Tuffy to Purchase Car-X<b></b>

Toledo, Ohio--Tuffy Associates Corp. has entered into anagreement under which one of its subsidiaries will purchasesubstantially all the assets of SMK Speedy International Inc.'sCar-X business in the United States. The Car-X business being soldpartially consists of substantially all the operating assets ofCar-X Service Systems Inc., franchisor of 183 automotive repairstores in the United States. Tuffy intends to manage the twobusinesses as separate brands to the consumer, while leveraging thestrength of the combined entity for the benefit of the franchiseesand customers of both brands. -Tuffy AssociatesCorp.