Global Industries is conducting an internal investigation of its West Africa operations, focusing on the legality under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and local laws, of one of its subsidiary's reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by a customs agent in connection with shipments of materials and the temporary importation of vessels into West African waters. The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors has engaged Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP, an international law firm with significant experience in investigating and advising on FCPA matters, to lead the investigation.

The Audit Committee began its internal investigation after management brought to the attention of the committee concerns about certain actions by a customs agent in connection with shipments of materials, the Company's use of temporary importation of its vessels into Nigeria, and the settlement of the FCPA proceedings involving certain Vetco Gray entities. In addition, the Company's management and the Audit Committee are aware of the recent press releases by Tidewater, Inc., Noble Corporation and GlobalSantaFe Corp. disclosing that they are conducting internal investigations into the FCPA implications of certain actions by a customs agent in connection with the temporary importation of their vessels into Nigeria. The Company's management considered it prudent to review the Company's operations since it uses customs agents and the Company's vessels that have operated in Nigeria do so under temporary importation permits.

The Company has voluntarily contacted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice to advise them that an independent investigation is under way and that it intends to cooperate fully with both agencies. The internal investigation is in an early stage, and no conclusion can be drawn at this time as to whether either agency will open an investigation to separately investigate this matter, or, if an investigation is opened, what potential remedies these agencies may seek. The Company cannot determine at this time the ultimate effect of implementing any necessary corrective measures for its operations in Nigeria.

The Company has concluded that it is premature for it to determine whether it needs to make any financial reserve for any potential liabilities that may result from these activities given the status of the internal investigation. Management and the Audit Committee will work with independent counsel and appropriate personnel within the Company to implement promptly such measures as are considered appropriate.

Global Industries provides offshore construction, engineering, project management and support services including pipeline construction, SURF installations, platform installation and removal and diving to the oil and gas industry around the world. The Company's shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "GLBL."