GENERAL SIGNAL AGREES TO ACQUIRE BEST POWER TECHNOLOGY.

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 1995--General Signal Corporation (GSX:NYSE) announced today it has signed a definitive agreement with Best Power Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BPTI) for the acquisition of Best Power by General Signal.

"This transaction broadens our GS Electrical Power Systems Group's line of power protection and conversion products and its distribution channels. The addition of Best Power to our existing Sola/Hevi-Duty division positions the combined group to compete effectively in the multi-billion dollar worldwide uninterruptible power supply marketplace and as a global power protection, conversion, and transformer competitor," General Signal chairman and chief executive officer Edmund M. Carpenter said.

Under the terms of the purchase transaction, General Signal would pay $21 per share in cash for all of Best Power's approximately 9.5 million outstanding shares, for a total transaction value of approximately $200 million.

Best Power, based in Necedah, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) products, which provide backup power and protect computers, information networks, and other critical systems from power line disturbances. Sola/Hevi-Duty manufactures uninterruptible power systems and power conditioners/regulators, as well as low-voltage general purpose and control transformers.

"Best Power's strong market position in single-phase and three-phase uninterruptible power supply products complements Sola/Hevi-Duty's power conditioning, DC power supply, and UPS product capabilities," Mr. Carpenter said. "The consolidated company will provide market leadership and brand recognition in the fast-growing single phase uninterruptible power supply and power conditioning market. In addition, it offers combined strengths in the computer, communications, and industrial markets, where the majority of uninterruptible power supply products are used." The acquisition will bring annual sales for General Signal's GS Electrical Power Systems Group, the company's largest business unit, to approximately $475 million.

"The transaction is part of our ongoing effort to augment the competitive position and growth of each of our operations and will represent our 26th "bolt-on" acquisition in six years," Mr. Carpenter concluded.

General Signal Corporation, with 1994 sales of $1.53 billion, is a leading equipment manufacturer for the process control, electrical, and industrial technology industries.

Best Power Technology, Incorporated, with 1994 sales of $149.4 million, is a leading manufacturer of power protection equipment, back-up battery systems, emergency lighting systems, and related components.

CONTACT: General Signal Corporation, Stamford

Nino Fernandez, [phone]