Released on July 29, 2008

Monessen Hearth Systems Co., Paris, Ky., a manufacturer of fireplace, stove and hearth products, acquired assets of competitor CFM Corp., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, including its Vermont Castings plant.

The asset purchase agreement was accepted in June by CFM, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. CFM has continued to carry on business during the restructuring period.

Under the terms of the agreement, Monessen will acquire CFM’s operations and assets in Bethel, Vt., and Randolph, Vt. The assets purchased include plants, machinery, equipment, receivables, inventory, certain contracts and intellectual property, among other specific items. Monessen also acquires all shares held in the capital of CFM Mexic.

CFM Corp. manufactures hearth, space heating, barbecue and outdoor grill products in North America. Monessen is a supplier of fireplaces, stoves, hearths and related remote technology products. The company’s 280,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility employs more than 350 and currently produces 95,000 fireplaces and 100,000 log sets annually.