59527--2/24/2009--LINCOLN_ELECTRIC_HOLDINGS

related topics

{product, market, service}

{financial, litigation, operation}

{operation, international, foreign}

{property, intellectual, protect}

{cost, operation, labor}

{condition, economic, financial}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

{product, liability, claim}

We are a co-defendant in litigation alleging manganese induced illness and litigation alleging asbestos induced illness. Liabilities relating to such litigation could reduce our profitability and impair our financial condition. We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability claims that may be brought against us. The cyclicality and maturity of the United States arc welding and cutting industry may adversely affect our performance. We may not be able to complete our acquisition strategy or successfully integrate acquired businesses. If we cannot continue to develop, manufacture and market products that meet customer demands, our revenues and gross margins may suffer. The competitive pressures we face could harm our revenue, gross margins and prospects. We conduct our sales and distribution operations on a worldwide basis and are subject to the risks associated with doing business outside the United States. Our operations depend on maintaining a skilled workforce, and any interruption in our workforce could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. Our revenues and results of operations may suffer if we cannot continue to enforce the intellectual property rights on which our business depends or if third parties assert that we violate their intellectual property rights. Our global operations are subject to increasingly complex environmental regulatory requirements.

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59527--2/24/2009--LINCOLN_ELECTRIC_HOLDINGS_INC