---

Cooper Acquires French Power Tool Maker Recoules S.A.

19 January 1998

Cooper Acquires French Power Tool Maker Recoules S.A.

    HOUSTON, Jan. 19 -- Cooper Industries, Inc. has
acquired Recoules S.A., a leading French manufacturer of industrial and
commercial power tools and specialty cutters.  With annual revenues of more
than $10 million, Recoules' power tools are sold primarily in Europe for use
in aerospace and industrial applications.  Located in Ozoir-la-Ferriere,
France, near Paris, Recoules has approximately 90 employees.
    Recoules is an excellent complement to Cooper's existing power tools
business, allowing us to add new customers and new products," said H. John
Riley, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cooper
Industries.  "This acquisition enhances Cooper's extensive product line and
expands our global presence," Riley said.
    Recoules S.A. becomes part of the Cooper Power Tools Division, which
manufactures pneumatic and DC electric tools, screwdriver bits, impact
sockets, universal joints, hoists, and assembly equipment, sold under the
Apex, Buckeye, Doler and Dotco trademarks, and licensed trademarks Gardner-
Denver and DGD.  Headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, Cooper Power
Tools has manufacturing facilities in five domestic and five international
locations, and approximately 1,500 employees worldwide.
    Cooper Industries, with 1996 revenues of $5.3 billion, is a diversified,
worldwide manufacturer of electrical products, tools and hardware, and
automotive products.  Additional information about Cooper is available on
the company's World Wide Web site: http://www.cooperindustries.com.

SOURCE  Cooper Industries, Inc.