27 October 1998 - Hamburg. YXLON International Holding GmbH announced today that it has acquired the assets of LumenX Company. LumenX is a division of Alltrista Corporation of Indianapolis, USA. With the acquisition of LumenX, YXLON International strengthens its position as the world's largest industrial X-ray company with combined revenues close to DM 100 Million and more than 250 employees.

YXLON International was formed by the merger of Philips Industrial X-Ray of Hamburg, Germany, and Andrex AS of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is the world's leading supplier of industrial X-ray equipment for non-destructive testing with the most comprehensive range of products, from portable X-ray units to fully automatic inspection systems. YXLON's systems find applications for instance in the aerospace, automotive, and the casting industries in order to meet the increasing needs for safe and reliable products.

YXLON International is owned by its management and an international investor group led by Botts & Company Limited, London. All of the funding for the acquisition of LumenX was provided by YXLON's shareholders.

The purchase of LumenX will provide YXLON with an important position in the market for tire inspection systems and further strengthen its customer support and service capabilities, particularly in the North American market.

For more information please contact one of the following:

YXLON International Holding GmbH Hamburg, Germany Tel: ++ 49 40 5078 1712 Fax: ++ 49 40 5078 2144 Contact person: Mr. J. Kosanetzky

YXLON International AS Copenhagen, Denmark Tel: ++ 45 32 54 15 40 Fax: ++ 45 32 54 99 60 Contact person: Mr. J.U. Madsen

YXLON International, Inc. Duluth, GA USA Tel: ++ 1 770 622 0924 Fax: ++ 1 770 622 0892 Contact person: Mr. Frank Brant

YXLON International Inc. LumenX Division Mogadore, OH USA Tel: ++1 330 7984800 Fax: ++1 330 784 9854 Contact person: Mr. Chas Gilmore