PRESS RELEASE

Republic Industries Announces Merger with California Waste Company

5 February 1997

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 5 -- Republic Industries, Inc.
announced today that Taormina Industries, Inc., one of the
largest privately held waste companies in California, has agreed to merge with
Republic. The transaction, which is valued at approximately $250 million, will
be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The consideration in the
transaction will be shares of Republic common stock.
    Taormina Industries provides solid waste hauling services to over one
million customers in Southern California. Upon closing of the transaction, the
company's headquarters in Anaheim will become the Western Regional office of
Republic's Solid Waste Division. William C. Taormina and Vincent C. Taormina
will become officers of Republic and will lead the division's aggressive
expansion plans for the western United States.
    Harris W. Hudson, Vice Chairman of Republic and Chairman of the
Company's Solid Waste Division, stated, "The addition of Taormina Industries
is consistent with our strategy to expand rapidly in growing markets across
the United States. This acquisition gives our waste division a significant
presence in Southern California and establishes a solid foundation for future
growth."
    Mr. Hudson added, "We are pleased to have the experience and talent that
Bill and Vince Taormina and their management group bring to our waste
operations. They have built a remarkable  company. We look forward to their
leadership as part of our management team."
    Vincent C. Taormina and William C. Taormina commented, "Our partnership
with Republic Industries will help fuel our company's pending growth
opportunities, adding jobs and investing in the future for the direct benefit
of our customers."
    The closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur by the end of
February, is subject to customary conditions including regulatory approvals.
    Republic is a diversified company operating in the automotive, solid waste
and electronic security industries.

SOURCE  Republic Industries, Inc.