ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct 2, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pentair
(NYSE: PNR) today announced that it has acquired privately held Oldham Saw Co.,
Inc. of West Jefferson, North Carolina. Pentair anticipates that the acquisition
will be accretive to earnings in the first full year of ownership.
"Oldham Saw fits exceptionally well with our tools business, meets our strict
acquisition criteria, and doubles our power tool accessory offering," said
Randall J. Hogan, Pentair chairman and chief executive officer. "Our strong cash
flow performance during the first three quarters of 2002 will more than pay for
both the Oldham acquisition and the previously announced purchase of Plymouth
Products. The addition of these two excellent businesses will drive Pentair's
sales in 2003, helping fulfill our commitment to growth while building
additional value for shareholders."
Oldham Saw ( http://www.oldham-usa.com ) designs and manufactures router bits,
circular saw blades, and related accessories for the do-it-yourself and
professional power tool markets. Sold under the Oldham(R), Viper(R), United
States Saw(R), and Hickory(TM) brand names, the company's products go to market
via the home center, lumberyard, and hardware channels. Oldham Saw's private
label products are sold to leading power tool manufacturers, including Pentair's
Porter-Cable and Delta units. Oldham Saw holds the leading share in the router
bit category, and holds the second place position in the circular saw blade
category in North America. The company employs approximately 300 people in a
manufacturing and office facility located in West Jefferson, N.C. Oldham's sales
in the last 12 months were approximately $65 million.
"With Pentair's established position in tool markets, we will be able to
immediately expand the existing distribution of Oldham Saw products, pursue
entry into new markets, and build on our accessory offering," said Frank J.
Feraco, president and chief operating officer of Pentair's Tools Group. "The
addition of this highly respected accessory line means we can better meet the
broad needs of our customers, and leverage our strength in multiple distribution
channels."
According to Pentair, a strong and knowledgeable management team has guided
Oldham Saw to a decade of excellent results. Oldham's management team will
remain with the firm and will execute the strategic growth plans for
accessories.
Pentair ( http://www.pentair.com ) is a St. Paul-based manufacturer whose core
businesses compete in tools, water technologies, and enclosures markets. The
company employs 11,500 people in more than 50 locations around the world.
Any statements made about the company's anticipated results are forward-looking
statements subject to risks and uncertainties, such as the company's ability to
integrate Oldham Saw Co., Inc. and to realize expected synergies from the Oldham
acquisition. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date
hereof and the company undertakes no obligation to update publicly such
statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Actual results could
differ materially from anticipated results.
For more information, contact: Mark Cain of Pentair, Inc., +1-651-639-5278.
SOURCE Pentair, Inc.