Baird Industrial Conference to Showcase 90 Companies; Largest Conference Dedicated to Industrial Companies Marks Its 35th Year

Business Wire, Nov 8, 2005

CHICAGO -- Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird), an employee-owned international capital markets, private equity and wealth and asset management firm, kicks off its 35th Industrial Conference today at the Four Seasons. The two-day event features 90 companies and hosts more than 1000 investors and attendees. It is the largest investment conference dedicated to industrial companies.

As a recognized leader in equity research, Baird has gained international exposure in the analysis of machinery, automotive, transportation and emerging industrial companies. Senior executives from over 90 leading public corporations, representing companies in the industrial sector, will explore the critical factors facing this sector.

Says Director of Research Robert Venable: "Baird has always had its finger on the pulse of the Industrial Heartland. This event showcases some of the best industrial companies and provides an excellent forum for investors to immerse themselves in the sector."

Baird sponsors several industry-specific conferences each year, offering institutional investors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the people shaping the future of the business world. Each conference brings together investors and senior executives for an in-depth look at the strategies companies are implementing to grow their businesses and create shareholder value. Through formal presentations, followed by Q&A sessions, investors gain insight into public and private companies.

"This Conference highlights Baird's firm-wide commitment to the Industrial Sector as well as our focus on identifying quality investment opportunities for our clients," says Baird President & Chief Executive Officer Paul Purcell.

Research Analysts at Baird were well-represented in this year's Wall Street Journal "Best on the Street 2005 Analysts Survey." Five Baird analysts won six "Best on the Street" awards, a record for Baird. Baird analysts were also recognized in the Forbes.com/StarMine list of best equity analysts.

About Baird

Baird, established in 1919, is an employee-owned international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Baird's principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird's private equity operations.

Committed to being a great place to work, Baird is one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2005 and was also included on the magazine's 2004 list. Robert W. Baird & Co. is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and other principal exchanges and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Robert W. Baird Ltd., a member of the London Stock Exchange, and Granville Baird Capital Partners Ltd. are authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority. For more information, please visit Baird's Web site at www.rwbaird.com.