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                                                        EXHIBIT 99(b)

                                 [letterhead]


CLEVELAND, Ohio, August 9, 1994 -- The Sherwin-Williams Company announced that
it has acquired the assets of The Old Quaker Paint Company of Ontario,
California, for an undisclosed purchase price.  Old Quaker is a well recognized
paint brand and organization that has served the new residential construction
market in Southern California for over fifty years.

        John Macatee, President of The Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores Group
said, "Old Quaker customers will continue to be served by the same high quality
Old Quaker products through Old Quaker stores, and the Victorville, California,
manufacturing plant will continue to produce Old Quaker products.  Old Quaker
employees have joined The Sherwin-Williams Company and will continue to carry
out their functions with Sherwin-Williams' financial and operation support.  We
expect product availability and customer service to dramatically improve as we
move to expand Old Quaker's customer base."


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