Bell Industries Acquires Technology Consulting Firm

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--March 19, 2001--Bell Industries, Inc. (AMEX:BI) today announced it has acquired Project Support Systems (PSS), a privately owned technology consulting firm based in Anderson, Indiana. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
    PSS provides management consulting and technology project management services to middle market and Fortune 500 companies in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, government, engineering, technology and manufacturing. Clients have included the Bank of New York Clearing Services, Delco Remy, the City of Anderson and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers.
    "With the acquisition of PSS, we significantly augment the project management service capabilities of our Bell Tech.logix division, as well as add important new relationships," said Tracy Edwards, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Bell Industries. "Moreover, we are gaining a talented group of executives who will complement our core competencies."
    Edwards said the PSS staff includes Project Management Institute certified project managers, and professionals with the company hold certifications in Microsoft, Citrix, Primavera and Windows NT. The PSS team will be integrated with Bell's Midwest operations, and the company will continue to maintain facilities in Anderson to support current client activities and expansion opportunities.
    "By joining forces with Bell Tech.logix, we greatly expand the scope and depth of our resources, as well as service offerings," said Larry Anderson, president and chief executive officer of PSS. "We are delighted to be joining a company of Bell Industries' stature, which offers us significant opportunities to accelerate the growth of our solution capabilities for all Bell clients."