BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2000--International Internet, Inc. (OTC:IINN - news) announced today that International Internet Ventures LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Internet, Inc. has acquired a minority interest in Vertical Computer Systems, Inc. (OTC:VCSY - news). Vertical Computers a multi-lingual portal provider, and e-commerce solutions company. Vertical Computer Systems recently launched Chinese portal TheChinaBridge.com (http://www.thechinabridge.com) and currently operates ShoppingInternet.com (http://www.shoppinginternet.com) which presently offers products from over 700 French manufacturers.
Vertical Computer Systems, Inc. is a multi lingual portal provider, and e-commerce solutions company, based in the United States. The Company provides a full range of Internet services that; build e-commerce solutions nationally and internationally (www.ExternetWorld.com), distributes content via its multi lingual portal networks (http://www.TheChinaBridge.com;www.ShoppingInternet.com,) and provides proprietary online gaming software (www.WelcomeCasino.com) Vertical Computer Systems is committed to building communities allowing the development of the Internet in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Pacific Rim.
International Internet, Inc. develops and operates Internet and direct retail marketing companies as well as venture funds focused on the Internet. The International Internet Group includes wholly owned subsidiaries American Computer Systems (ACS), StogiesOnline.com, Inc. (www.stogiesonline.com), International Internet E-tail group, Inc. and International Internet Ventures I LLC and majority owned subsidiaries, Mr. Cigar, Inc., TheBroadcastWeb.com, Inc. (www.thebroadcastweb.com), StogiesAuction.com (www.stogiesauction.com), a joint venture between AuctionAnything.com, Inc. (OTC:UBUY - news) and International Internet. International Internet also holds minority interests in WowStores.com, Inc. (NQB - Pink Sheets:WOWS) (www.wowstores.com) and Goldonline International, Inc.(OTC:GDOL - news; www.goldonline.com).
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ from those discussed. This material was prepared and disseminated by The Hawke Group, Inc. (``Hawke'') for the Company discussed herein, based upon Company-supplied information or other sources believed to be reliable. Hawke does not guarantee the information for accuracy or to be all-inclusive. This material is information only and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell the securities. Hawke, its affiliates, and/or its officers, directors and employees may from time to time have a position in these securities. International Internet has retained The Hawke Group as a Financial Public Relations Consultant. For services rendered between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 1999, The Hawke Group has received 1,250,000 shares of International Internet free-trading common stock. On November 15, 1999 Scott Phillips, an employee of The Hawke Group, was issued 150,000 shares of restricted stock.
SOURCE: Vertical Computer Systems, Inc.