Kline News

-- Launch of Kline FlashPoint Series Addresses Clients’ Need for Quick Insights on Emerging Industry Opportunities and Issues --

LITTLE FALLS, NJ, July 30, 2007 – Expanding on its mission to provide market insights that enable its clients to make strategic business decisions, Kline, a worldwide consulting and research firm, today announced the launch of a new line of research studies called Kline FlashPoint. The name of the service reflects the nature of the rapidly emerging market developments and issues analyzed in each study.

Kline inaugurated the new series with the publication of Biodiesel: Helping to Solve the Oil Crisis, but at What Cost? This report, now available for purchase, offers a timely strategic overview and assessment of the complex global biodiesel market and provides recommendations for companies that are evaluating their options for participation.

“FlashPoint is an exciting new tool that will help our clients make critical decisions about how they will respond to opportunities and issues that are currently unfolding.” says Nancy Mills, Kline FlashPoint project manager. “These reports will allow clients to be proactive regarding market developments based on the analysis and counsel provided in each report.”

Among the significant issues addressed in the biodiesel report is the consideration of H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 2007, by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, if passed, would extend the $1 per gallon biodiesel blender’s tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2008, for another two years. This has participants at all points in the biodiesel value chain paying close attention.

“Several of the large companies have found biodiesel production to be barely economically viable with the tax credit,” Mills says. “How Congress votes on this issue will have a major impact on the industry.”

Meanwhile, higher growth rates are expected in Asia as countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are beginning to mandate biofuel usage, which is driving demand for an increase in production capacity. In turn, demand for the native palm and coconut oils are driving up prices to unprecedented levels. Kline’s report explores alternate raw materials that don’t interfere with the food supply or forest lands.

Because of the turmoil in the global market, Mills notes that Kline recommends a vertical integration strategy, perhaps through strategic partnerships that also provide for flexibility, as a strategy for success.

“This type of examination and insight of an emerging market development is what distinguishes the FlashPoint series from Kline’s traditional In-Depth research reports,” says James M. Weatherall, senior vice president and head of the firm’s market research arm. “Where our in-depth reports drill deeply into market size and segmentation based on years of data in established industry markets, Kline FlashPoint reports are very forward looking. They focus on current issues and provide Kline’s point of view and recommendations to help executives develop timely strategies to maximize business opportunities.”

For more information about Biodiesel: Helping to Solve the Oil Crisis, but at What Cost? Visit /reports/f0701.asp or contact a member of our global sales at www.klinegroup.com/contact/directory.asp.

About Kline
Kline is a worldwide consulting and research firm dedicated to providing the kind of insight and knowledge that helps companies find a clear path to success. The firm has served the management consulting and market research needs of organizations in the chemicals, materials, energy, life sciences, and consumer products industries for nearly 50 years. For more information, visit www.KlineGroup.com.

For more information, contact:
Janice Kriegman
Manager, Marketing Communications
+1-973-435-3440
Janice_Kriegman@KlineGroup.com