TEMPLATE – FRANCE98 – Press Release

Paris, November 14, 1997

American Power Conversion’s uninterruptible power supplies selected 1998 World Cup’s official power protection products

The French Organising Committee and American Power Conversion (APC) today announced that APC’s uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have been given the exclusive designation of Official Power Protection Products of the 1998 World Cup. The World Cup is expected to draw more than 37 billion television viewers (cumulative) worldwide.

Based in West Kingston, Rhode Island, APC is a world leader in the designing, manufacturing and marketing of power protection equipment, including surge suppressors, UPSs and power-conditioning equipment.

In this partnership, APC will supply the French Organization Committee with UPSs beginning December 4, 1997 when the 32 finalist teams will be selected. This equipment will guarantee safe and reliable power to the entire network at all 11 World Cup sites including the 10 Organising cities and the International Media Center. APC UPSs will guarantee constant power quality which is essential in many different sectors, such as computer networks.

“The French Organization Committee has chosen APC for its world-wide reputation for product reliability,” said Fernand Sastre, co-president of France ‘98. “We are confident that APC’s comprehensive product offering will suit all of the Committee’s needs during the event.”

“We are very proud to be part of the group of companies that is supporting this prestigious event,” said Rodger B. Dowdell, Jr., APC’s president and CEO.

Signing this contract, APC becomes the seventh company to join the World Cup’s Official Products and Services group which includes Air France, CPW/Nestlé Céréales, Cyanamid, Lavazza, Michelin, and Total.