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A.T. CROSS COMPANY ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF SALE
LEASEBACK TRANSACTION
LINCOLN, RI REMAINS AS GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
Lincoln, RI – March 5, 2007 – A.T. Cross Company (AMEX:
ATX) today announced that it has completed a sale leaseback transaction
involving its Rhode Island global headquarters and manufacturing facility. Gross
proceeds to be received by Cross are approximately $15.7 million. In conjunction
with the transaction, Cross agreed to lease back approximately 154,000 square feet
of administrative, distribution and manufacturing space through 2017 at its current
location in Lincoln, RI where it will continue to house its corporate headquarters.
The Cross property was sold to Albion Crossing LLC, a partnership between Gray's
Point Investments LLC, a Rhode Island institutional developer, and Perseus Realty
Partners of Washington, D.C., a commercial real estate development fund. Albion
Crossing intends to convert the remaining space into Class A office space. Cross
was represented in the transaction by CB Richard Ellis/New England.
David G. Whalen, President and Chief Executive Officer of A.T. Cross said, “This
transaction has several important implications. First, it is a transaction that
monetizes a significant but non-strategic asset in a financing move that further
strengthens our already strong balance sheet. Second, it was an important final
step associated with the transition of most of our manufacturing overseas. Lastly,
by entering into an agreement for at least the next ten years for approximately
154,000 square feet at our existing location, it signals our intention to remain
an important part of the Rhode Island business landscape.”
About A.T. Cross Company
Building on the rich tradition of its award-winning writing instruments and reputation
for innovation and craftsmanship, A.T. Cross Company is a designer and marketer
of branded personal and business accessories. Cross provides a range of distinctive
products that appeal to a growing market of consumers seeking to enhance their image
and facilitate their lifestyle. Cross products, including award-winning quality
writing instruments, leather goods, timepieces, and business accessories and Costa
Del Mar sunglasses, are distributed in retail and corporate gift channels worldwide.
For more information, visit the A.T. Cross website at
www.cross.com and Costa Del Mar.
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (including but not limited to statements relating
the expected strength of the Company’s balance sheet ). In addition, words such
as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject
to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the success of the Company’s
strategic and tactical plans, and are not guarantees since there are inherent difficulties
in predicting future results. Actual results could differ materially from those
expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The information contained
in this document is as of March 2, 2007. The Company assumes no obligation to update
any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information
or future events or developments. Additional discussion of factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from management's expectations is contained
in the Company's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
CONTACTS:
Kevin F. Mahoney
Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
401-335-8470
Integrated Corporate Relations
James Palczynski/David Griffith
203-682-8200
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