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Mace Security Announces Completion of Merger With American Wash

7 July 1999

Mace Security International Announces Completion of Merger With American Wash Services

    MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., July 7 -- Mace Security International,
Inc. (MSI) today announced the completion of the previously
announced merger with American Wash Services, Inc. (AWS).  Pursuant to the
agreement, Louis D. Paolino, Jr., the Company's President and CEO, will also
become Chairman of the Board.  The merger consisted of AWS properties and
Stephen B. Properties, Inc. (Shammy Shine), that together represent 19 washes
of which seven are full service, nine are exterior and three are self service.
These washes are located in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and
northern Delaware.
    Louis D. Paolino, Jr., President, CEO and Chairman of MSI, said, "I am
very happy with the completion of the merger because it will give MSI the
ability to close additional transactions that are currently being negotiated."
He added, "These washes are well-managed, high-traffic operations that have
operated profitably for several years, and will significantly strengthen our
East Coast regional presence."
    AWS operates full and self service car wash centers that provide a full
line of car care services including washing, waxing and detailing.  Their
management team has over 20 years of experience in the car wash and car care
services industries, and is under agreement to stay with the Company.
    Mace Security International, Inc. is a publicly traded company which owns
and operates car washes and is also a leading producer of less lethal defense
sprays for the consumer market and a marketer of consumer safety and security
products.
    This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-
looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  This information may involve risks
and uncertainties, including but not limitation, risks relating to the
financial outcomes of the planned business and growth strategies, that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-
looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected.