[NTIACNews]GE Completes Hocking Acquisition

[Chris R. Coughlin]

Hello All,

General Electric Inspection Technologies announced this morning that 
they had completed their acquisition of Hocking NDT, an English eddy 
current OEM.  Their press release follows.

Regards,
Chris

GE Inspection Technologies Completes Acquisition of Hocking NDT
Cologne, Germany - August 2, 2004

GE Inspection Technologies, a division of GE Transportation, has 
completed its acquisition of Hocking NDT Limited (Hocking), after 
receipt of all required regulatory approvals.  The transaction, terms of 
which were not disclosed, was completed on July 31, 2004.

Hocking, located in St. Albans, England, is recognized internationally 
as an innovative designer of high-quality eddy current products, ranging 
from hand-held instruments and probes to small systems.  Its products 
are used in the aerospace, rail, oil and gas, automotive and metal 
manufacturing industries.  Additional information about Hocking can be 
found at http://www.hocking.com.

"We are very excited about this opportunity," said Chris Hocking, 
Managing Director of Hocking.  "The acquisition of Hocking by GE 
Inspection Technologies brings together two companies focused on 
improving the businesses of our customers.  Hocking's eddy current 
products complement GE Inspection Technologies' industrial radiography 
and ultrasound capabilities.  Hocking and its eddy current expertise 
allow GE Inspection Technologies to quickly solve its customers' NDT 
application problems."

"The acquisition of Hocking is strategic to GE Inspection Technologies,"
said Jeff Nagel, President of GE Inspection Technologies.  "It allows us 
to offer our customers additional inspection technologies and equipment 
to help them improve their manufacturing and repair productivity as well 
as the predictive maintenance capabilities of their field assets.  GE 
has a strong history in the development and application of eddy current 
and other non-destructive testing technology and equipment to support 
its businesses.  The purchase of Hocking provides GE with an eddy 
current platform from which to bring this eddy current array, pulsed 
eddy current and other NDT technology to customers worldwide."

GE Inspection Technologies is a global leader in technology driven
inspection solutions that deliver customer productivity, quality, and
safety.  The company designs, manufactures and services radiographic,
ultrasound and eddy current equipment to test materials without 
deforming or damaging them.  Its products are used in a wide range of 
industries, including aerospace, energy, chemical/petrochemical and 
automotive.  GE Inspection Technologies is headquartered in Huerth, 
Germany.  More information can be found at 
http://www.GEInspectionTechnologies.com.

Contacts:

Dirk Snauwaert
Manager, Global Communications
GE Inspection Technologies, GmbH
Tel: +1.513.552.4683
Dirk.Snauwaert@ae.ge.com

Deborah Case
Media Relations
GE Transportation
+ 1.513.243.0094
Deborah.Case@ae.ge.com

-- 
Chris Coughlin / NTIAC / 415 Crystal Creek Drive / Austin TX 78746
Phone (800)684-2239 or (512)263-2101x227 / FAX (512)263-3530
Email ccoughlin@ntiac.com / Web http://www.ntiac.com