BALTIMORE, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDEX Global Group announced today that it has formally completed the acquisition of ASI Group (formerly Air Security International). In operation for more than thirty years, MEDEX is the oldest and largest independently owned provider of global travel security and medical assistance in North America.

Based in Baltimore, MEDEX provides 24/7/365 support for business and individual travelers, including pre-trip intelligence, contingency planning, real-time medical case monitoring, and complex emergency evacuations.

ASI Group, founded in 1989 and based in Houston, is a leading provider of global risk-management services. These services include business intelligence and investigations; personal and asset protection; global ground transportation; emergency evacuations; aviation security management; travel security management; and crisis management; as well as response, training and education services.

ASI works with eight of the Top 10 Fortune 500 companies and shares the same diverse range of clients as MEDEX Global Group, including U.S. based, international and multinational corporations, academic institutions, professional associations, insurance companies, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations. ASI Group has been a security partner of MEDEX for more than ten years.

"As the increase in global travel continues, individual and institutional consumers demand comprehensive security intelligence and protection," said MEDEX CEO Bruce Kirby. "By adding the international security resources and expertise of ASI Group to MEDEX, we can provide our customers with an enhanced, fully-integrated travel protection solution."

Kirby added, "We have taken two companies with great global reputations and client retention and created the premier, best-in-class international source for medical, security, and travel assistance services available today."

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. ASI Group will retain its name and location under the direction of President Charlie LeBlanc and the ASI management team. It will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary and the combined company will total close to 200 employees.

"This is an outstanding fit for ASI both strategically and operationally," says LeBlanc. "Becoming part of MEDEX Global Group will only strengthen our position in the marketplace and provide our clients with a truly robust set of services. We can leverage our unique product offerings like our Worldwatch(RM) Intelligence Software with MEDEX 360 m Global Medical Monitor. Our culture and business philosophy has always been closely aligned with MEDEX. We look forward to a smooth transition and a successful future together."

Since 2000 MEDEX has been under the direction of CEO and President Bruce Kirby, CPA, FLMI. Under his leadership, MEDEX is on target to more than quadruple its revenue by the end of 2008. Last year, MEDEX's centralized 24/7 Emergency Response Center handled nearly 30,000 cases in over 200 countries and had a 98% client retention rate.

For more information contact: Josianne W. Pennington, Chief Marketing Officer of MEDEX Global Group at 410-453-6300, jpennington@medexassist.com

MEDEX Global Group has been assisting travelers with medical and security emergencies for more than 30 years, providing international travel, security and medical support for corporations, government and humanitarian organizations, and leisure travelers. MEDEX services include everything from pre-trip intelligence and contingency planning to real-time medical case monitoring, complex emergency evacuations and virtually every contingency in between. The MEDEX Emergency Response Center handles nearly 30,000 cases a year in over 200 countries.

ASI Group is a trusted name in global risk management services for corporations (including eight of the top 10 Fortune 500 companies), major international organizations and government agencies at home and abroad. Founded in 1989 in Houston, Texas, ASI Group employs intelligence analysts, security consultants, investigators, training specialists and a global agent network that helps clients mitigate and respond to the complex challenges of the 21st century.

CONTACT: Josianne W. Pennington, Chief Marketing Officer of MEDEX Global
Group, +1-410-453-6300, jpennington@medexassist.com