NORTEK EXPANDS HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS PRODUCT LINE

ACQUIRES XANTECH CORPORATION

A Pioneer in the Development of Infrared Remote Control Extension Systems, Xantech has Sold More Than A Million Systems Worldwide

PROVIDENCE, RI, December 8, 1999, Nortek, Inc. (NYSE:NTK), moving aggressively to expand its product line of state-of-the-art technology devices for in-home entertainment systems, today announced that it has acquired Xantech Corporation, a privately held company headquartered in Sylmar, California.

Xantech is a leading designer and manufacturer of residential infrared remote control systems for extending control of VCR, cable, satellite and stereo systems to multiple rooms throughout an entire household—has already sold more than 1 million systems worldwide.

Xantech has led the way in creating an entire line of products that lets homeowners operate a wide variety of entertainment systems from any room in the house. Having first pioneered and patented the concept of remote control extension systems in 1983, Xantech has become the premier choice of more than 1,000 custom audio/video installers around the world. Xantech products include infrared emitters and receivers, multi-room matrix preamplifiers and multi-channel amplifiers, in-wall keypads and hand-held remotes, in-wall speakers and volume controls.

Richard L. Bready, Nortek Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “A major part of our strategy is to acquire growing businesses that complement our existing wide range of products for the home. The acquisition of Xantech creates major business synergies with other Nortek operating companies including Linear Corporation of Carlsbad, California, a leader in wireless security and access control products and Multiplex Technology, Inc., of Brea, California, a leading supplier of Channelplus brand multi-room audio/video and data distribution equipment.  Nortek now offers distributors, custom-installers, builders, OEM’s, and consumers more innovative and expanded solutions for home entertainment and home automation, further moving forward our strategy of helping to provide a total quality living environment for the 21^st Century.

Nortek* 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. The Company 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, wood and vinyl windows and doors, vinyl siding products, indoor air quality systems, and specialty electronic products.

*As used herein, the term “Nortek” refers to Nortek, 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 expectations and involve risks that could cause actual future results to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors impacting such forward looking statements include changes in the availability and cost of purchased components, general economic conditions and other risks detailed in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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