The purchase price of approximately $78.5 million was financed through a combination of $60 million in cash and $18.5 million of Barnes Group Inc. common stock. The acquisition will add more than $120 million in annual sales to Barnes Group Inc.'s Barnes Distribution unit.

"The combination of Barnes Distribution and Kar Products creates a powerful industrial distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies, with sales of more than $400 million," said Keith Drewett, President, Barnes Distribution. "With Kar Products added to the Bowman, Mechanics Choice, Curtis and Raymond brands, Barnes Distribution further expands its product offering and geographic presence to better service new and existing customers," added Drewett.

"The acquisition of Kar Products is the eighth strategic acquisition by Barnes Group in less than three years. These acquisitions have added talented people, manufacturing assets, brand names, and technology that complement our three businesses. Barnes Group Inc. is continuing to pursue acquisition opportunities that will build lasting value for our stockholders," said Edmund M. Carpenter, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal parts and distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide range of markets and customers. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, Barnes Group consists of three businesses with 2001 sales of $769 million: Associated Spring, one of the world's largest manufacturers of precision mechanical and nitrogen gas springs; Barnes Aerospace, a manufacturer and repairer of highly engineered assemblies and products for commercial and military aircraft engines and airframes, and for land-based industrial gas turbines; and Barnes Distribution, a full service international distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies. Over 6,200 dedicated employees at more than 60 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Investors are encouraged to consider these risks and uncertainties as described within the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the following: the ability of the Company to integrate newly acquired businesses and to realize acquisition synergies on schedule; changes in market demand for the types of products and services produced and sold by Barnes Group; the Company's success in identifying, and attracting customers in, new markets; the Company's ability to develop new and enhanced products to meet customers' needs timely; the effectiveness of the Company's marketing and sales programs; increased competitive activities, including pricing, advertising and promotions, that could adversely affect customer demand for the Company's products; changes in economic and political conditions, worldwide and in the locations where the Company does business; interest and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; and regulatory changes.

CONTACT:          Barnes Group
                  Investor Relations
                  Phillip J. Penn, 860/973-2126
                  or
                  Corporate Communications
                  Stephen J. McKelvey, 860/973-2132

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