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Embargoed Release: 07:00hrs Wednesday 24th September 2008

Block Shield Corporation Plc

('Block Shield' or the 'Company')

Mu-Gahat Enterprises Announce Strategic Agreement with Avnet 

Block Shield Corporation plc, the provider of innovative electronic components and processes utilised in electromagnetic compatibility ('EMC') and Radio Frequency Identification ('RFID') applications, is pleased to announce that Mu-Gahat Enterprises ('Enterprises'), a Native American manufacturer of gaming security solutions powered by RFID  technologies developed by and licensed from Block Shield, is participating in the Industry Solutions Reseller ('ISR') programme with Avnet Technology Solutions ('Avnet'), the global distributor of IT products and services and an operating group of Avnet Incorporated. Avnet is an International Business Machines Corporation ('IBM') Business Partner. 

The ISR programme offers manufacturers of dedicated-function industry solutions, such as gaming, the ability to leverage technology and services from IBM. Under the agreement Enterprises will have access to and support from IBM technology leadership with channels support from Avnet to market and distribute its line of secure playing card and casino chip systems that are currently under development.

Mu-Gahat's secure playing cards and chips, powered by Block Shield's proprietary RFID technology, will enable casinos to both enhance and better target player rewards programmes, while deterring counterfeiting, card-counting and other negative behavior, dramatically improving both casino profitability and reputation. 

Mary Coucher, vice president of IBM Systems & Technology Group, commented: 

'This agreement is a great example of IBM's commitment to providing leading-edge technologies to a wide variety of clients. Along with Avnet, we look forward to helping Mu-Gahat bring a new level of security to gaming.'

Edwin Oh, chief executive officer of Block Shield, commented: 

 

'We are pleased to see the progress that Mu-Gahat Enterprises has made to secure strong service, sales and marketing, and distribution channels as it advances the sale of its gaming solutions powered by RFID technologies licensed from Block Shield. Working with the support of Avnet and IBM as partners will be of immense benefit to Enterprises as it takes its secure gaming solutions to market. We fully expect that going forward Enterprises will provide a meaningful contribution to the Company through these marketing efforts.'

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For US enquiries: 

Block Shield Corporation Plc 

Edwin Oh, Chief Executive Officer

+1 408 702 1800

Catherine van Zuylen, vice president, marketing 

+1 408-830-5100 ex 828

For UK enquiries: 

Hansard Group 

Vikki Krause

020 7245 1100

About Avnet Technology Solutions 

Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. As a global technology sales and marketing organisation, Avnet Technology Solutions has sales divisions focused on specific customer segments and a select line card strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its customers and suppliers. For fiscal year 2008, the group served customers in more than 30 countries and generated US $7.6 billion in annual revenue. The group's Web site is www.ats.avnet.com. Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology in the world. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

About Block Shield Corporation: 

Block Shield (AIM:BLS) powers customer innovation through leading electronics technologies. The Company has a variety of subsidiaries and brands in the EMC and RFID space, including WaveZero and Rfidium. 

WaveZero is a leading developer and manufacturer of low-cost, environmentally friendly, lightweight EMC/RFI shielding solutions for medical and other high-value electronic devices. 

Rfidium provides complete RFID antenna inlay services, including RFID design, prototyping, low volume and high volume RFID antenna production. It also provides stock RFID antennas and inlays for applications such as archival magnetic tape, item-level, box and pallet tracking. 

Block Shield also licenses its RFID technologies to provide innovative card, chip, and associated casino and card room security solutions which are manufactured and represented by Mu-Gahat Enterprises, a 100% Native American owned company.

 

 

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