Nicolas Hassbjer, founder of HMS Networks AB (publ), will be conferred to honorary doctor of information technology at the University of Halmstad. Since 2010 the University has examination rights on PhD level in information technology and innovation management. The first honorary doctors will be inaugurated at the Academic Ceremony on Friday 18 November. - It is a very special honor for me to become the first honorary doctor of information technology. I have many contacts at management level in international companies where a technical doctor's title has even higher importance than in Sweden, says Nicolas Hassbjer. Nicolas Hassbjer founded HMS in 1988 on his degree project from the University of Halmstad and served as CEO for the first 21 years of growth. He is now working full time as non-executive board member of several high growth companies. In HMS, he is vice chairman of the board, member of the development strategy committee and remains one of the largest shareholders of the company that completed a successful IPO four years ago. The honorary doctorate in information technology is awarded for: Nicolas Hassbjer personifies the energetic student that has become a distinction for the University of Halmstad. He has used the knowledge acquired in his education in Computer Systems Engineering and mechatronics at the University, together with a unique insight of technical evolution in the industrial market as well as a strong entrepreneurial spirit to create a world-leading company. The company, started as Hassbjer Micro Systems and today known as HMS Networks, has been awarded to Sweden's best export company and has made University of Halmstad known world-wide. Through the company and his strong commitment for development of general business environment, Nicolas contributed to the development of the city and the whole region, especially within new growing markets. Nicolas has been engaged in the continued development of the University by his presence in program development councils, opening up his company for student projects and company based education as well as continuously being an ambassador of the University. For more information please contact: Nicolas Hassbjer, vice chairman HMS, phone: +46 709 17 29 02 Thorstein Rögnvaldsson, Chairman of the University faculty committee, phone: +46 733 12 12 84 HMS Networks AB (publ) is a world-leading supplier of communication technology for industrial automation. Sales for the last twelve months totaled SEK 380 million. Over 90% of these sales were to customers located outside Sweden. All product development and parts of the manufacturing are performed at the head office in Halmstad. Sales offices are located in Tokyo, Beijing, Karlsruhe, Chicago, Milan, Mulhouse, Pune, Coventry and Copenhagen. HMS has 230 employees and produces network interface cards and Gateways to interconnect different networks under the trademark Anybus® and products for remote management under the trademark Netbiter®. HMS is listed on NASDAQ-OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm in the category Small Cap, Information Technology. [HUG#1563066]