Cooper Industries Appoints Gary A. Masse Group President, Tools & Hardware

Business Wire, Jan 5, 2006

HOUSTON -- Cooper Industries, Ltd. (NYSE:CBE) today announced the appointment of Gary A. Masse as group president, Cooper Tools & Hardware. In his new position, Mr. Masse will be responsible for the Cooper Hand Tools business unit headquartered in Raleigh, NC and the Cooper Power Tools organization headquartered in Lexington, SC. Mr. Masse joins Cooper after nine years with Danaher Corporation where he most recently served as Vice President and Group Executive of Gilbarco-Veeder Root after holding executive positions in several other units of Danaher. Earlier in his career, Mr. Masse spent 12 years in operating and management positions with General Electric. He holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Hartford.

"We are delighted to have an individual with Gary Masse's demonstrated skills and experience leading our global Tools & Hardware segment," said Kirk S. Hachigian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cooper Industries. "He brings a wealth of experience and management expertise to Cooper that will continue improvements in operating performance and market expansion of our Cooper Hand Tools and Cooper Power Tools businesses. Gary is a great addition to our management team with the insight and experience to expand the product offering and global reach of our tools businesses."

Masse replaces Steven L. Sisney, who has left Cooper to pursue other opportunities.

Cooper's tools and hardware organization consists of 56 manufacturing and sales facilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia Pacific and offers an extensive line of electric and pneumatic industrial power tools, automated assembly systems and premium hand tools.

Cooper Industries, with 2004 revenues of $4.8 billion, is a worldwide manufacturer of electrical products, tools and hardware. Additional information about Cooper is available on the company's World Wide Web site: www.cooperindustries.com.