---

Stockholders of Special Devices Inc. Approve Merger

25 September 1998

Stockholders of Special Devices Inc. Approve Merger

    NEWHALL, Calif.--Sept. 25, 1998--Stockholders of Special Devices Inc. a Newhall-based company which designs and manufactures pyrotechnic devices for the automotive and aerospace industries, by a vote of more than 80% of the outstanding shares, have approved a definitive merger agreement with an affiliate of J.F. Lehman & Company, a New York-based private equity fund, according to Thomas F. Treinen, the chairman of Special Devices.
    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the parties are working to close the merger as soon as practicable and hope to close the merger by mid-October.
    Special Devices is a nationally recognized leader in the design and manufacture of pyrotechnic devices used by the automotive industry for initiators in airbag systems, and by the aerospace industry in tactical missile and crew escape systems.
    The company operates facilities in Newhall; Mesa, Ariz.; and Downers Grove, Ill. and employs more than 1,300 people. Special Devices has headquarters at 16830 West Placerita Canyon Rd., Newhall, CA 91321; 805/259-0753.