Thomas Industries Inc. announced that is has finalized the acquisition of certain assets of the side channel blower business of Ruey Chaang Electric Co., Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan. The side channel blower business had sales of approximately nine million dollars in 2004 and has 34 employees.

"This acquisition provides us with capabilities to produce a high quality, low cost side channel blower," said Timothy C. Brown, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Industries Inc. "This will enhance our Asian presence and provide further opportunities for growth through our global distribution network," he added.

As previously announced, Ruey Chaang's side channel blower business will be merged into the Company's Rietschle Thomas Taiwan operation.

Thomas Industries Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, designs, manufactures and markets Rietschle Thomas brand pumps and compressors for use in global OEM applications, supported by worldwide sales and service for key customer applications and end-user markets. High quality automotive component castings are also a key offering. Other products include Welch laboratory equipment and Oberdorfer bronze and high alloy liquid pumps. Thomas has wholly-owned operations in 21 countries, spanning five continents.