Schwaab, Inc. Announces Key West Coast Acquisition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - August 6, 2001

Schwaab, Inc., one of the leading suppliers of hand stamps, signage, badges, and seals, has acquired Mastermark. The announcement was made today by Douglas R. Lane, President of Schwaab, Inc. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Based in Seattle, Washington, Mastermark is the foremost supplier of hand stamps, signage, and recognition products in the Greater Seattle and western Washington trade areas. It has a strong, established market presence and is known for the high level of quality and service that it provides to it’s customers.

“We are pleased to have the good fortune to bring these two industry leaders together through this acquisition” said Douglas Lane. “The purchase of Mastermark gives us access to a quality, existing presence that has made a major impact in the market. It enhances our distribution capabilities on the west coast and will allow us to better serve our customers. Mastermark has recognized expertise and depth in key areas that will permit us to expand our product offerings and provide a broader variety of options to our accounts. We were attracted not only to the success which Mastermark has exhibited but also the image and values of the organization that fit nicely with the Schwaab tradition.”

"The association with Schwaab, Inc. is a perfect fit for us” commented Cindy Hutter, President of Mastermark. “We felt that it was critical for us to align ourselves with a strong, national player that had the resources and expertise to help us take the business to the next level. The management philosophies and values of both organizations are similar and we know that, working together, we will increase our capabilities to better serve the market. It was important to us to partner with an organization that was committed to keeping our company as a viable, on-going operation. The management team at Schwaab was very clear that a permanent presence in this part of the country was critical to fulfilling one of their strategic needs.”

No loss in employment at the Seattle, Washington facility is anticipated. Because of the synergies that will be gained from the acquisition, it is anticipated that, over time, there will be growth in employment.

Schwaab, Inc. is an innovative leader in the manufacture and distribution of pre-inked, self inking, and rubber hand stamps as well as signage and related products.
It’s products are distributed to a wide variety of business types and distribution channels. Established in 1881, the company maintains corporate and operational headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and manufacturing operations in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and now Seattle, Washington.