The Board of Spectra-Physics AB recommends the shareholders to accept a public cash offer

The Board of Spectra-Physics AB recommends the shareholders to accept a public cash offer from Thermo Instrument Systems Inc., Hurst, TX, USA Referring to the public cash offer on January 7, 1999 to the shareholders of Spectra-Physics AB of SEK 160 for each share by Thermo Instrument Systems Inc. the Board of Spectra-Physics AB makes the following statement: "After having evaluated the offer the Board has, given the current stock market conditions, unanimously decided to recommend that shareholders accept the public offer." Alfred Berg has acted as financial advisor to the Board of Spectra-Physics AB in connection with the offer. Thermo Instrument is a leading provider of analytical instruments used to identify complex chemical compounds and toxic metals; instruments used to monitor radioactivity and air pollution; instruments for life science and various industrial processes. Thermo Instrument has been listed on the American Stock Exchange since 1986 and had in 1997 revenues of approximately USD 1,6 billion. Thermo Electron Corporation, which is the parent company of Thermo Instrument, has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1980 and had in 1997 revenues of approximately USD 3,6 billion. Stockholm January 7, 1999 Spectra-Physics AB (publ) The Board For further information, please contact Mr. Gunnar Bark, Chairman, phone # +46 8 587 20 660 Mr. Lars Spongberg, President, phone # +46 8 663 1602 Mr. Lennart Rappe, CFO, phone # +46 8 663 1644 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/01/07/19990107BIT00080/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/01/07/19990107BIT00080/bit0002.pdf