Barnes Group increases quarterly cash dividend.

BRISTOL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 1997--Directors of Barnes Group Inc. today authorized an increase in the quarterly cash dividend on its common stock for the second quarter of 1997 -- from 15 cents per share to 16.7 cents -- payable June 10, 1997 to stockholders of record May 30, 1997. The company had 20,313,875 shares outstanding as of the date of declaration. (Per share data and average shares outstanding have been adjusted for the 3-for-1 stock split effective April 1997.)

Theodore E. Martin, president and chief executive officer, said the board's action represents an 11 percent increase in the cash dividend over the previous quarterly rate, which had been in effect since the first quarter of 1996.

"The increase in the dividend is a reflection of the board's continuing confidence in the performance and strategy of the company's three businesses," Martin said. "This is the third dividend increase in the past 11 quarters and another positive sign that Barnes Group is on target toward being a top-tier performer for the long term."

Barnes Group Inc. is a $600-million diversified international company based in Bristol, Conn. It is a leading manufacturer of complex metal components and precision springs for industrial, transportation and aerospace markets, and a major distributor of repair and replacement products to the maintenance, repair and operating supplies (MRO) market. -0-

Quarterly Dividends(a)          1st     2nd     3rd     4th    Total
                     1997      $.15    $.167
                     1996      $.15    $.15     $.15   $.15     $.60

(a) Adjusted for the 3-for-1 stock split, effective April 1997.

CONTACT: Barnes Group Inc.

J.F. Sand

860/583-7070