Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group Takes Over English Specialist in Mechanical Steel Tubes and Precision Tubes

ZWIJNDRECHT, The Netherlands, October 6 --

- Newly merged company operates as Van Leeuwen Wheeler

- Strengthening specialist position

- Broader supply basis provided to customers

Van Leeuwen Precision Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group in the Netherlands, acquired all the shares in M/K Wheeler Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of the The Marmon Group Ltd in the USA.

M/K Wheeler has an annual turnover of approximately GBP 10 million and employs some 60 employees. The company specialises in distribution of steel precision tubes, bars and components for the Fluid Power, Mechanical Engineering and Automotive industry and has a comprehensive inventory, which includes amongst others an extensive range of hot finished seamless steel tubes. It operates out of two branches in the United Kingdom, Brierley Hill (Birmingham) and Bury (Manchester).

The merged company, M/K Wheeler Ltd and Van Leeuwen Precision, is now able to supply a complete product range in the United Kingdom and expand its presence in the market of precision and mechanical products. Van Leeuwen Precision (with sales offices and warehouses in Sheffield, Arbroath and Middlesbrough) and M/K Wheeler will continue to operate under the new name of Van Leeuwen Wheeler.

The newly formed company will have access to the Group's extensive European inventories, and make use of the Group's enhanced purchasing power. This acquisition is in line with the company's strategy of strengthening its position as a specialist in precision steel products and a supplier of value added services.

About Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group

The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international distributor of industrial steel pipes, valves and fittings. The Groups headquarters is in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands, Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group was founded in 1924 and has since been actively involved in all sectors of industry. Today, it has a network of offices in 27 locations spread throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. The Group employs some 850 staff and generates an annual turnover of EUR 360 million.

Internet: www.vanleeuwen.com

For further information, please contact: Petra van Zandvoort, Corporate Communications Department, Tel.: +31-78-6252321, Fax: +31-78-6252027, E-mail: pvanzandvoort@vanleeuwen.nl