Bookham and Avanex Agree to Merger

Bookham, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKHM) and Avanex Corporation (NASDAQ: AVNX) today announced that they had reached a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. Avanex shareholders will receive 5.426 shares of Bookham common stock for every share of Avanex common stock and will own approximately 46.75% of the combined company.

It is expected that the combination will be Adjusted EBITDA accretive in the first full quarter after the close of the transaction and will generate $7 million of quarterly cost savings by the end of the fourth full quarter after the close. The new company will have a stronger balance sheet, benefiting from combined cash balances and no outstanding debt. Restructuring costs associated with the transaction are expected to be less than $7 million.

MTI Micro Debuts Worlds First Universal Charger with Removable Cartridge

MTI MicroFuel Cells (“MTI Micro”), the developer of the award-winning Mobion^® off-the-grid portable power solutions and a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated (“MTI”) (NASDAQ: MKTY) unveiled today a new product intent external power-pack prototype capable of providing up to 25 hours of on-the-go power with each cartridge. This compact and light weight fuel cell charger comes with a removable cartridge that can be swapped for a new one when depleted. Each additional cartridge gives consumers another 25 Watt-hours of power. With the Mobion^® charger, for the first time, consumers can envision a world where power is instantly available where ever they are, when ever they need it.

LaBarge Receives $1.6 Million Contract from General Dynamics for M1 Abrams Tanks

LaBarge, Inc. (AMEX: LB) has received a $1.6 million contract from General Dynamics Land Systems to continue to build cable assemblies for variants of the M1 Abrams tank for the U.S. Army.

The M1 Abrams tanks are particularly suitable for attacking or defending against large concentrations of heavily armored forces on a highly lethal battlefield. The tanks use mobility, firepower and shock effect to destroy opponents on the battlefield. The ongoing M1A1 and the M1A2 modernization programs feature improvements such as upgraded software systems and improved fire control systems.

CECO Environmental Announces Strong September Bookings

CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECE), a leading provider of air pollution control and industrial ventilation systems, announced today that its September bookings totaled approximately $22.5 million.

Rick Blum, President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "This is the first time in some years that CECO has reached this level of bookings in a month without a contract in excess of $3.0 million. We have had five other months in 2007 and 2008 where new bookings have been at approximately this level but in those cases, we secured at least one contract of $4.0 million in that month. We are pleased with the vigorous level of new business opportunities we are experiencing in spite of what is becoming a difficult economy."