3M announced today it has completed the sale of its Opticom Priority Control Systems and Canoga Traffic Detection businesses to TorQuest Partners Inc., a Toronto-based private investment firm, and members of the senior management team of the businesses.

A new company will be formed, called Global Traffic Technologies LLC, which will be headquartered in the Twin Cities under the leadership of Rick Sachse, formerly manager of these businesses that were part of the 3M Traffic Safety Systems Division. The products will continue to be sold under the Opticom and Canoga brands offering the reliability, quality and performance required by customers, and will continue to be serviced around the world.

3M will continue to grow its Traffic Safety Systems Division business globally by providing advanced technologies to enhance roadway safety, efficiency and traffic management through signing, pavement marking, vehicle registration and intelligent transportation solutions.

About TorQuest

Founded in 2002, TorQuest Partners Inc. is a Canadian-based manager of private equity funds. With more than C$700 million of equity capital under management TorQuest seeks to pursue investments in middle market and later stage companies with the goal of building value through opportune acquisitions, strategic leadership and the timely use of financial expertise. For more information, please visit www.torquest.com.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Media Contacts:3MDonna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646orTorQuestBogdan Cenanovic, 416-867-2487orInvestor Contacts:3MMatt Ginter, 651-733-8206orBruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807