Benthos Completes Acquisition of Datasonics

Business Wire, August 20, 1999

NORTH FALMOUTH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 1999--

BENTHOS, INC. (NASDAQ:BTHS) announced today that its acquisition of Datasonics, Inc. has been completed for a purchase price, subject to post closing balance sheet adjustment, of approximately $6.65 million in cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities.

Datasonics is a leading supplier of underwater acoustic products including side scan sonar systems, acoustic relocation devices, and high-speed underwater acoustic modems and data telemetry systems. In addition to its own line of acoustic systems, Benthos is a leading supplier of oceanographic equipment, including flotation products, geophysical hydrophones, imaging systems, and remotely operated vehicles.

In a joint statement, Benthos Chairman Stephen D. Fantone and President and CEO John L. Coughlin said, "The completion of the Datasonics acquisition is a major milestone for Benthos. Not only has our revenue base been considerably enhanced, but also our position as a major provider of acoustic technology. This is a significant step toward growing the Benthos business and illustrates our commitment to the strategic goals we have set for ourselves."

Benthos, Inc., through its Undersea Systems Division, designs, manufactures, sells and services a variety of oceanographic products for underwater tasks; and through its TapTone Container Inspection Division makes systems for testing consumer packages made of glass, metal or plastic. The common stock of the Company is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap market under the symbol BTHS. For more information, Benthos can be found on the internet at www.benthos.com.

The statements in this news release and in oral statements which may be made by representatives of the Company relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities Laws. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors which include: the timing of large project orders, competitive factors, shifts in customer demand, government spending, economic cycles, availability of financing as well as the factors described in this news release. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.