�Z-Trim is a terrific opportunity for Circle Group and its shareholders,� said Circle Group CEO and Chairman, Gregory Halpern, about the acquisition, which was a result of Circle Group's strategic alliance with technology transfer company, UTEK (of which Fiber-Gel is a wholly-owned subsidiary). �We have always taken an opportunistic viewpoint to our investments, and Z-Trim is quite possibly the best opportunity we have seen to-date. I am very excited about Z-Trim's potential and its marketability.�

According to The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based business research company, the demand for carbohydrate-based fat replacers will be worth approximately $360m by 2004. While not yet available for commercial use, Circle Group intends to present Z-Trim to the United States Food and Drug Administration seeking GRAS (substances Generally Recognised As Safe) distinction. Circle also intends to leverage its contacts within the food industry to begin marketing efforts immediately.