SOLA International Acquires B&W Optical and Southeastern Optical; Strengthens Company's Domestic Prescription Laboratory Network

Business Wire, August 7, 2002

Business Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2002

SOLA International Inc. (NYSE:SOL), a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of spectacle lenses, today announced that it has acquired certain net assets of two optical laboratories: B&W Optical Co. Inc., located in Baltimore, and Southeastern Optical Inc., located in Roanoke, Va.

Jeremy C. Bishop, president and chief executive officer of SOLA, said, "The acquisition of B&W and Southeastern represents an important step in the Company's strategic plan to improve its competitive position in the United States. These labs are among the premier prescription laboratories in the country. We are pleased they have joined SOLA and we hope to acquire other labs of similar quality in the future."

According to Bishop, the acquisition of these labs will help SOLA to better realize its intentions in the independent distribution channel. "Our operating model is straightforward -- create profitable growth for eye care professionals by providing them with innovative products and programs, supported by superior customer service. Our continued focus on innovative products, including the Teflon(R) EasyCare lens coating being launched this fall in North America, requires that we provide a robust distribution system for their delivery. Acquiring high-quality labs is part of that solution."

Mark Ashcroft, president Americas and Europe for SOLA, stated that the acquisitions compliment, rather than replace, the company's independent lab network. "We do not intend to migrate sales of our products away from independent labs to our own. Our goal is increased presence and reach in the market for Teflon(R) EasyCare, with the potential to achieve growth for all labs that support us. Concurrently, we will continue to provide mutually beneficial support to our independent lab partners. We believe that the combination of strengthened distribution and our new lens coating will allow us to restore revenue growth in North America."

B&W and Southeastern generate total annual sales of approximately $13.5 million and is expected to be accretive to fiscal 2003 earnings.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements relating to SOLA's potential growth prospects. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of SOLA. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other things, the highly competitive nature of the eyeglass lens and coating industry; SOLA's need to develop new products; potential adverse developments in the domestic and foreign economic and political environment, including exchange rates, tariffs and other trade barriers and potentially adverse tax consequences; potential difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; and the other factors described in SOLA's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. SOLA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOLA International Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes a broad range of eyeglass lenses, primarily focusing on the faster-growing plastic lens segment of the global lens market, and particularly on higher-margin value-added products. SOLA's strong global presence includes manufacturing and distribution sites in three major regions: North America, Europe and Rest of World (primarily Australia, Asia and South America) and approximately 7,000 employees in 28 countries servicing customers in over 50 markets worldwide. For additional information, visit the company's Web site at www.Sola.com.