American Vanguard announces expanded stock repurchase program.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1996-- American Vanguard Corporation (Nasdaq National Market:AMGD) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to a total of 75,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock from time to time in the open market. The shares purchased under this program will be held in treasury for use in conjunction with the Company's Stock Option Plan and other general corporate purposes.

The new stock repurchase program amends the September 1995 authorization by the Company's Board. To date, the Company has purchased 42,350 shares (after adjusting for the March 1996 10% Common Stock dividend) which are currently held in treasury. The timing of any additional purchases will depend upon price and availability of stock.

Eric G. Wintemute, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This expanded stock repurchase program continues to demonstrate our Board's confidence in the prospects for American Vanguard Corporation."

American Vanguard Corporation conducts its business through several subsidiaries including Amvac Chemical Corp., a specialty chemical manufacturer that develops and markets safe and effective products for agricultural and commercial uses; GemChem, Inc., a national chemical distributor; Amvac Chemical UK Ltd., the Company's Surrey, England-based office; and Environmental Mediation, Inc., an environmental consulting firm.

CONTACT: Eric G. Wintemute, President & CEO 

James A. Barry, Vice President & CFO 

[phone]

-or-

AMGD'S INVESTOR RELATIONS FIRM:

The Equity Group Inc.

Tamara Ehlin

[phone]