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OEA To Be Acquired by Autoliv

14 March 2000


    DENVER - The Board of Directors of OEA, Inc. announced today that it has 
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Autoliv Inc. which contemplates 
a tender offer by Autoliv for all outstanding shares of common stock of OEA 
for a purchase price of $10.00 per share in cash.

    The tender offer contains a minimum condition of acceptance by a majority
of the common stock outstanding, along with other customary conditions, and
the agreement contemplates a second step merger in which untendered shares
would be converted into the right to receive $10.00 per share in cash.  It is
expected that Autoliv will commence the tender offer shortly.

    Charles B. Kafadar, president and CEO, said, "OEA is very happy to be
joining the Autoliv family, the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems.
This merger will provide greater market opportunities for OEA's products and
advanced technology, leading to continued growth and more opportunities for
OEA's employees."

   OEA and the Board of Directors were advised on this transaction by Deutsche
Banc Alex. Brown.

    OEA is the technology leader and a major manufacturer in the air bag
inflator and initiator industry.  The Company is also a leader in the design
and manufacture of personnel escape systems for military aircraft and
high-reliability devices for missile and aerospace applications.