NORTEK SPECIAL COMMITTEE RETAINS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

PROVIDENCE, RI, April 18, 2002 - Nortek, Inc.a leading international designer, manufacturer and marketer of building products, today announced that the Special Committee of the Nortek Board of Directors has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated as the Special Committee's financial advisor to assist it in evaluating the previously announced proposal from Kelso & Company, L.P., a private equity firm based in New York City, to acquire the Company in partnership with certain members of the Company's current management.

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; vinyl products, including windows and doors, siding, decking, fencing and accessories; indoor air quality systems; and specialty electronic products.