READING, Pa., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), one of the world's largest manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of industrial batteries, announced that on September 10, 2004 its Australian- based subsidiary, EnerSys Australia PTY Ltd., entered into an agreement to acquire First National Battery (PTY) Limited (FNB Australia), based in Brisbane, Australia. EnerSys expects to close this acquisition later this week. With this latest acquisition of FNB Australia, which distributes motive power batteries and chargers, EnerSys will broaden its global presence as a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of batteries and chargers. EnerSys will now operate two offices, a warehouse, and a final assembly facility out of Brisbane, in addition to its other sales offices located in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. John Craig, EnerSys Chairman, CEO and President, said, "Similar to the investments EnerSys has made over the last two years in the reserve power market, we plan to make strategic investments in the motive power market to strengthen our global presence and reaffirm our overall position as a market leader in the battery industry. Additionally, we intend to provide our Australian motive power customers with the same exemplary level of service and support that our existing customer base has come to expect from EnerSys." Cheryl Diuguid, EnerSys Senior Vice President, Asia, added, "Our continued strategic expansions in the reserve and motive power markets is clearly positioning EnerSys as global manufacturer and supplier of total battery solutions. We believe that the Australian motive power battery market is in need of a service and support infrastructure that will quickly give them the solutions they need. With this acquisition of FNB Australia, combined with our existing motive power business in the area and our existing global presence, EnerSys is ready to help fill that void." For
further information, contact: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, (i) statements about the benefits of the acquisition of FNB, including financial and operating results and estimates, synergy and margin benefits and any accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the acquisition; EnerSys' and FNB's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this presentation that are not historical facts; and (ii) other statements identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will" or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based upon management's current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies many of which are beyond our control. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: (1) the ability to successfully combine the businesses of EnerSys and FNB; (2) the realization of revenue and cost synergy benefits from the acquisition; (3) operating costs and business disruption following the acquisition, including adverse effects on relationships with employees; and (4) competition. EnerSys does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date such forward-looking statement is made. "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding EnerSys's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. |