SALEM, N.H. - Standex International Corp. announced that it has acquired the Kool Star Division of Three-Star Refrigeration Engineering Inc. Kool Star, a walk-in cold storage manufacturer, services primarily the West Coast and Southwest portions of the United States. Its annual sales are approximately $9 million. Standex expects that the transaction will contribute to its earnings by the end of fiscal 2006. Kool Star will be integrated into Standex's Food Service Equipment Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Officials hope the acquisition of Kool Star enables the Food Service Equipment Group at Standex to accelerate its sales growth and enhance profitability; increase market penetration of its walk-in cooler and freezer business in the West Coast and Southwest portions of the United States; leverage the new Mexican facility as the first major step in building the company's manufacturing presence there; and further capitalize on its purchasing power.

"This transaction is squarely in line with our strategy of leveraging the strengths of our core businesses and building larger, more profitable operating groups," stated Standex president and CEO Roger Fix. "A key component of that strategy is to acquire companies that can provide operational and cost synergies and can quickly contribute to Standex's growth and profitability. Kool Star is a perfect strategic fit with our Food Service Equipment Group and is an ideal example of the type of company we are seeking."