GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS—(May 3, 2010)—Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) today announced that it has acquired Vertique, a leading producer of automated warehouse solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Vertique will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITW and part of the company's existing consumer packaging businesses. ITW will continue to operate Vertique as a separate business under the Hartness/Vertique brand name.

"With the acquisition of Hartness International in 2009, Vertique will be an excellent addition to ITW's growing warehouse automation platform." said Tim Gardner, executive vice president of ITW. "Additionally, Vertique's long partnership with Hartness complements ITW's existing global portfolio of businesses."

Vertique is based in Arden, North Carolina.

With $13.9 billion in 2009 revenues, ITW is a multi-national manufacturer of a diversified range of value-adding and short-lead time industrial products and equipment. The Company consists of approximately 800 business units in 57 countries and employs approximately 59,000 people.

To learn more, please visit www.vertique.com or www.itw.com.

SOURCE Illinois Tool Works Inc.

CONTACT: Alison Donnelly of Illinois Tool Works Inc., +1-847-657-4565, or adonnelly@itw.com