Jerry Thomas Acquires Thomas Industries

Dalton, GA, June 12, 2007--Jerry L. Thomas, Co-Chairman of the Board of Thomas Industries, LLC, announced today that effective June 8, 2007 he has completed the acquisition of the assets of Thomas Industries, LLC from J. D. Ford Holdings Co, LLC, FR Private Equities, LLC and various other Denver, Colorado investors.

Thomas Industries, LLC is comprised of Templeton Hospitality Carpet, a premier supplier of carpet to the hospitality industry, Monticello Floors, a key producer in the residential market place, Mattel Carpet and Rug, a leading manufacturer of broadloom carpet for a variety of niche markets, and Superior Yarn Technology, a leading manufacturer of BCF Fibers which include solution dyed nylon, polypropylene, PET Polyester, solution dyed polyester, and other synthetic yarns as well as staple fibers and geo-textiles.