Briggs & Stratton Announces Stock Split and Declares Increase in Quarterly Dividend

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 4, 2004 -- Briggs & Stratton Corporation :

At its regular quarterly meeting today, the Board of Directors of Briggs & Stratton Corporation approved a 2-for-1 stock split. The stock split is contingent upon shareholder approval of a proposed amendment to Briggs & Stratton's Articles of Incorporation which will increase the number of authorized shares of stock from 60 million to 120 million shares. The shareholders will be asked to vote on the proposed amendment at the Corporation's Annual Meeting to be held on October 20, 2004. If the amendment is approved, the stock split will be effective as to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 29, 2004.

In other action, the Board of Directors of Briggs & Stratton Corporation has authorized an increase in its regular quarterly dividend from thirty-three cents ($0.33) to thirty-four cents ($0.34) per share. The dividend is payable October 1, 2004 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 25, 2004.