EMG Advises that Testing and Commissioning Procedures to Resume Egyptian Gas Supply to Israel are to Begin Today

Tel Aviv, June 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ampal-American Israel Corporation AMPL, a holding company in the business of acquiring and managing interests in various businesses, announced today that it was advised by East Mediterranean Gas Co. ("EMG"), in which Ampal has a 12.5% interest, that the Egyptian National Gas Company ("EGAS") will start today the testing and commissioning procedures necessary for the resumption of the commercial gas supply to EMG, and subsequently to EMG's Israeli customers.

The testing and commissioning procedures are expected to take several days before the system can accommodate commercial delivery

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Ampal and its subsidiaries acquire interests primarily in businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related. Ampal is seeking opportunistic situations in a variety of industries, with a focus on energy, chemicals and related sectors. Ampal's goal is to develop or acquire majority interests in businesses that are profitable and generate significant free cash flow that Ampal can control. For more information about Ampal please visit our web site at www.ampal.com.

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