Exhibit 99.1

  Methode Electronics Announces Facility Closing and Merger Charges

    CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2004--Methode Electronics, Inc.
(Nasdaq: METH) a global manufacturer of electronic component and
subsystem devices announced today that it intends to take an after tax
charge over its remaining 2004 fiscal year of up to $0.12 per share.
This charge will include approximately $1.8 million for costs
associated with the recently completed merger to eliminate its Class B
stock and the unsolicited tender offer for Methode's Class B stock,
and up to $2.5 million for the closing of two European manufacturing
facilities.
    Mr. Donald W. Duda, President of Methode said, "We are glad to
have the merger which eliminated our Class B stock completed. Methode
now has a single class of stock with equal voting rights and three
independent directors were recently added to our board. We look
forward to working with our new directors and continuing to build and
develop Methode's business."
    "The continued price erosion in the copper and fiber optics cable
assembly business as well as sales lost to lower cost Eastern European
and Asian suppliers has rendered Methode's manufacturing facility in
Ireland and one of its manufacturing facilities in the UK
unsustainable. It is for these reasons that we are closing these
operations."

    About Methode Electronics

    Methode Electronics, Inc. is a global manufacturer of electronic
component and subsystem devices. Methode designs, manufactures and
markets devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing
and optical technologies. Methode's components are found in the
primary end markets of the automotive, communications (including
information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and
terrestrial voice/data systems), aerospace, rail and other
transportation industries; and the consumer and industrial equipment
markets. Further information can be found at Methode's website at
http://www.methode.com.


    CONTACT: Methode Electronics, Inc.
             Joey Iske (IR), 708-457-4060
             jiske@methode.com