Newell Rubbermaid Strengthens Global Portfolio

Newell Rubbermaid signs a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Aprica Childcare Institute Aprica Kassai Inc. -- also known as simply Aprica -- a maker of strollers, car seats and other children's products, headquartered in Osaka, Japan. For the most recent fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, Aprica reported net sales of approximately $122 million. The acquisition will provide Newell Rubbermaid with a premium brand that has a leading position in Japan. The nearly 60 year-old brand has been recognized internationally for its extraordinary commitment to pediatric research and dedication to child safety. "With the addition of Aprica, our Baby & Parenting Essentials global business unit will have three of the world's strongest brands within children's products," says Jay Gould, group president at Newell Rubbermaid. "To complement Graco, our leading global brand, we added Teutonia last year to accelerate our growth in Europe. Aprica now provides a significant platform for expansion in Asia." The transaction, which is subject to certain customary and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the first half of 2008. As part of the transaction, Newell Rubbermaid plans to work with Aprica's founding family to establish a foundation for pediatric research, to drive product innovation and enhance the wellness of children.