HARTFORD, CT. Permatex, Inc., a leading automotive products manufacturer and marketer announced today that it has purchased the worldwide rights to the Permatex® brand and related businesses from Loctite Corporation. Previously the Company held rights for the business in North America. Terms of the agreement were not announced.

"This action opens up an incredible number of markets for our top quality, high performance products," according to Company President, Pat Formica. Although Permatex has long had a presence in Asia, Africa, Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East, Formica says the international business has lacked a dedicated automotive focus for nearly two years.

Permatex intends to revive international demand for its products by introducing new products and launching exciting promotions. "There hasn't been a single overseas promotion or new product introduction under the Permatex banner since 1998," said Formica. "That's about to change big time!"

Greg Mostoller, Permatex Business Manager for International Marketing will be responsible for paving the way for our success in markets outside North America. "We will work to assure that we have the right products and programs in place in many new regions of the world", said Mostoller. "Having received rights to sell our products globally, Permatex will be ready to supply the right products, promotions, and support materials in the appropriate language."

International Customers, Distributors and Retailers interested in Permatex Products may contact Permatex at: international@permatex.com, fax or write to Permatex, attention Greg Mostoller, to get the appropriate information for their specific region. The fax number is 860-543-6997 and mailing address is Permatex, Inc., 10 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT 06106, USA.

"New international enterprises are expected to add about $5 million to our revenues in 2001, mainly from the acquisitions we finalized last year," said Permatex President Pat Formica. "The purchase of global rights to the Permatex brands plus several other acquisitions under discussion are projected to expand our international sales base to $25 million or more within five years."

Mr. Formica added that the Company completed an important domestic acquisition in 2000 - No Touch North America, a high-value-added producer of tire and wheel care products with revenues of approximately $10 million. The Company also acquired marketing rights to Nitrous Oxide Systems' (NOS) fuel and fluid additive and treatment product lines, and the Slik-Pak® brand of lubricants. "Acquisitions and the successful introduction of more than 50 new products and line extensions during the first nine months of last year resulted in Permatex achieving record revenues in 2000," Mr. Formica noted.

Permatex is a market leader in automotive aftermarket adhesives, sealants, waterless hand cleaners, tire appearance, octane boosters and general chemical repair products. Since 1909, quality Permatex® products have been "Made for the Professional"®. For additional information, please visit www.permatex.com.