July 31, 2001 — CHELMSFORD, MA — Brooks Automation Inc. is planning to acquire Valencia, California-based General Precision Inc., a supplier of minienvironments to OEMs.

Brooks has signed a letter of intent to acquire the company. The deal is expected to close by the end of September. Specific terms have not been released.

Officials say the combination of GPI’s minienvironements, Brooks’ load ports and recent acquisition Progrssive Technologies, Inc.’s minienvironment air flow control will allow Brooks to offer semiconductor manufacturers top of the line products for tool-fab interface requirements.

“The benefits of our focused diversification strategy are becoming more evident,” said Robert J. Therrien, CEO of Brooks. “While we are not immune to the industry slowdown, I feel that Brooks is better positioned to withstand this period of reduced semiconductor capital equipment spending.”

The company last week also reported third quarter revenues of $93.8 million, up 7 percent from the same period last year.