AMETEK Acquires EDAX, Inc.; Strategically Expanding Into New Instrumentation Markets

    PAOLI, Pa., July 9 AMETEK, Inc. today
announced the acquisition of EDAX, Inc., a leading manufacturer of analytic
instrumentation, for a total purchase price of $37 million, from Panta
Electronics.  EDAX, based in Mahwah, NJ, has approximately 170 employees and
recorded sales of $34 million in 2000.
    EDAX manufactures and markets energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis
instrumentation used in electron microscope systems to identify and quantify
the elemental composition and structure of solid materials.  Typical markets
include surface contamination analysis, rapid material alloy identification,
and small component material analysis in the metal, pharmaceutical, chemical
and semiconductor industries as well as government laboratories and academic
institutions.
    "The acquisition of EDAX strategically expands AMETEK's position in
differentiated analytical instruments, extending our capabilities into the
measurement of physical properties of solid materials.  EDAX complements our
existing Process and Analytical Instruments business and creates a new growth
platform for the company," said Frank S. Hermance, AMETEK chairman and chief
executive officer.
    Mr. Hermance continued, "EDAX is the market leader in energy dispersive
X-ray instrumentation.  These sophisticated instruments and associated
software have achieved global market acceptance and should continue to enjoy a
strong inherent growth rate.  EDAX also has a strong position in
crystallography, an emerging technology that provides AMETEK with exciting
growth opportunities in the semiconductor, metallurgy and mineralogy markets."
    AMETEK is a recognized leader in advanced monitoring, testing, calibrating
and display instruments.  Its Electronic Instruments Group (EIG), which had
2000 sales of $510 million, sells its instruments to the aerospace, power,
process and industrial markets worldwide.
    EIG's Process & Analytical Instruments Division is a leader in
sophisticated process analyzers, mass spectrometers and sensors that are used
to monitor emissions and control chemical, natural gas and semiconductor
manufacturing processes.

    Corporate Profile
    AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and
electric motors with 2000 sales of more than $1 billion.  AMETEK's Corporate
Growth Plan is based on Four Key Strategies: Strategic Acquisitions &
Alliances, Global & Market Expansion, New Products, and Operational
Excellence.  Its objective is double-digit percentage growth in earnings per
share over the business cycle and a superior return on total capital.  The
common stock of AMETEK is a component of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the
Russell 2000 Index.

    Forward-looking Information
    Statements in this news release that are not historical are considered
"forward-looking statements" and are subject to change based on various
factors and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
significantly from expectations.  Those factors are contained in AMETEK's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

    CONTACT:  William J. Burke of AMETEK, 610-889-5249.