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Collins & Aikman Closes Sale Of Imperial Wallcoverings

16 March 1998

Collins & Aikman Closes Sale Of Imperial Wallcoverings

          Company's Focus Now Completely on Automotive Interiors

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 16 -- Collins & Aikman Corporation
announced today that it has closed the previously announced sale
of its Imperial Wallcoverings business.
    "One of Collins & Aikman's top priorities is becoming exclusively aligned
with the automotive interior trim business as a tier one, global supplier,"
said Thomas E. Hannah, Chief Executive Officer of Collins & Aikman.  "So, we
are excited about closing the sale of Imperial, our last significant non-
automotive business."
    The purchase price for Imperial includes $71.2 million in cash, subject to
adjustment, and an option to acquire 6.7 percent of the common stock of
Imperial Home Decor Group, a newly-formed company, which includes Imperial and
the decorative products business formerly owned by Borden, Inc.
    Collins & Aikman Corporation is approximately 40 percent-owned by
affiliates of the purchaser's sponsor, The Blackstone Group.  The transaction
was approved by a special committee of C&A's Board of Directors composed of
independent directors.
    Collins & Aikman Corporation is a global supplier of automotive interior
systems, including textile and plastic trim, acoustics and convertible top
systems.  Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the Company's recent acquisitions
have significantly expanded Collins & Aikman's product offering and
international presence.  The Company employs approximately 15,000 employees
and operates 64 facilities in 11 countries.

SOURCE  Collins & Aikman Corporation