Middleby Corporation Announces Retirement of President
of Middleby Worldwide and Appointment of Successor

Dec. 6, 2000--Today, Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Middleby Corporation, announced the retirement of Bernie Stever, President of Middleby Worldwide, effective December 31, 2000.  Mr. Bassoul concurrently announced the appointment of Mr. Sam Sidani as Vice President and General Manager of Middleby Worldwide, effective January 1, 2001.

Mr. Stever has been with the Corporation for over 43 years, and will continue to act as a consultant to the Corporation for 2001. He has held several management positions with The Middleby Corporation. His accomplishments include strengthening the Corporation's global asset management, improving technical service in all foreign markets, and turning Middleby Worldwide into a money-making division. Mr. Stever has also been a strong contributor to the industry through his involvement with several trade organizations, including President of NAFEM.

Mr. Sidani joined The Middleby Corporation in 1996, and has held several positions, most recently Group Vice President of Materials and Logistics. In the past four years, Sam has worked closely as a liaison between the Corporation's international offices and Middleby Marshall, Toastmaster, Southbend and CTX. Mr. Sidani will introduce new products and services specifically tailored to the international market as the Corporation's international business continues to grow. [MidCorp/bottom_tag1.htm]