PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2001--Avery Dennison Corp. (NYSE:AVY) (PCX:AVY) today announced the acquisition of CD Stomper(R), a leading product line of CD and DVD labels and label applicator, from Stomp Inc., a software developer and manufacturer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.

"Avery Dennison becomes the largest manufacturer in the fast-growing CD and DVD label and applicator market as a result of this acquisition," said Philip M. Neal, chairman and chief executive officer of Avery Dennison.

The acquisition includes capital assets and intellectual property developed by Stomp. With the acquisition and a related software license, Avery Dennison obtains the popular CD Stomper brand, which includes a CD and DVD labeling system composed of software, label materials and a patented label applicator.

CD Stomper's applicator product is compatible with Avery-brand CD and DVD labels. Sales in 2000 for the CD Stomper product line were nearly $20 million.

"Avery Dennison's operational and distribution strengths are key to continued growth for the CD Stomper brand," said Neal. "In addition, CD Stomper's presence in retail electronics outlets and discount club stores expands our distribution channels for Avery-brand CD and DVD label products."

Avery Dennison is a global leader in pressure-sensitive technology and innovative self-adhesive solutions for consumer products and label materials. Based in Pasadena, the company had 2000 sales of $3.9 billion.

Avery Dennison develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of products for consumer and industrial markets, including Avery-brand office products, Fasson-brand self-adhesive materials, peel-and-stick postage stamps, battery labels, reflective highway safety products, automated retail tag and labeling systems, and specialty tapes and chemicals.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information presented in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results and trends may differ materially from historical or expected results depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to price and availability of raw materials, foreign exchange rates, worldwide and local economic conditions, financial condition and inventory strategies of customers, acceptance of new products, fluctuations in demand affecting sales to customers, and other matters referred to in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.