Exhibit 99.1

                    Thomas & Betts Corporation To
                    Acquire Lamson & Sessions Co.

   Acquisition Enhances Company's Leadership in Electrical Component
                                Markets

    MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 15, 2007--Thomas & Betts
Corporation (NYSE:TNB) today announced that it has signed a definitive
agreement to acquire Lamson & Sessions (NYSE:LMS) in an all-cash
transaction valued at $27.00 per share or approximately $450 million.
The company has committed debt financing to fund the transaction.
Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and the
approval of Lamson & Sessions' shareholders, the transaction is
expected to close in late 2007.

    "This acquisition is a great fit with Thomas & Betts and is
consistent with our strategy of expanding our portfolio of
market-leading brands and leveraging our business infrastructure to
enhance our already strong relationship with distributors and end
users of electrical products," said Dominic J. Pileggi, chairman and
chief executive officer. "Lamson & Sessions is a well-known, leading
North American supplier of non-metallic electrical boxes, fittings,
flexible conduit and industrial PVC pipe. The company enjoys a
well-deserved reputation for delivering high-quality products and
best-in-class customer service. Its Carlon(R) brand and trademarked
Blue Box are the most recognized non-metallic electrical outlet boxes
in the industry."

    For the calendar year 2008, Thomas & Betts's preliminary
assessment is that the acquisition will contribute approximately $0.5
billion to revenues and be accretive to earnings by approximately
$0.15 to $0.20 per share. This estimate includes the elimination of
certain public company administrative costs which should offset the
amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. Potential
operational efficiencies are expected to provide additional future
benefits. In addition, the company is assessing strategic options
regarding the PVC pipe business.

    Thomas & Betts Corporation is a leading manufacturer of electrical
components used in construction, industrial and utility markets. The
company is also a leading producer of commercial heating and
ventilation units and highly engineered steel structures used
primarily for utility transmission. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn.,
the company has manufacturing, distribution and office facilities
worldwide. In 2006, the company reported $1.9 billion in revenues.
More information on the company, its products and markets can be found
at www.tnb.com.

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that are
identified by terms such as "expected," "includes," "will," and
"could." These statements discuss business strategies, economic
outlook and future performance. These forward-looking statements make
assumptions regarding the company's operations, business, economic and
political environment, including, without limitation, customer demand,
government regulation, terrorist acts and acts of war. The actual
results may be materially different from any future results expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please see the "Risk
Factors" section of the company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006, for further information related to these
uncertainties. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly
release any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in
this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after
the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events.


    CONTACT: Thomas & Betts Corporation
             Tricia Bergeron, 901-252-8266
             tricia.bergeron@tnb.com