Master Lock, CURT Manufacturing Form Strategic Alliance; Partnership Will Broaden Distribution of Automotive Towing, Security Products

MILWAUKEE--Oct. 2, 2003--Master Lock Co. and CURT Manufacturing have launched a long-term strategic alliance that will extend the national distribution of the companies' automotive towing and security products and accessories.

The partnership allows Master Lock to offer its customers a broader line of automotive towing products and gives CURT Manufacturing the ability to distribute an innovative line of towing security products backed by the trusted Master Lock name.

Master Lock will distribute CURT Manufacturing's full line of high-quality towing products, including hitches, ball mounts and accessories, to its broad base of customers including automotive retailers, home centers, hardware retailers, farm and home supply stores and mass merchandisers.

CURT Manufacturing will distribute a line of automotive security products, manufactured to its specifications by Master Lock, to an established network of hitch installers, automotive wholesalers and recreational vehicle dealers. The products include a wide variety of innovative trailer locks and other towing accessories.

The Master Lock and CURT Manufacturing product lines will be available through their respective channels in the fourth quarter of 2003.

"The towing-related automotive aftermarket is one of the fastest growing segments that Master Lock participates in. This strategic alliance not only enhances our superior quality towing product offerings but also strengthens our relationships with key accounts and gives us the flexibility to approach new ones," said John Heppner, Master Lock President and Chief Operating Officer.

"We are pleased to offer our customers an impressive lineup of Master Lock towing security products. Their products support our desire to offer a complete lineup of only the highest quality accessories to match the quality of our core towing products. This strategic alliance realizes an unequaled combination of our state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes with a recognized leader in consumer marketing and innovation," added Greg Hooks, CURT Manufacturing Chief Executive Officer.

The towing industry has benefited from the growth of consumers purchasing light trucks (pickups, SUVs, vans) at an increasing rate. In fact, 2002 was the first year in which the number of new vehicle registrations for light trucks exceeded the number of sedan registrations. These vehicles have greatly expanded the opportunities for consumers to use their vehicles for towing and other hitch-related activities.

Master Lock, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world's largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products for automotive, home and yard, contractors, recreational and commercial needs. For additional information, visit www.masterlock.com.

Master Lock Co. is an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $5.8 billion. Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill, Fortune Brands is included in the S&P 500 Index.

CURT Manufacturing, a privately held company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of advanced towing system products, trailer products and specialty equipment products. CURT introduced the industry's first color-match series of hitches and offers the Evergloss(TM) warranted finish. For additional information, visit www.curtmfg.com.