NORTEK ANNOUNCES RECORD DATE FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

PROVIDENCE, RI, November 26, 2002- Nortek Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NTK), a leading international designer, manufacturer and marketer of building products, today announced that it has established December 2, 2002 as the record date for its stockholders to receive notice of and vote at the special meeting of stockholders at which stockholders will vote on a proposed amendment to its certificate of incorporation that is required to consummate the pending acquisition of the Company by affiliates of Kelso & Company, L.P. and management.

Nortek Holdings currently anticipates that the special meeting will be held on January 8, 2003. Nortek Holdings will send a definitive proxy statement to such stockholders of record that will contain important information about the proposed amendment to its certificate of incorporation and the proposed acquisition. The proxy statement will also include the date, time and location of the special meeting.

In connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to the special meeting of stockholders, Nortek Holdings has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and will furnish to stockholders of Nortek Holdings, a proxy statement, which stockholders are advised to read as it will contain important information. Stockholders will be able to obtain a free-of-charge copy of such proxy statement, when available, and other relevant documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from its website at www.sec.gov. Such proxy statement and other documents will also, when available, be provided to stockholders by directing a request by mail or telephone to Nortek Holdings, Inc., 50 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Attention: Investor Relations, 401-751-1600. Nortek Holdings, and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from stockholders in favor of the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, be considered "participants" in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation will be set forth in the proxy statement.

Nortek Holdings* is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, competitively priced building, remodeling and indoor environmental control products for the residential and commercial markets. Nortek Holdings offers a broad array of products for improving the environments where people live and work. Its products include range hoods and other spot ventilation products; heating and air conditioning systems; vinyl products, including windows and doors, siding, decking, fencing and accessories; indoor air quality systems; and specialty electronic products.

*As used herein, the term “Nortek Holdings” refers to Nortek Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. This term is used for convenience only and is not intended as a precise description of any of the separate corporations, each of which manages its own affairs.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company’s current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors impacting such forward-looking statements include the availability and cost of raw materials and purchased components, the level of construction and remodeling activity, changes in general economic conditions, the rate of sales growth, and product liability claims. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For further information, please refer to the reports and filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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