Tempur-Pedic to Acquire Sealy

Tempur-Pedic International Inc. (“Tempur-Pedic, NYSE: TPX), the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium mattresses and pillows worldwide, and Sealy Corporation (NYSE: ZZ), a leading global bedding manufacturer, today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to create a $2.7 billion global bedding provider.

The combination brings together two highly complementary companies with iconic brands and significant opportunities for global innovation and growth. Founded in 1992, Tempur-Pedic is the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium mattresses and pillows made from its proprietary TEMPUR® pressure-relieving material in over 80 countries under the Tempur® and Tempur-Pedic® brand names. Sealy, with roots dating back to 1881 is a leader in the manufacturing and marketing of a broad range of high quality mattresses and foundations with a portfolio of well-known bedding brands, including Sealy®, Sealy Posturepedic®, and Stearns & Foster®.

The transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. Stockholders holding approximately 51% of Sealy’s outstanding common stock have executed a written consent approving the transaction. No additional shareholder approvals are required to complete the transaction. Tempur-Pedic will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Sealy for $2.20 per share, representing a premium of approximately 23 percent to Sealy’s 30-day average closing price on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. In addition, Tempur-Pedic will assume or repay all of Sealy’s outstanding convertible and non-convertible debt, for a total transaction value of approximately $1.3 billion. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, is expected to close during the first half of 2013.

Tempur-Pedic Chief Executive Officer Mark Sarvary commented, “This is a transformational deal that brings together two great companies, each with globally recognized brands. Tempur-Pedic and Sealy together will have products for almost every consumer preference and price point, distribution through all key channels, in-house expertise on most key bedding technologies, and a world-class research and development team. In addition, our global footprint will span over 80 countries. The shared know-how and improved efficiencies of the combined company will result in tremendous value for our consumers, retailers and shareholders.”

Tempur-Pedic and Sealy will operate independently. Larry Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Sealy, who has been with Sealy for 33 years, will remain CEO of Sealy and report to Mr. Sarvary.

Sealy Chief Executive Officer Larry Rogers, said, “The complementary product and market fit of these two companies deliver a unique opportunity to create the first full spectrum, global bedding company that addresses all market segments and consumer preferences. Together, we believe that we can deliver more value than either business could on its own by leveraging our strong combined assets.”

Tempur-Pedic and Sealy have highly complementary products, brands, technologies, and geographic footprints. Their combination will provide significant opportunity for both entities to leverage each other’s capabilities to grow beyond their current footprints, and to increase efficiencies across the entire supply chain.

For more information, visit www.tempurpedic.com or www.sealy.com.

About Tempur-Pedic International: Manufacturing and distributing mattresses and pillows made from its proprietary TEMPUR® pressure-relieving material, Tempur-Pedic International is a worldwide leader in premium and specialty sleep. The company is focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing advanced sleep surfaces that help improve the quality of life for people around the world. The company's products are currently sold in over 80 countries under the TEMPUR® and Tempur-Pedic® brand names. World headquarters for Tempur-Pedic International is in Lexington, KY.

About Sealy: Sealy owns one of the largest bedding brands in the world, with sales of $1.2 billion in fiscal 2011. The Company manufactures and markets a broad range of mattresses and foundations under the Sealy®, Sealy Posturepedic®, Sealy Embody™, Stearns & Foster®, and Bassett® brands. Sealy operates 25 plants in North America, and has the largest market share and highest consumer awareness of any bedding brand on the continent. In the United States, Sealy sells its products to approximately 3,000 customers with more than 7,000 retail outlets. Sealy is also a leading supplier to the hospitality industry.