3M-AiT, Ltd. The AiT common shares will be de-listed from trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange during the next week.

3M-AiT, Ltd. will continue to offer the issuance and authentication products provided by AiT, and its business operations will be driven by the 3M Security Market Center.

"We are pleased to welcome 3M-AiT as a strategic addition to our Security Market Center," said Pete Swain, vice president, 3M Safety and Security Systems Division. "The combined technical innovation and customer focus of 3M and AiT provide a strong base from which to develop new to the world features for secure issuance and authentication systems."

"We look forward to the new opportunities that being part of 3M brings us," said Bernie Ashe, president and CEO, AiT. "3M's global presence and brand recognition will enable us to better reach international markets and large-scale opportunities. Our employees will benefit from 3M's stability, and thrive in its culture of innovation."

AiT shareholders approved the transaction at a special meeting on July 15. Shareholders will receive a cash payment of CDN $2.88 per share from 3M, acting through its Canadian subsidiary, 3M Canada Company. To receive payment, shareholders should follow the instructions included in the AiT management information circular dated June 7, 2002, and accompanying materials; or contact their brokers for instructions. AiT shareholders with questions about the deal are encouraged to visit the AiT web site at www.ait.ca/3M.

About 3M

3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

About AiT

AiT is a recognized world leader in the traveler ID business. Its products are issuance systems for secure ID and travel documents such as passports; and inspection and border control systems used to confirm the identity of travelers. AiT's products are currently in use in more than 50 countries, including Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. For more information visit www.ait.ca.

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding 3M's and AiT's expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to the companies as of the date hereof, and the companies assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.