Arius announces leading independent proxy firm, RiskMetrics ISS Canada, recommends shareholders vote for the arrangement involving its acquisitio...( TORONTO Sept. 9 / ARIUS Research ...)

TORONTO, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - ARIUS Research Inc., (TSX: ARI), a biotechnology company discovering and developing the next wave of antibody therapeutics, today announced that RiskMetrics ISS Canada, Canada's leading independent proxy firm, has indicated that they have no objection to the transaction, and are recommending that ARIUS shareholders and warrant holders vote FOR the proposed plan of arrangement whereby Roche will acquire all of ARIUS' outstanding shares and warrants.

"The comprehensive review undertaken by RiskMetrics ISS Canada recommends that ARIUS shareholders and warrant holders vote FOR the Arrangement and, in our opinion, provides significant independent validation that the transaction represents the best option for maximizing shareholder value," said Dr. David S. Young, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARIUS.

A special meeting of ARIUS shareholders and warrant holders will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on September 16, 2008 at the Suites at 1 King West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 1A1. ARIUS shareholders and warrant holders are encouraged to review the Notice of Special Meeting and Information Circular issued by the Company on August 12, 2008. The Information Circular provides, among other things, a detailed discussion of the process that led to the proposed Arrangement and the reasons behind ARIUS Board of Directors' unanimous recommendation that shareholders vote FOR the transaction. Pending the receipt of court and shareholder approval, the transaction is expected to be completed in late September.

ARIUS' Board asks shareholders and warrant holders to vote their proxy FOR the proposed Arrangement today by signing, dating and returning their proxies. The deadline for receiving proxies is September 12, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If shareholders have any questions about the information contained in the Information Circular or require assistance in completing their proxy forms, please conta
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