Connersville, Indiana, September 18, 2009 ? Stant continues to make substantial progress in its effort to emerge from its July 2009 Chapter 11 filing.  The September 15^th Delaware court hearing approved the Stant asset purchase by the stalking horse bidder, HIG affiliate, Vapor Acquisition Corporation.  This latest court action means Stant will emerge from the Chapter 11 process earlier than planned.  The next steps for Stant will be to complete the sale in October and immediately return to normal operations of the business.  From the initial July 27, 2009 filing date, Stant’s time in the Chapter 11 process will be less than 75 days. 

“This is great news for Stant’s family of customers, suppliers, and employees.  The emerging company will be well positioned to support current customers and new projects”, said Marlon Bailey, CEO of Stant.  “We appreciate all of the support our customers, employees, and suppliers have shown through this short Chapter 11 reorganization period.  We also thank the many professional people and the Delaware Court for the support provided during Chapter 11.  Stant will emerge from Chapter 11 with a capital structure that supports organic growth opportunities and position Stant to be a financially healthy and stable organization.  All of us at Stant look forward to continuing to serve customers well and growing our business.”

About Stant Corporation:

Stant is headquartered in Connersville, Indiana, and has facilities in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mexico, China, and the Czech Republic.  Founded in 1898, Stant has earned its reputation for quality and innovation in the automotive industry. Stant is recognized as the world’s leading supplier of automotive and industrial fuel, oil and radiator caps, fuel vapor control valves and thermostats for both the original equipment markets and the automotive aftermarket.

About H.I.G. Capital:

H.I.G. Capital is a leading global private equity investment firm with more than $7.5 billion of equity capital under management.  Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, and San Francisco in the U.S., as well as affiliate offices in London, Hamburg and Paris in Europe, H.I.G. specializes in providing capital to small and medium-sized companies with attractive growth potential.  Since its founding, H.I.G. invested in and managed more than 200 companies worldwide.  The firm's current portfolio includes companies with combined revenues in excess of $7 billion.  For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com