For NYSE Symbols SDP & SDP.PR


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Joseph M. Corvino
           (215) 282-1290


                  SUNSOURCE ACQUIRES AXXESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

     Strategic Acquisition Will Broaden Opportunities For The Hillman Group

        PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 7, 2000 - SunSource Inc (NYSE: SDP & SDP.PR)
reported today that it has completed the acquisition of Axxess Technologies,
Inc. of Tempe, Arizona, which was previously announced at the end of October
1999.

        Axxess is a manufacturer and marketer of key duplication and
identification systems. These include the patented Axxess Precision Key
Duplication System(TM), the Quick-Tag(TM) engraving vending systems for pet,
luggage and identification tags and the Cole(R) brand letters, numbers and signs
(LNS) program. Its current customers include mass market retailers such as
Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and PETsMART which fit well with SunSource's Hillman Group
whose hardware, keys and LNS product lines sell principally into hardware stores
in addition to other national retailers.

        The transaction is being structured as a purchase of 100% of the stock
of the privately-held company and repayment of outstanding Axxess debt in
exchange for $87 million in cash and $23 million in subordinated notes.

        Maurice P. Andrien, Jr., SunSource President and Chief Executive
Officer, said that Axxess will operate within The Hillman Group with Axxess'
current CEO, Stephen Miller, along with other key management, remaining in their
current positions.

        "The combined companies' revenues in 1999 were $234 million which
represents a compound annual growth rate of about 25% since 1994. Moreover, the
two businesses are expected to complement each other in key duplication,
identification systems, fasteners and related hardware items," Andrien noted.


        "This acquisition should be viewed as confirming SunSource's intention
to build its core businesses to strengthen shareholder value while carefully
monitoring our overall financial leverage," Mr. Andrien said.

        "We believe Hillman will benefit from the synergies resulting from
integrating the Axxess technology and customer base," said Mr. Miller, CEO of
Axxess.

        Max W. Hillman, Chief Executive Officer of The Hillman Group, said
"Axxess is well known for its innovative, consumer-oriented technologies which
are patent-protected."

        SunSource Inc. is one of the nation's leading providers of value-added
services and products to retail and industrial markets in North America. The
Company's SunSource Technology Services business provides parts supply,
engineering and repair services throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Company's
Hillman Group subsidiary is a leading provider to hardware and other retail
outlets of merchandising systems, in-store service work and small parts
including fasteners, keys and identification items such as letters, numbers and
signs. The Company's Integrated Supply business provides comprehensive inventory
management services for maintenance, repair and operating supplies in the U.S.
and Mexico. The Company's Kar Products affiliate offers distribution of
maintenance and repair parts and personalized inventory management services.




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This press release contains statements by the Company that involve risks and
uncertainties and may constitute forward- looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect
management's current views and are based upon certain assumptions relating to
the success of the acquisition, cost reductions related to integration of the
two companies, strategic growth plans and overall economic conditions. Actual
results could differ materially from those currently anticipated as a result of
a number of factors, including the risks and uncertainties discussed under the
captions "Risk Factors"--Risks Associated with Acquisitions set forth in Item 1
of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these
uncertainties, current or prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the Company
disclaims any obligation or intent to update any such forward-looking statement
to reflect future events or developments.

        For more information on the Company, please visit our website at
                               www.prnewswire.com