ATLANTA, GA - Russell Corporation (NYSE: RML) announced today it has signed an agreement to acquire Brooks Sports, Inc. for approximately $115 million. Brooks' sales for 2004 are expected to be approximately $95 million and the acquisition is expected to be accretive to Russell's 2005 earnings. The all-cash transaction will be funded with proceeds from Russell's existing credit facility.

Brooks is a leading global provider of performance athletic footwear, apparel and accessories to running enthusiasts worldwide. Its products are sold predominately through specialty running stores and other retail outlets specializing in high quality, performance running products. Approximately 25 percent of Brooks' revenues are generated internationally from 26 countries.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory review and other customary conditions, is expected to be completed by early January 2005.

Expanding Position in Performance Athletic Products

"This is a continuation of our strategy to expand our position as a leading, authentic sporting goods company," said Jack Ward, chairman and CEO. "The addition of athletic performance footwear strengthens Russell's position in the sporting goods business. We believe that this acquisition, just as our other recent acquisitions, is an investment in our future growth."

"Brooks' position as a leader in performance running products will provide a broader platform for Russell as we continue to expand our position in performance athletic products," added Ward. "Like Russell Athletic, Bike, Moving Comfort, Huffy Sports, AAI and Spalding, Brooks is an authentic performance brand with a long history in the sporting goods business. Product excellence, outstanding customer service and grass-roots marketing have helped Brooks steadily gain market share to become one of the most respected brands in the running industry today."

A pioneer in the athletic footwear industry since 1914, Brooks is respected for a long lineage of breakthrough product technologies, including HydroFlow, Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB), and the use of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) in footwear, as well as Vapor-Dry, Aireplex, and other technical fabrics in apparel. Headquartered near Seattle, Brooks employs 165 worldwide.

"We are very pleased that Russell Corporation will be Brooks' new owner," said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks. "Russell understands the athletic industry and the specialty store environment, and they believe passionately in the Brooks brand, strategic vision, and plans for growth."

"Russell enthusiastically supports Brooks' dedication to continue providing best-of-class customer service and products to our partners and customers," continued Weber. "We look forward to investing more in key areas that support Brooks' brand growth, including systems and marketing."

"While Brooks certainly has had a long, successful history, we believe that the company continues to have significant growth potential," Ward said. "Additionally, we believe Brooks has growth opportunities with Russell through a variety of avenues, including leveraging our team track business with high schools and colleges, and expanding Brooks' apparel business."

Russell Corporation has a long history in the athletic market. It expanded its presence in the sporting goods market with the 2002 acquisition of one of the first women's performance running apparel brands, Moving Comfort, the 2003 acquisitions of Bike Athletic and Spalding, and its acquisitions this year of American Athletic and Huffy Sports.

About Russell Corporation

Russell Corporation is a leading branded athletic and sporting goods company with over a century of success in marketing athletic uniforms, apparel and equipment for a wide variety of sports, outdoor and fitness activities. The Company's brands include Russell Athletic(R), JERZEES, Spalding, AAI, Huffy Sports, Mossy Oak, Bike, Moving Comfort, Dudley, Sherrin, Cross Creek and Discus. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RML and its website address is www.russellcorp.com.

About Brooks

Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 26 countries worldwide. Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, and faster.