Grupo Imsa Exits Automotive Battery Business

MONTERREY, Mexico--Aug. 1, 20040, 2004--Grupo Imsa, S.A. de C.V. (BMV:IMSA) and Johnson Controls, Inc. today announced the closing of the agreement whereby Grupo Imsa exits the automotive battery business and Johnson Controls, its JV partner since 1998, assumes 100% ownership. This transaction was announced on July 19, and today it was finalized on the agreed terms after receiving the approval of the regulatory authorities. The primary use of the proceeds obtained from this transaction will be used to pay debt.

Grupo Imsa, a holding company, dates back to 1936 and is today one of Mexico's leading industrial companies, operating in three businesses: steel processed products; steel and plastic construction products; and aluminum and other related products. Grupo Imsa operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in Mexico, the United States, Europe and throughout Central and South America. In 2003 the Company's sales reached US$2.8 billion, of which close to 55% was generated outside Mexico. Grupo Imsa shares trade on the Mexican Stock Exchange (IMSA) and, in the United States, on the NYSE (IMY).

Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For nonresidential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.