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                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

Contact:          Gene Donati, Clark & Weinstock
                  212/953-2550

                  Dan Peoples               Cheryl McNeal
                  BW/IP, Inc.               Durco International Inc.
                  (562) 491-5086            (513) 476-6106
                  or (619) 552-1456

                    BW/IP, INC. AND DURCO INTERNATIONAL INC.
                            ANNOUNCE MERGER AGREEMENT

         Merger of Industrial Equipment Manufacturers Will Create Strong Global
Competitor in Pumps, Seals, and Control Valves

DAYTON, OH and LONG BEACH, CA (May 6, 1997) -- Durco International Inc. (NASD:
DURI) and BW/IP, Inc. (NYSE: BWF) announced today that the two industrial
manufacturing companies have agreed to merge in a stock-for-stock merger of
equals that will be accounted for as a pooling of interests transaction.
Post-merger, the company will operate under a new name, which will be announced
before the transaction closes. BW/IP and Durco are two of the leading
manufacturers and distributors of pumps, seals, valves and control valves in the
U.S., and the strategic combination will create a leading global supplier of
fluid handling and control equipment.

         The agreement calls for Durco shareholders to retain their present
shares, and for BW/IP shareholders to receive 0.6968 shares of Durco common
stock. The exchange ratio was based on the average ratio of closing share prices
for the 15 consecutive trading days ended May 2, 1997.

         Bernard G. Rethore, BW/IP's chairman, president, and chief executive
officer, will become chairman and chief executive officer of the new company.
William M. Jordan, Durco's chairman, president, and chief executive officer,
will become president and chief operating officer of the new company.

         Following the merger, Durco's Board of Directors will consists of 11
people, five designated by Durco (including 




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Mr. Jordan), four designated by BW/IP (including Mr. Rethore), and two new
Directors unaffiliated with either company.

         Mr. Rethore said, "This merger provides critical mass and creates a
company that is stronger and better able to service our customers. By merging
our two companies, we are creating the most cost-effective organization possible
and adding value for shareholders of both companies. We expect as a result of
this merger to achieve sales increases in excess of current growth rates, and an
expected run rate of total synergies -- including cost savings -- of between $35
and $45 million over the next three years."

         Mr. Jordan said, "Our customers will now enjoy the convenience and cost
efficiency of 'one-stop shopping' in expanded areas of the world. The merger
will allow us to become a true global supplier of a larger array of
complementary products, including sophisticated pumps, valves and seals, than
either company did individually. Our customers will benefit from enhanced
customer service as we are able to offer broader product lines and more
localized sales and service capabilities. And our employees will benefit from
working for one of the leaders in a changing industry."

         The new company also will be financially stronger. It will have
significant operating cash flows and a solidly capitalized balance sheet,
enabling it to be very competitive in pursuing new business opportunities. Based
on yesterday's closing share prices, the combined companies will have a market
capitalization in excess of $1.2 billion. In 1996, the combined company would
have had pro-forma sales of approximately $1.1 billion, and earnings from
continuing operations of $71 million with total assets of $830 million.

         The combined company is expected to pay dividends consistent with
recent dividends paid by Durco (approximately $0.56 per share/year).

         Completion of the merger is subject to approval by the shareholders of
both Durco and BW/IP at meetings that are 


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expected to be held over the summer, and the expiration of all applicable
waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976.

         Durco and BW/IP have agreed to pay each other termination fees and to
reimburse certain expenses in the event the merger is not consummated because of
a competing transaction. The companies have also granted each other options for
19.9% of each other's common stock exercisable under certain circumstances.

         BW/IP is a worldwide supplier of advanced-technology fluid transfer and
control equipment, systems and services. Its principal products are pumps,
mechanical seals and valves. BW/IP designs, manufactures, distributes and
services throughout the world both highly engineered and standard centrifugal
pumps primarily for use in the power and petroleum industries, mechanical seals
and seal support systems primarily for use in the petroleum and chemical
industries and valves for use in the power, process and marine industries. BW/IP
has manufacturing facilities in seven countries and service centers in 20
countries.

         Durco is principally engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing
of fluid handling equipment, primarily pumps, valves, control valves and
mechanical seals, for the global process industry. Durco specializes in the
development of precision-engineered equipment that is capable of withstanding
the severely deteriorating effects associated with the flow of acids, chemicals
solutions, slurries and gases.