NEWS FLASH !

NEW BALANCE acquires BRINE

BOSTON, August 8, 2006 - New Balance announced today it had acquired Brine, Inc., a recognized industry leader in soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and volleyball, based in Milford, MA.
"Brine's history of manufacturing high-performance team sports products will enable us to broaden our offerings at the global level," says Jim Davis, Chairman and CEO for New Balance. "Brine's motto "Find Your Game," speaks directly to their long-standing support of game improvement products and programs, and fits in well with New Balance's philosophy of promoting personal athletic achievements."
Brine, Inc. is the successor to the original W.H. Brine Company founded in 1922.
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, training, basketball, tennis, cleated and kids. New Balance employs more than 2,800 people around the globe, and in 2005 reported worldwide sales of $1.54 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com