FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2006
Accessories Marketing Contact: Jim Cegelski  
888-45-SLIME
jim@slime.com

McMurry Contact: Jessica Hansen  
602-395-5850
jessica.hansen@mcmurry.com


 Slime® Poised for Greater Expansion
with Investment by Friend Skoler & Co., Inc.

Accessories Marketing, Inc. Joins Extensive Automotive Aftermarket Portfolio  


GROVER BEACH, CA. — Accessories Marketing, Inc. (AMI), the makers of Slime tire sealant and tire care products, has agreed to sell an interest in the company to Friend Skoler & Co., Inc., a private equity firm that invests in leading middle market companies.  Finalized on December 7, 2006, the partnership will provide AMI with greater financial resources and access to capital for expansion. In addition, it will provide AMI the opportunity to work with Friend Skoler’s portfolio of automotive aftermarket companies.

Since 1989, Slime has been a pioneer and innovator in tire sealant and tire repair technology. Exported to more than 36 countries, Slime is the most widely distributed tire sealant in the world. OEM customers in the automotive, motorcycle and bicycle industries rely on Slime sealants, and Slime branded products are sold in over 50,000 retail distribution points worldwide.

Equity capital for the transaction was provided by Friend Skoler Equity Investors, L.P., senior management and the employees of AMI.   The company plans to maintain its operational headquarters in Grover Beach, CA.  Steve Cegelski, co-founder of AMI, will retire from his position as President and continue to assist the company in a consulting capacity. Jim Cegelski and Rodney Cegelski, who are credited, along with Steve, for growing Slime into a market share leader, will stay on as CEO and Executive Vice President, respectively.

“The benefits of this relationship with Friend Skoler include continuity of management and operations, an opportunity to exponentially expand the Slime business and product array, and new opportunities for employees to participate in the ownership of the business. That’s a win-win-win.” said Jim Cegelski. “Our retailers and distributors should notice no change in their experience with us, other than new opportunities.”


“We are excited to partner with Jim and Rodney Cegelski and the talented Slime management team to help build this dynamic company,” said Alexander Friend, a Managing Director of Friend Skoler & Co. “Slime is a proven leader with great product selection and a smart track record of innovation."

About Friend Skoler & Co.
Founded in 1998, Friend Skoler & Co. is a private equity firm that invests in leading companies in the smaller end of the middle market in partnership with management. FSC typically invests between $10 million and $40 million of equity per transaction and manages Friend Skoler Equity Investors, L.P., a private equity fund with $231 million of capital commitments. Friend Skoler’s previous automotive aftermarket investments include Hopkins Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialized towing products and functional accessories, and Carrand Companies, a manufacturer and marketer of automotive cleaning products.  Friend Skoler is headquartered in Saddle Brook, NJ. For additional information, please visit www.friendskoler.com.

About Accessories Marketing, Inc.
Accessories Marketing, Inc. is the leader in flat tire prevention and repair. The Slime brand sealant is the most widely distributed liquid tire sealant in the world. The company’s products are distributed in more than 36 countries.  Slime products are sold at more than 50,000 retail distribution points worldwide and the company is ISO 9001:2000 certified. With distribution facilities in the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia, major OEMs in the automotive, motorcycle and bicycle industries rely on Slime sealant to prevent and repair flat tires. The Slime formulation is manufactured in-house using automated technology and undergoes regular product testing to ensure reliability. For additional information on the full line of Slime tire care and inflation products, please visit www.slime.com.

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