Black & Decker Finalises the Acquisition of Pentair´s Tools Group

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04/10/2004


he Black & Decker Corporation (NYSE: BDK) today announced that it has completed the purchase of the Tools Group from Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR) for approximately $775 million in cash. The Tools Group, which includes the Porter-Cable, Delta, DeVilbiss Air Power, Oldham Saw, and FLEX businesses, had sales of $1.08 billion and operating profit of $82 million in 2003.

In addition, the Corporation will discuss its third-quarter results and the outlook for the remainder of 2004 during a conference call on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, following the release of its third-quarter 2004 results. The call is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., E.T., and will be webcast "live" over the Internet. Investors can listen to the call by visiting http://www.bdk.com and clicking on the icon labeled "Live Webcast." It is recommended that listeners log-in at least ten minutes prior to the beginning of the call to assure timely access. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available at http://www.bdk.com.
Black & Decker is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology- based fastening systems.

CONTACT: Barbara B. Lucas, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, +1-410-716-2980; or Mark M. Rothleitner, Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer, +1-410-716-3979, both of The Black & Decker Corporation


For press information on Black & Decker UK please contact:
Camron Public Relations Ltd
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London WC2E 9DH
Tel: 0207 420 1700
Website: www.camron.co.uk()