Joseph A. Mentz joins the growing safety electronics industry leader as General Manager

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - December, 16 2008 - Cobham's Mission Systems Division announced its selection of Joseph A. Mentz to replace Paul M. Frank as the senior executive at it's ACR Electronics business unit. Cobham Mission Systems' Vice President of Operations, Dean Cantrill, proudly made the announcement at ACR's corporate headquarters stating, "Joe Mentz brings broad experience and balance to a strong and talented management team. Joe is a dynamic, results-oriented professional who will use his 25+ years experience to guide ACR into its next half century of growth."

Joseph Mentz brings an impressive resume to ACR Electronics. His experience as a Senior Consultant with Simpler Consulting, Inc. providing Lean transformation executive consulting to clients in commercial, military and the health care markets gives him a unique cross-industry perspective that fits very nicely into ACR's broad market safety electronics business. With a hands-on style of engagement, Mentz has racked up an impressive list of successes in a variety of business of similar size and scope to ACR. His Lean 6 Sigma Expert status will serve ACR well as they build quality products knowing they are used to save lives.

Cobham's Mission Systems initiated an extensive executive search after long time ACR President, Paul Frank, announced his retirement earlier this year.

After considering some 300 applicants, Mentz quickly rose to the top with a skill set that included Lean 6 Sigma Expert (Sensei), Concurrent Engineering ­ Rapid Development and Employee Involvement, to name a few. "I am proud to join a company that has been so strong in its field for so long. I believe I can create and articulate a new corporate vision and strategy that will carry ACR to the next level of growth and success," said the new GM, Joseph Mentz. Paul Frank, who retires as ACR President on January 1, 2009, stated, "Cobham has allowed ACR to facilitate a very smooth transition in leadership. This demonstrates their commitment to ACR and our valued customers."

Prior to serving as a Senior Consultant with Simpler Consulting, Mentz held executive management positions that included full P&L responsibility with Troxler Electronics Laboratories, a manufacturer of precision analytical instruments, and Columbus Machining, a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier of machined castings to the automotive industry.

ACR Electronics, Inc., http://www.acrelectronics.com/, a Cobham plc company, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SARTs, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2000 Series Standards. Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and employs 200 at its manufacturing facility.

Contact:   John Bell
prseitz@bellsouth.net     954-970-3394