Neptune~Benson Acquires Lawson Aquatics

Source: Neptune~BensonCoventry, Rhode Island (January 2, 2011) - Neptune~Benson, Inc., leading manufacturer of commercial pool filtration systems, announced today that is has acquired the business of Lawson Aquatics, Inc., premier manufacturer of main drain and rim-flow system components. The Lawson acquisition marks the first major step towards fulfilling the strategic growth objectives announced as part of Neptune~Benson's recent partnership with Audax Group, a leading investor in middle market companies with offices in Boston and New York.

"We are extremely pleased to be joining forces with Neptune~Benson" said Robert Lawson, Lawson Aquatics' founder & CEO. "The market synergies inherent in the combination of our two industry-leading organizations will allow us to provide the best collaborative service and technology available in the commercial aquatics industry today."

While Lawson Aquatics will be managed out of Neptune~Benson's world headquarters in Coventry, Rhode Island, the company will retain its key personnel and will continue to operate under the Lawson Aquatics name for the foreseeable future. The combination of Neptune~Benson's technical expertise and history of product innovation with Lawson's recognized brand presence, market-leading product portfolio and outstanding business relations will help to create a significantly more robust product and service offering for Neptune~Benson and Lawson customers alike.

"The entire Neptune~Benson organization is delighted that our first acquisition is an organization with such an outstanding reputation for upholding the same high standards for product quality and customer service that define our own company" said Barry Gertz, Neptune Benson President and CEO. "This event represents the first step in building an emerging portfolio of companies dedicated to serving the needs of the aquatics industry and growing our market presence worldwide. We are committed to providing a continuity of quality and service to Lawson's current customers while helping to enhance the capabilities and market penetration of both our brands."

About Neptune-Benson, Inc. Neptune~Benson is the leading manufacturer of fi­ltration systems for aquatic centers, waterparks and aquatic life support. Featuring the award-winning Defender™ Regenerative Media Filter, Neptune~Benson also offers steel & fiberglass sand ­filter systems; the AEGIS anti-entrapment shield; fi­berglass movable bulkheads; Dominion butterfly valves; Guardian strainers and other accessory products. About Lawson Aquatics, Inc. Founded 1994 as Grate Technologies, Lawson Aquatics was incorporated under its current brand in 2002 with a focus on meeting the design and functional requirements of rim-flow grating systems for commercial, institutional and luxury residential pools and aquatic facilities. The Lawson product catalog has evolved and grown over the years adding a wide variety of high quality PVC and fiberglass components including grating systems, main drains and sumps, and custom fabricated products. Today, Lawson Aquatics is the recognized leader in providing the global aquatic industry with complete, integrated main drain and rim-flow system components.