Q.E.P. Co., Inc., Ranks 164th on Forbes List of Best Small Companies; Named to List for Second Consecutive Year

Business Wire, Oct 25, 2000

Business Editors

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 2000

Q.E.P. Co., Inc. (Nasdaq:QEPC), was named in the October 30, 2000, issue of Forbes magazine as one of America's 200 best small companies for the second consecutive year.

The Forbes annual ranking is based on criteria it has established for a composite score that measures growth and profitability over the past five years and over the latest 12 months. According to Forbes, these criteria also include less tangible factors, such as forthrightness and clarity in the presentation of investor information. Q.E.P. ranked 166th on the list in 1999.

Q.E.P. Co., Inc., is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of a broad line of specialty tools and flooring-related products. Under brand names Q.E.P., Roberts, and O'Tool, Q.E.P. markets approximately 4,000 specialty tools and related products used primarily for the preparation and installation of ceramic tile, carpet, and marble. The Company sells its products to large home improvement retail centers, as well as traditional distribution outlets in 50 states and 49 countries worldwide.