MELVILLE, N.Y., May 7 — Nikon Instruments, Inc.

(http://www.nikoninstruments.com) is pleased to announce that it has begun direct

sales and technical support for Nikon’s BioScience Microscopes, Confocal

Systems and Digital Imaging products, along with Industrial products

including Industrial Microscopes, Measuring and Vision Systems, in the

Southern California and Rocky Mountain territories. These regions were

previously served by A.G. Heinze, Inc.

“Nikon Instruments is extremely grateful for the superb service and

support that Mr. Heinze and the entire A.G. Heinze team has provided over

the years,” said Lee C. Shuett, Executive Vice President, Nikon

Instruments. “This change has been carefully coordinated with Mr. Heinze to

facilitate a smooth and seamless transition for our loyal customer base. We

look forward to continuing to provide the same quality of service directly

from Nikon.”

“Mr. Heinze has been a valued dealer for Nikon Instruments for over 50

years,” said Hajime Kosowa, Division Manager, Nikon Instruments. “With this

change, Nikon Instruments is excited to announce the establishment of a new

industrial direct sales department, the AGH Industrial Department, named to

honor A.G. Heinze’s commitment to Nikon and our customers.”

Nikon Instruments began distribution on April 1, 2008, following the

retirement of Greg Heinze, President of A.G. Heinze. The former A.G.

Heinze, Inc. territory now directly serviced by Nikon consists of Southern

California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho.

Additionally, Nikon Instruments will retain most of the A.G. Heinze, Inc.

sales representatives to support customers’ measuring, biomedical and

imaging requirements. Nikon Instruments will also open a new Southwest

Regional office in Orange County, California. This office will provide a

base of operations for the new direct sales team, regional sales

administration staff and customer service personnel.

About Nikon Instruments Inc.

Nikon Instruments Inc is a world leader in the development and

manufacture of optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical and

industrial applications. Now in its 90th year, Nikon provides complete

optical systems that offer optimal versatility, performance and

productivity. Cutting-edge instruments include microscopes, precision

measuring equipment, digital imaging products and software. Nikon

Instruments is the microscopy and instrumentation arm of Nikon Inc., the

world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging

technology. For more information, visit http://www.nikoninstruments.com.

Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Instruments at

800-52-NIKON.