Graco to Acquire the Finishing Businesses of ITW - A Global Manufacturer of Liquid and Powder Finishing Technologies

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 Key attributes of the ITW businesses include:

• 2010 revenues of $305 million, of which 40 percent were in the Americas and 60 percent were elsewhere. Significant operations are located in the United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Mexico, with sales offices and distribution capabilities in several additional countries

• Leading equipment technologies and brands, such as Gema® powder finishing equipment, Binks® industrial pumping solutions, DeVilbiss® auto refinish guns and accessories, Ransburg® electrostatic guns and accessories, and BGK curing technology

• Professional management and 900 employees worldwide

• Global manufacturing capabilities/capacity

Graco plans to finance the transaction through a new committed $450 million revolving credit facility (U.S. Bank National Association and JP Morgan as joint lead arrangers) and previously announced long-term debt of $300 million. Operations are expected to be cash accretive immediately and will be included in Graco's Industrial segment for reporting purposes. Closing is expected in June 2011, at the earliest, pending regulatory reviews and other customary conditions.

Graco's Chief Executive Officer Pat McHale said, "This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit with Graco's Industrial segment. It will advance all of our stated core growth strategies: new products and technology, geographic expansion, and new markets. We gain a leading position in industrial powder paint equipment – a growing global market where we have no offering today. In liquid finishing, the acquired product technologies are complementary to Graco's Industrial offering and also give us a leading position in automotive refinish where we have little presence. The acquired businesses generate two thirds of revenue outside North America, increasing our critical mass in important international and emerging markets. This transaction will bring several widely recognized premium brands to Graco, a strong distribution channel, an installed base and approximately 40 percent of revenue from parts and accessories. We believe this acquisition will create long term value for our shareholders."

ITW is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer. Its key business platforms include welding, automotive OEM, industrial packaging, food equipment, construction, polymers and fluids, test and measurement electronics, decorative surfaces and automotive aftermarket products. ITW's revenues totaled $15.9 billion in 2010.

Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, and construction and maintenance industries. For additional information about Graco Inc., please visit us at www.graco.com.