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GenRad Furthers Automotive Aftermarket Initiatives

23 February 2000

GenRad Furthers Automotive Aftermarket Initiatives With Tender Offer For Autodiagnos AB

    WESTFORD, Mass.--Feb. 22, 2000--GenRad, Inc. today announced that it has made an approximately $27.0 million tender offer for the shares of Autodiagnos AB, an automotive diagnostics solutions company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Completion of the tender offer is expected in mid-April. Autodiagnos will provide GenRad with the ability to offer complete diagnostic solutions, across a broad range of vehicles, to the automotive aftermarket.
    GenRad's Chairman and CEO, Jim Lyons stated, "The acquisition of Autodiagnos marks the next critical step in our expansion into the automotive aftermarket and transportation arena. The Autodiagnos acquisition will provide GenRad with a brand name, distribution channels and complementary technology; all essential as we establish our presence in the global automotive aftermarket. Together with our recent acquisition of Mastertech, we will have in place the necessary components to provide the most comprehensive diagnostic tools available for the automotive aftermarket."
    This acquisition will not compromise the integrity or proprietary nature of the relationships that GenRad currently maintains with its global OEM partners. Following the acquisition, GenRad will have two distinct businesses in the automotive and transportation arenas (OEMs and independent service technicians) which have the ability to share guided diagnostic test platforms and authoring tool technologies.
    Walter Shephard, GenRad's CFO commented "The explosion in electronic complexity of today's vehicles has created a multi-billion dollar independent repair market. The synergy between GenRad, Autodiagnos and Mastertech will position us for significant growth in that aftermarket after 2000."

    Autodiagnos Background

    Autodiagnos AB, founded in 1986, is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic tools for automotive electronic systems. Autodiagnos' primary product, the Multi-Tester Pro, is specifically designed for modern automotive electronic systems, and is sold primarily to independent repair technicians. Autodiagnos, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, maintains offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, the Unites States and China. Autodiagnos' web site address is http://www.autodiagnos.se/.

    GenRad Background

    GenRad, Inc. provides electronics OEMs and their customers with the hardware, software and services to increase productivity by optimizing product design, manufacturing and after-market service. GenRad, headquartered in Westford, MA, offers products and services through three business units: Advanced Diagnostic Solutions (ADS), Electronic Manufacturing Solutions (EMS), and GR Software (GRS). GenRad's web site address is http://www.genrad.com.

    GenRad's most current shareholder information is available by visiting our Website at http://www.genrad.com or calling our Fax on Demand Service at (800) 469-1261.

    Statements made in this press release which are not historical, including statements regarding future performance, product capabilities and markets are forward looking statements and as such are subject to a number of risks. Factors that may cause results to differ materially from those projected are discussed in GenRad's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending January 2, 1999 and form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2 , 1999 under the section "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Factors That May Affect Future Results."