Shell Signs Global Service Agreement with Synaptic Decisions

HOUSTON – December 14, 2004 – Synaptic Decisions announced today that Shell Oil has retained the services of Synaptic Decisions through 2005.

Synaptic Decisions will provide ongoing contract strategy, structuring and valuation support to selected business areas, and methods, techniques, tools and training for contract risk identification, assessment and valuation.

Mr. Ken Fisher, Chief Financial Officer, Shell Oil Products US, commented, “Synaptic Decisions added significant value through the work it did for us in 2004. We are pleased to retain its services again in the coming year.”

About Shell Oil Products US

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of nearly 7,000 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies (NYSE: RD/SC). For more information, please visit www.shell.com.

About Synaptic Decisions

Founded in 2004, Houston-based Synaptic Decisions is an independent management consulting firm dedicated to helping its clients lower the life cycle costs, improve the margins associated with their contracts, optimize returns on existing assets, and raise returns on new investments. The company blends industry know-how, commercial and analytical skills, and contracting best practices across a variety of markets to create value for its clients. For more information, visit the firm’s website www.synapticdecisions.com.

For more information, contact:

Bob Endres
Synaptic Decisions
832.300.9800
news@synapticdecisions.com