American International Industries Inc. Acquires 9.7% of Hertz Technology Group Inc. and Files Schedule 13D With the Securities & Exchange Commission.

KEMAH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 1999--American International Industries Inc. (OTC BB:EDII) announced today that it's investment subsidiary, Acqueren Inc. has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosures related to the purchase of 9.7% of the outstanding shares of Hertz (Nasdaq:HERZ)in the open market. Hertz' wholly owned subsidiaries are:

-- Hergo Ergonomic Support Systems Inc., which designs, manufactures

and sells ergonomically engineered, modular racking systems,

enclosures and technical furniture for PC's and Internet related

equipment.

-- Hertz Computer Corporation custom designs and manufactures PC's

under the HERTZ label and provides contract manufacturing and

OEM support.

-- Hertz Information Systems Inc. provides comprehensive technical

support including outsourcing, networking, communications and

Internet related services.

-- Edutec Inc. offers advanced, state-of-the-art computer and

Internet training facilities for short and long term rentals.

Daniel Dror, chairman and chief executive officer commented "Due to their substantial discount to book value and our estimates of the potential of Hertz, these securities have been purchased as an investment. However, management is involved in discussions with Hertz which could result in a merger, acquisition, or other business arrangement, although no agreements have been reached at this time."

American International Industries Inc. is a rapidly growing holding company. The Company has holdings in Industry, Finance, Media/Communications, Real Estate, and Oil & Gas. The vision of the Company is to develop holdings in various industries through acquisition of existing companies. Applying the financial resources and management expertise to foster the growth and profitability of the acquired businesses, the holding company serves as a financial and professional partner to the management of the subsidiaries. The role of the holding company is to improve each subsidiary's access to capital, achieve economies of scale by consolidating administrative functions, and utilize the financial and management expertise of corporate personnel across all units. EDII continues to work with management of the subsidiary companies to improve revenues, operations and profitability.

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, continued acceptance of the company's products and services, increased levels of competition, new products and technology changes, the company's dependence on financing, third-party suppliers and intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's federal filing, annual reports, offering memorandum or prospectus.