The Taiyo Fund announced today it now owns more than 9% of As One Corporation (7476), making it one of the companyaddSchoolForms largest shareholders. As One is JapanaddSchoolForms leading distributor of scientific equipment and consumables. The Taiyo Fund is known for its cooperative investment style working with senior management to enhance shareholder value.

Brian K. Heywood, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Taiyo Pacific Partners, said, "Japan is a global leader in research and development, driven by an innovative private sector and strong government support for basic research. As One is uniquely positioned to benefit from JapanaddSchoolForms growing research and healthcare industries. Our large position represents our confidence in the management team at As One."

Wilbur L. Ross Jr., Chairman of the Taiyo Fund investment committee said, "The global scientific equipment and supplies industry is undergoing consolidation as technologies converge and major players seek worldwide reach. We view As One, with the largest platform in Japan, as a leader in this dynamic industry."

Mr. Hideo Iuchi, President of As One, commented, "We appreciate long-term investors, like Taiyo, who understand our unique business and industry."

The Taiyo Fund was organized in July 2003 with an initial equity investment of $200 million by CalPERS, the State of California Public Employees Retirement System. The Fund currently has over $1.2 billion under management. The Fund is co-managed by Taiyo Pacific Partners LP and by WL Ross & Co. LLC. Taiyo Pacific Partners, located in Monterey, California, was founded in 2003 by bilingual professionals dedicated to friendly shareholder activism in Japan.

For information contact:

Wilbur L. Ross
212-826-2111
wlross@wlross.com

Brian K. Heywood
425-986-5301
bheywood@tppllc.com

Added on July 18, 2006

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