Contact:
Lynn Carlisle
Carlisle Communications, Inc.
ljc@carlislecommunications.com

CARON® INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES WESTEX® CORPORATION
Strategic acquisition broadens presence in stitchery category

NOVEMBER 15, 2006, WASHINGTON, NC—Caron International announces the acquisition of Westex Corporation, a New Jersey-based importer of needlework notions and accessories. Neil Finkelstein, president of Westex and long-time veteran in the creative industries, will join the Caron management team.

“We are delighted to add the Westex line of products and Neil’s considerable expertise to our resources as a category leader,” notes Ed Bolen, Vice President and General Manager of Caron International, a division of National Spinning Company. "This acquisition expands our presence in the yarn and stitchery aisle and complements our extensive yarn, needlework kit and knitting machine lines.” Westex products are currently sold at Wal-Mart, Michaels Stores, Jo-Ann Stores, A.C. Moore and Hobby Lobby.

“As we pursue a focused plan for growth and diversification of the Caron product offering, we expect to leverage Neil’s experience and expertise in sales, global sourcing and new product development.”

Current Westex operations have been relocated to and customers will be serviced from Caron’s Washington, North Carolina distribution center.

For additional information, contact Lynn Carlisle, Carlisle Communications, Inc. ljc@carlislecommunications.com.