FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Conway G. Ivy
SHERWIN Vice President, Corporate
WILLIAMS Planning and Development
(R) NEWS: 216-566-2102
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The Sherwin-Williams Company - 101 Prospect Avenue, N.W. - Cleveland, Ohio 44115 - (216) 566-2140

CLEVELAND, Ohio, November 6, 1995--The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE; SHW) and
Pratt & Lambert United, Inc. (NYSE; PLU) of Buffalo, New York, today jointly
announced that they had signed a merger agreement providing for Sherwin-Williams
to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Pratt & Lambert United for a cash
price of $35.00 per share, or a total purchase price of approximately $400
million. Sherwin-Williams also entered into an agreement with holders of
approximately 40 percent of Pratt & Lambert United's common stock,who have
granted an option to Sherwin-Williams to purchase their shares for $35.00 per
share.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Sherwin-Williams will promptly
commence a cash tender offer for all outstanding common shares of Pratt &
Lambert United. Shares not purchased in the tender offer will be acquired in a
subsequent merger at $35.00 per share as soon as practicable after the
completion of the tender offer.

Pratt & Lambert United is principally engaged in the development,
production and sale of coatings and adhesives to the dealer, mass merchandiser,
home center and specialty markets. Pratt & Lambert merged with United Coatings
in August 1994, creating a company with approximately $500 million in annual
sales. The Company has nearly 2,000 employees.

In announcing the agreement, John G. Breen, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Sherwin-Williams said, "We are pleased about the prospect of Pratt &
Lambert United joining The Sherwin-Williams Company. Pratt & Lambert has been a
great quality brand for independent dealers since 1849. United Coatings has been
an excellent supplier to the mass merchant market. The combination of these two
organizations into Sherwin-Williams will enchance our dedication, abilities and
commitment to serving consumers and customers utilizing these distribution
channels. Pratt & Lambert United's specialty business should also provide new
growth opportunities for us. Through the merging of our efforts we expect this
acquisition to add significant shareholder value in years to come."

Joseph J. Castiglia, Pratt & Lambert United's president and chief
executive officer said, "This transaction will position Pratt & Lambert United
as an important contributor to the nation's most successful paint company."

The information agent for the tender offer will be Beacon Hill Partners,
Inc. (1-800-755-5001).
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