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J.L. French Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nelson Metal

14 September 1999

J.L. French Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nelson Metal Products Corporation

    MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 13 -- J.L. French Automotive Castings,
Inc. ("J.L. French"), today announced that it has signed a definitive
agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Nelson Metal
Products Corporation ("Nelson").  The transaction, which is subject to
regulatory approval, is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 1999.
    Nelson, which has annual revenues in excess of $200 million, is a full
service supplier of medium and large aluminum die castings for the automotive
industry.  Nelson's customers include Ford and General Motors and it has
manufacturing facilities in Grandville, Mich. and Glasgow, Ky.
    "Nelson is a highly regarded supplier and represents an excellent
strategic fit with our existing business," said Charles M. Waldon, president
and chief executive officer of J.L. French.  "Nelson brings to French new
product lines, a new process technology, a new customer and a strong
engineering group.  Our combined companies will have enhanced capabilities to
better serve our customers and create value-based relationships.  Our plans
are to expand the production capabilities at both of Nelson's manufacturing
facilities."
    James Humphrey, president and chief executive officer of Nelson, said
"From Nelson's perspective, this transaction represents an excellent
opportunity to align ourselves with another industry leader for continued
growth and additional benefits to our customers.  We believe the combined
company can more effectively capitalize on the growth opportunities in this
segment of the automotive industry."
    J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., is a leading global designer and
manufacturer of highly engineered aluminum die cast automotive parts including
oil pans, engine front covers, engine blocks and transmission cases.  The
company is based in Sheboygan, Wis., and has its corporate office in
Minneapolis, Minn.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Such forward-
looking statements are based on the belief of the management of J.L. French as
well as on assumptions made by and information currently available to J.L.
French at the time such statements were made.  Such forward-looking statements
relate to, among other things, (i) the expected closing date of the
acquisition, and (ii) the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.  Actual
results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements as a result of (i) unexpected delays in obtaining regulatory
approvals; (ii) the inability of either J.L. French or Nelson to satisfy the
conditions to the consummation of the acquisition; (iii) unforeseen
difficulties in integrating the operations of J.L. French and Nelson, or (iv)
unanticipated negative reaction to the proposed transaction by customers or
suppliers.