TSE Symbol:  SQP                                         For Immediate Release

Strongco Closes Sale of U.S. Business

Mississauga, Ontario:  February 2, 2001 - Strongco Inc. reported today that it has finalized the sale of its U.S. equipment distribution business to L.B. Smith, Inc. of Camp Hill, PA., effective February 1st.  In accordance with the announcement made on January 12, 2001, the sale involved all of Strongco's equipment distribution operations in the mid-Atlantic states of Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  A gain will be recorded from the sale in the first quarter of 2001.

Strongco is one of Canada's largest full line equipment sales, rental and service companies, with more than 70 branches and 1,100 employees across Canada.  Its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'SQP' and its corporate web site can be accessed at www.strongco.com.

For further information, contact:

Randy Henderson
President
Phone: (905) 565-3802
e-mail: rhenderson@strongco.com