Life Fitness acquires controlling stake in Hungarian manufacturer

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. – Sept. 24, 2003 – Life Fitness, the leading global manufacturer of a full line of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, today announced it has acquired 80 percent of Protokon, LLC, Kiskoros, Hungary, a leading European equipment manufacturer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Protokon is widely recognized for its technological expertise, manufacturing capabilities and its skilled management team. With additional locations in Budapest and Eger, Hungary, Protokon has been ISO 9001 certified since 1996 and is a registered member of the International IQNET Quality Control System. Life Fitness’ Signature Series selectorized strength equipment will be produced at Protokon’s new 25,000-square-foot plant in Kiskoros.

“Manufacturing strength products in Hungary is fueled by our increased market share and outstanding growth opportunities in Europe, and allows us to reduce our costs, be closer to our customers and ultimately better serve those local markets,” said Kevin S. Grodzki, president of Life Fitness. “This also offers the opportunity to expand our operation to manufacture cardiovascular equipment at the facility, which likely will be some time in 2004.”

Voyl Divljakovic, executive vice president of integrated operations at Life Fitness, will assume day-to-day responsibility for this operation.

About Life Fitness

Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), is the global leader in designing and manufacturing a full line of reliable, high-quality fitness equipment for commercial and consumer use. It is the largest commercial fitness equipment provider in the world and the only fitness equipment manufacturer that has been providing premium equipment for more than 25 years. Life Fitness’ cardiovascular and strength-training products, including the renowned Lifecycle exercise bike, are used in health, fitness and wellness facilities, as well as in homes, worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Franklin Park, Ill., and distributes its equipment in more than 120 countries.

Life Fitness and Lifecycle are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation.

Life Fitness, 10601 West Belmont Ave., Franklin Park, Ill. 60131 Phone: 847.288.3300, www.lifefitness.com

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