"WHOLE-HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT" TECHNOLOGY EXPANDS NORTEK'S PRODUCT OFFERING FOR HOMEBUILDERS

PROVIDENCE, RI, January 17, 2003- In a move to expand its product offering for the nation's homebuilders, Nortek, Inc. today announced that its Linear Corporation subsidiary has acquired ELAN HOME SYSTEMS, L.L.C. ("ELAN"), a leading manufacturer and designer of high-performance consumer electronic equipment that controls whole-house entertainment, communication and automation systems for new residential construction and retrofit markets. ELAN is a 12-year-old, privately held firm located in Lexington, Kentucky. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

ELAN's products allow customers to control and listen to music in any room of the house that is playing from a centrally-located source; control and view any video source in any room of a home; and control other house-wide systems such as lighting, security and HVAC. Through ELAN, Nortek will benefit from the growth in the home automation/home entertainment market, which is being driven by the proliferation of such products as VCR, cable, DVD systems, laserdiscs, satellite television and the Internet. ELAN's product lines complement those of Xantech and Multiplex, Linear subsidiaries which also manufacture and sell products to distribute audio, video and data in residences. These companies as a group are positioned to become the market leader in this industry segment.

Richard L. Bready, Nortek's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said that "One of our major business strategies is to acquire growing businesses that complement our existing wide range of products for the home. The acquisition of ELAN gives us the opportunity to complement our already strong position with homebuilders by providing them with state-of-the-art whole-house technology." Mr. Bready added that he was very pleased that Bob Farinelli, President, and Paul Starkey, Executive Vice President, are remaining with the company to continue its growth pattern.

Nortek* (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nortek Holdings, Inc.) 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 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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