Brush Wellman announces agreement to acquire Circuits Processing Technology, Inc.

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1996--Brush Wellman Inc. (NYSE-BW) today announced that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Circuits Processing Technology, Inc. (CPT), a San Diego based producer of Thick Film Circuits. CPT primarily serves the commercial and satellite telecommunications markets and also supplies parts to military, aerospace, and medical markets. Brush Wellman and CPT expect the acquisition to be completed by the end of the month.

The addition of CPT to Brush Wellman's family of Microelectronics Material Businesses augments Brush Wellman's position as a supplier of a full range of value-added microelectronic materials, circuits, and sub-assemblies. At the same time, CPT's ability to continue their rapid growth and extend their unique technology into new markets will be strongly enhanced by Brush Wellman's extensive sales and marketing resources.

Circuits Processing Technology (CPT), located in San Diego, has been supplying the Microelectronics Industry with high quality precious metal thick film circuits for the past 14 years. CPT designs and manufactures complex thick film circuits using an innovative proprietary process that can be used to achieve a line pitch of under .002" while maintaining electrical integrity. In addition, CPT can use their technology to build multilayer circuits with passive components imbedded in the dielectric layers, in order to achieve the circuit density required of today's demanding applications. Using this approach, CPT has been able to supply many products that were formerly constructed using thin film technology, at a lower cost to customers.

Commenting on the action, Gordon D. Harnett, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brush Wellman said, "The acquisition of Circuits Processing Technology, Inc. represents another step toward Brush Wellman's goal to become a leading global supplier of specialty engineered materials. The addition of CPT confirms our commitment to provide high quality materials and sub-assemblies to the microelectronics industry. Brush Wellman is already the leading supplier of BeO ceramic and Direct Bond Copper substrates, as well as precious metal, specialty metal systems and alloys used in microelectronics applications.

"Larry Yglesia, founder and President of CPT, and his team will remain for the long term to insure CPT's success, and technologists from both organizations will work together to explore the many opportunities for technical synergy available. We anticipate a smooth and efficient transition into this partnership."

Brush Wellman Inc., with headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, is a manufacturer of engineered materials. The Company and its subsidiaries supply worldwide markets with Beryllium Products, Alloy Products, Ceramic Products, Precious Metal Products, and Specialty Metal Systems.

CONTACT: Brush Wellman Inc.

Timothy J. Reid, 216/383-6835