Genuine Parts Faces Various Asbestos-Related Lawsuits
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Published November 29, 2002


In response to recent releases regarding the automotive aftermarket and 
litigation, Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) said that it has been 
named as one of many defendants in a relatively small number of 
lawsuits regarding the sale of products containing asbestos. 

While litigation of any type contains an element of uncertainty, Genuine
Parts Company believes that its defense and ultimate resolution of 
pending and reasonably anticipated claims will continue to occur within 
the ordinary course of Genuine Parts Company's business, and that 
resolution of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on 
Genuine Parts Company's operations or consolidated business and 
financial condition. 
  
COMPANY PROFILE 
Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) 
2999 Circle 75 Pkwy.
Atlanta, GA 30339    
Phone: 770-953-1700
Fax: 770-956-2211
http://www.genpt.com 
    
Employees              :          31,000 
Revenue                : $ 8,220,700,000 
Net Income             : $   297,100,000 
Assets                 : $ 4,206,600,000 
Liabilities            : $ 1,861,600,000 
(As of December 31, 2001)

Description: Genuine Parts Company is a distributor of automotive 
replacement parts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company also 
distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico 
through its Motion Industries subsidiary. S.P. Richards Company, the 
Office Products Group, distributes product nationwide in the U.S. and in 
Canada. The Electrical/Electronic Group, EIS, Inc., distributes 
electrical and electronic components throughout the U.S. and Mexico.