Cross Inks Strategic Agreement to Jointly Develop and Provide Pen Computing Technologies With FinePoint Innovations, Inc.

Business Editors

LINCOLN, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 2000

Cross to Provide Pens in Seiko SmartPad(TM)

A.T. Cross (AMEX: ATX) today announced a strategic agreement with FinePoint Innovations, Inc. (FPI), a leading manufacturer of pen-based computing systems with patents in the electronic pen domain.

As part of the agreement, Cross will obtain exclusive rights to use patented FPI technology in digital pen applications. Specifically, as part of the existing agreement FPI has with Seiko Instruments, Cross will provide the digital pens used in the Seiko SmartPad.

The SmartPad is a zippered notepad portfolio that captures handwritten notes or drawings on an ordinary pad of paper and then transmits them automatically to a PDA organizer. The digital pen contains a special transmitter that communicates with the SmartPad.

"The FinePoint agreement is a profitable and exciting opportunity to expand our leadership as an innovator in the pen computing products arena," explains Dave Whalen, President and CEO of Cross. "The FPI strategic relationship will allow us to develop exciting new products and applications for consumers and businesses, such as secure signatures over the Internet."

According to FinePoint President and CEO, Steve Caldwell, "We intend to work closely with Cross to continue innovating pen input technologies that link the world of ink to the digital realm. We are fortunate to have established this exciting partnership that will provide top line growth to both of our organizations."

FinePoint Innovations, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of high-performance, electromagnetic, pen input subsystems for OEMs. FinePoint acquired the assets of Mutoh Corporation earlier this year, which has supplied mobile pen computing technology since 1991 to a number of companies, including Canon, IBM, Motorola, Matsushita, Fujitsu, and A. T. Cross.

A.T. Cross Company is a major international manufacturer of fine writing instruments and pen computing products. The Company is headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (including but not limited to statements related to new strategic relationships and the expected benefit of such relationships). In addition, words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks associated with the introduction of new technologies, the Company's strategic initiatives, and customer and consumer support for such initiatives. Additional discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations is contained in the Company's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.