EKCO Group, Inc. Announces Intent to Exit Animal Leg Hold Trap Business.

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 1998--EKCO Group, Inc. (NYSE:EKO) today announced that it will exit the animal leg hold trap business, a Woodstream subsidiary product line. The Company stated that the leg hold trap business is no longer consistent with its strategic plans, and that the discontinuation of these operations will not have a significant impact on the Company's future financial performance.

EKCO Group, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer products that are broadly marketed primarily through major mass merchant, supermarket, home, hardware, specialty and department stores. The Company's products include household items such as bakeware, kitchenware, pantryware, brooms, brushes and mops, as well as nonpoisonous and low-toxic household pest control products and small animal care and control products. In addition, the Company also markets pet supplies and accessories, such as ropes, chews, collars and leashes, through its subsidiary, Aspen Pet Products.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impact of the level of the Company's indebtedness; restrictive covenants contained in the Company's various debt documents; general economic conditions and conditions in the retail environment; the Company's dependence on a few large customers; price fluctuations in the raw materials used by the Company; competitive conditions in the Company's markets; the timely introduction of new products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; certain assumptions related to consumer purchasing patterns; the seasonal nature of the Company's business; the timely implementation by the Company of its plan to prepare its computer systems for the year 2000 and timely conversion by other parties on which the Company's business relies; and the impact of federal, state and local environmental requirements (including the impact of current or future environmental claims against the Company). As a result, the Company's results may fluctuate. Additional information concerning risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's best estimates as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update such estimates except as required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. FARBERWARE is a registered trademark of Farberware, Inc..