Tekelec Included in BUSINESS 2.0 Magazine's Second Annual 'B2 100' Ranking of Fastest-Growing Technology Companies (email this article)

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2003--Tekelec (Company Profile, Past Stories, Case Studies) (Nasdaq: TKLC - News), a leading developer of telecommunication products for next-generation fixed, mobile, and packet networks, announced its inclusion today in Business 2.0's second annual B2 100, the magazine's ranking of the fastest-growing technology companies. Tekelec ranked 79th on the list.

To qualify for the B2 100, companies had to meet rigorous financial requirements. The list of 100 was derived from an original group of 2,000 publicly traded tech firms. Criteria for making the final list included at least three years of trading on a major U.S. stock exchange; at least $50 million in annual revenue; and positive cash flow over the most recently reported 12 months. Business 2.0 editors then ranked the companies with the help of Zacks Investment Research of Chicago, using a combination of four financial criteria: growth in revenue, profit, and operating cash flow during the past three years, and the 12-month stock return. Cash flow growth counted for 40 percent of a company's ranking; each of the other criteria counted for 20 percent.

Fred Lax, Tekelec president and CEO, commented, "It's a privilege to be included among these leading technology companies. We are very proud of the fact that Tekelec has continued to perform well and expand globally during a period that has been very difficult for many telecom carriers and suppliers. Tekelec's revenues have increased year over year to $260 million last year in a market that has declined some 15 to 20 percent."

Lax continued, "Our growth and sustained profitability is an exceptional feat indicative of the contributions of a dedicated team of top-performers that leverages leading technology to meet the evolving needs of customers. Our goal is to continue to perform well and grow by building on our core signaling technology and value-added applications, offering a full portfolio of next-generation switching solutions, and expanding globally."

Josh Quittner, editor of Business 2.0, added, "Companies on the 2003 B2 100 have shown remarkable results in a most challenging business environment. But what the list shows is who to watch, who to watch out for, and what we can learn from the leaders. Technology is alive and well, as proven by the performance of these companies."

In September 2003, Tekelec was named to Deloitte & Touche's prestigious Los Angeles Technology Fast 50 program for the fourth time. Deloitte & Touche ranks the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the area based on the percentage of growth in fiscal revenues over five years, from 1998-2002. Tekelec ranked 45th by achieving a five-year growth in revenues of 114 percent.

About BUSINESS 2.0

Business 2.0, a monthly magazine about business, technology, and innovation, is published out of The FORTUNE Group at Time Inc., an AOL Time Warner company. For more information, visit its website at www.business2.com.

About Tekelec

Tekelec is a leading developer of telecommunications signaling and switching solutions, packet-telephony infrastructure, network monitoring technology, and value-added applications. Tekelec's innovative solutions are widely deployed in traditional and next-generation wireline and wireless networks and contact centers worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located in Calabasas, Calif., with research and development facilities and sales offices throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.tekelec.com.

The Tekelec logo, EAGLE, G-Flex, G-Port, and IP7 are registered trademarks of Tekelec. GenuOne, Sentinel, TekServer, and TekWare are trademarks of Tekelec. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.