RNS Number:2659W
Brunswick Corp
08 March 2004

Brunswick Agrees to Acquire Three Aluminum Boat Brands

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Mar 8, 2004 -- Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced
today it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Crestliner, Lowe and
Lund aluminum boat brands from Genmar Industries, Inc., for approximately $191
million in cash.

"These brands are an ideal complement to Brunswick's line of fiberglass
runabouts, cruisers and yachts, as well as our line of aluminum boats in the
Princecraft brand," said Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George
W. Buckley. "This acquisition will expand our offerings to include a broader
array of products in the important aluminum boat segments, in which we have
littlepresence."

The agreement covers the purchase of Crestliner, Inc., based in Little Falls,
Minn.; Lowe Boats, Inc., based in Lebanon, Mo.; Lund Boats, Inc., of New York
Mills, Minn., and Genmar Boats Canada, Inc. (which produces the Lund brand in
Canada), of Steinbach, Manitoba. Each of these companies produces numerous
models of aluminum fishing, pontoon, deck and utility boats ranging from 10 to
25 feet. Combined, these entities had sales of approximately $311 million in the
year ended June 30, 2003.

Commenting on the earnings impact, Buckley said, "On an annualized basis, these
businesses would add approximately $0.14 per diluted share to the company's
earnings. How much of that we would realize in 2004, however, will depend on
precisely when the acquisition is closed." Subject to governmental approval and
other customary closing conditions, the company said it expects to complete the
transaction by the beginning of the second quarter.

"The goal of the Brunswick Boat Group isto offer our dealers a full line of
products in all major powerboat segments," said group President Dustan E. McCoy.
"Currently, we do not participate in the aluminum segment in any meaningful way
in the United States. The addition of these quality brands represents a
significant step in our effort to 'fill the white spaces' in our product line-up
and to offer dealers a full range of products to meet their customers'
particular boating needs. In addition, this acquisition supports our effort to
provide consumers with products that benefit from an integrated approach to boat
and engine manufacturing, allowing the efficiencies, product planning and
integration to deliver a more satisfying boat-owning experience."

The company said the agreement contains provisions for additional consideration
of up to $30 million to be paid in three years based on the achievement of
certain financial targets over that time period.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward looking as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve
certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
materially from expectations as of the date of this release. These risks
include, but are not limited to, the effect of a weak economy and stock market
on consumer confidence and thus on demand for marine products; the impact of
interest rates, fuel prices and weather conditions on demand for marine
products; the ability to maintain product quality and service standards expected
by our customers; the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; the
ability to maintain effective distribution; competitive pricing pressures; and
the financial strength of dealers and independent boat builders. Additional
factors are included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003.

About Brunswick

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill
"Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) inall its leading consumer brands, including Mercury
and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard
engines; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Northstar marine
electronics; Navman GPS-based products; IDS dealer management systems; Sea Ray,
Bayliner, Maxum, Hatteras, Meridian and Sealine pleasure boats; Baja
high-performance boats; Boston Whaler and Trophy offshore fishing boats;
Princecraft fishing, deck and pontoon boats; Attwood marine parts and
accessories; Land 'N' Sea marine parts and accessories distributor; Life
Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling
centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and
Valley-Dynamo pool, Air Hockeyand foosball tables. For more information, visit
www.brunswick.com .

Kathryn Chieger, Vice President - Corporate and Investor

Relations, +1-847-735-4612, Dan Kubera, Director - Financial and Public

Relations, +1-847-735-4617, both of Brunswick Corporation

www.brunswick.com



"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995: Statements in this press release regarding Brunswick Corporation's
business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that
involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and
uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained
in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual
Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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