Bell Industries to Trade on NYSE Through March 10, 2000; Company Exploring Other Listing Options.

Business Editors

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2000

Bell Industries Inc. (NYSE:BI) today announced that the New York Stock Exchange has informed Bell that trading in its common stock will continue on the NYSE through March 10, 2000.

During this 20-day transition period, Bell will continue to explore moving the trading of its common stock to an alternate market best suited to its and its shareholders' requirements.

Trading of Bell's shares will be suspended on the NYSE prior to the opening of trading on March 13, or on such earlier date as (i) Bell securities commence trading in another securities marketplace or (ii) information is received that Bell does not meet the listing requirements of another securities marketplace.

The NYSE has also informed Bell that it may, at any time, suspend a security from trading if it believes that continued dealings in the security are not advisable.

As previously announced, Bell made cash distributions to shareholders totaling approximately $67 million, or $7 per share, following the sale of its electronics distribution business in January 1999 and its graphics imaging business in September 1998.

Accordingly, the company's shareholders' equity and market capitalization have fallen below the $50 million minimum requirements for continued listing on the NYSE. The company had the option to present a plan to the NYSE for the purposes of continued listing, but declined

Earlier, after obtaining preliminary approval, Bell announced that it expected to apply for listing on Nasdaq. However, the current bid price for Bell's stock does not meet the minimum required for initial listing, and the company may therefore seek an alternative market for its shares.

&uot;We are aggressively exploring our options for the trading of Bell's shares,&uot; said Tracy A. Edwards, Bell's president and chief executive officer. &uot;Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and maximum liquidity for our shareholders within the confines of our smaller market capitalization and lower share price following the $7 per share cash distributions.&uot;

Bell's primary business is the systems integration group, a multi-regional provider of integrated computer technology solutions for large and medium-sized organizations. Bell also distributes after-market parts and accessories to the recreational vehicle market and manufactures specialized products for the computer and electronics industry.

Certain matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current trends. These include, but are not limited to, current trends in its systems integration business and other factors described in its public filings.