Genuine Parts Company Named As Part Of Asbestos Suit

    ATLANTA--Nov. 27, 2002--In response to recent releases regarding the automotive aftermarket and litigation, Genuine Parts Company said that it has been named as one of many defendants in a relatively small number of lawsuits regarding the sale of products containing asbestos.
    While litigation of any type contains an element of uncertainty, Genuine Parts Company believes that its defense and ultimate resolution of pending and reasonably anticipated claims will continue to occur within the ordinary course of Genuine Parts Company's business, and that resolution of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on Genuine Parts Company's operations or consolidated business and financial condition.

    About Genuine Parts Company

    Genuine Parts Company is a distributor of automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through its Motion Industries subsidiary. S.P. Richards Company, the Office Products Group, distributes product nationwide in the U.S. and in Canada. The Electrical/Electronic Group, EIS, Inc., distributes electrical and electronic components throughout the U.S. and Mexico.