Shop Mexico! Launches Website

Vitro sold its majority stake in joint venture to Whirlpool

$150 million dollars in cash, coupled with the assumption of $163 million dollars in debt, including certain off-balance sheet items, to be used to strengthen its financial position.

The transaction, which was previously announced on February 25th, 2002, is consistent with Vitro´s strategy to focus its resources and energy on reducing debt and concentrating in the     operation and development of     its glass-oriented businesses throughout the world.

Vitromatic, headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, has five production facilities and employs 6,000 people. Vitromatic manufactures ranges, refrigerators and laundry equipment for the domestic and export markets under the Acros, Supermatic, Crolls and Whirlpool brand names.

Vitro's subsidiaries serve multiple product markets, including construction and automotive glass, wine, liquor, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and beverage glass containers, fiberglass, plastic and aluminum containers, glassware for commercial, industrial and consumer uses.

Founded in 1909, Monterrey, Mexico-based Vitro has joint ventures with 9 major world-class manufacturers that provide its subsidiaries with access to international markets, distribution channels and   

Shop Mexico! launches it's new website www.shopmexico.org. This website represents over 30 artisan suppliers throughout Mexico offering over 1000 quality products.

Shop Mexico! acknowledges the difficulty for many clients to acquire Mexican arts & crafts: industry fragmentation, lack of knowledge of the market, geographical distance, logistics, communication, etc. Shop Mexico! Is revolutionizing the industry by joining in one place a handful of Mexican arts & crafts manufacturers with clients from around the world. As the artisan products are promoted, their clients receive an excellent service since they handle all of the necessary issues: traveling & product sourcing, communications, negotiations, import/export documentation, packaging and transportation.

Shop Mexico! feels that through its company, artisans not only have the opportunity to promote their products, but also are subject to the deserved respect for their work and have the opportunity for better living standards. Their relation with suppliers & clients are its biggest asset, as Shop Mexico! becomes an e-commerce trading gateway.

The agreement is consistent with Vitro's strategy of focusing on its core businesses: Flat Glass, Containers and Glassware. Proceeds of this transaction will be used to reduce debt and strengthen Vitro's financial position.

Vitro, S.A. de C.V. (NYSE: VTO and BMV: VITRO A) announced that, after receiving the necessary government approvals, it has completed the sale of its 51 percent interest in Vitromatic, S.A. de C.V., an appliance manufacturing and distribution company located in Mexico, to Whirlpool Corporation. In exchange, Vitro received approximately

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