Regal Beloit Corporation to Acquire Electrical Products Company from A.O. Smith Corporation


BELOIT, Wis., Dec. 13, 2010 - REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION (NYSE: RBC) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the stock and assets of the Electrical Products Company ("EPC") from A.O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS). EPC manufactures and sells a full line of motors for hermetic, pump, distribution, HVAC and general industrial applications.

Total consideration for the transaction is approximately $875 million, including $700 million of cash and approximately $175 million in shares of Regal Beloit common stock. Regal Beloit expects the acquisition to add annual sales of over $700 million in the first full year following the acquisition and to be accretive in the first full year following the acquisition, excluding one-time transaction-related expenses and purchase accounting adjustments. The majority of these expenses will be incurred in the first quarter following the close of the transaction. Closing will be subject to customary regulatory approvals.

EPC is based in Tipp City, Ohio. Operations include motor manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico, China, and the United Kingdom.

This transaction represents the 7th announced acquisition for Regal Beloit in 2010, all of which are consistent with the company's stated objectives of acquiring businesses that include energy efficiency technology, strengthen the geographic footprint and offer a synergistic fit.

Key attributes of the EPC transaction include:

o Complementary product portfolio

o Leading technology for variable speed hermetic applications

o Patent portfolio with nearly 150 patents

o Expansion of the company's global manufacturing capabilities

o Targeted synergies of $30 million to $40 million achieved over 3 to 4 years

o Future tax benefits related to the deductibility of goodwill and intangible asset amortization, projected to have an estimated present value of at least $45 million to $55 million

Henry Knueppel, CEO and Chairman of Regal Beloit commented, "This is a defining acquisition for Regal Beloit. We believe that this acquisition achieves all three criteria of our acquisition strategy. Equally important, we are looking forward to welcoming the outstanding employees of EPC to our Company. EPC adds exciting new technologies, enhances geographic presence, and drives significant synergies. Furthermore, the transaction is expected to be accretive, excluding non-recurring items and purchase accounting adjustments, the majority of which are expected to occur in the first quarter following the close of the transaction. This transaction provides us with a more complete product and technology portfolio, which will allow us to add value for our customers."

Paul Jones, CEO and Chairman of A.O. Smith commented, "Regal Beloit will be a tremendous steward for our business and we believe that Regal Beloit is a good cultural fit for the EPC organization. This transaction will benefit all of our stakeholders."

Regal Beloit will be holding a conference call to discuss this acquisition at 9:00 AM CST (10:00 AM EST) on Monday, December 13, 2010. To listen to the call via the internet, please go to www.regalbeloit.com/. Individuals who would like to participate by phone should dial 800-860-2442, referencing Regal Beloit. International callers should dial 412-858-4600, referencing Regal Beloit. A telephone replay of the call will be available through March 15, 2011 at 877-344-7529, conference ID 446851. International callers should call 412-317-0088 using the same conference ID. A webcast replay will be available for one year and can be accessed at www.regalbeloit.com/rbceventspresentations.htm.

Credit Suisse served as the exclusive financial advisor to Regal Beloit.

About REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION:

Regal Beloit Corporation is a leading manufacturer of mechanical and electrical motion control and power generation products serving markets throughout the world. Regal Beloit is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, and has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Regal Beloit's common stock is a component of the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index.

Corporate Offices

200 State Street

Beloit, WI 53511-6254

608-364-8808

Fax: 608-364-8818

Website: www.regalbeloit.com

SOURCE Regal Beloit Corporation

CONTACT:

John M. Perino,

Vice President,

Investor Relations of Regal Beloit Corporation,

+1-608-361-7501

Web Site: www.regal-beloit.com

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