Vari-Lite Sells Manufacturing Division to Genlyte Thomas Group LLC

DALLAS - November 18, 2002 - Vari-Lite International, Inc. announcedtoday that it has sold the assets of its Vari-Lite productsmanufacturing and sales division to Genlyte Thomas Group LLC (GTG), aleading manufacturer of lighting fixtures and controls for commercial,industrial and residential markets. The sale included the Vari-Litefamily of products as well as all sales, manufacturing and engineeringoperations associated with this division. GTG also acquired theVari-Lite trademark and all patents associated with Vari-Lite products.The purchase price, which will be finalized within 30 days, isestimated to be $10.5 million to $11.5 million, which will result in aloss of approximately $4 million to $5 million.

"Operating as a manufacturer and a rental company was confusing tothe industry, and it limited the growth prospects of both our Vari-Litemanufacturing and sales division and VLPS Lighting Services, our rentaldivision," said Rusty Brutsché, chairman and CEO of Vari-LiteInternational, Inc. "In order for both divisions to achieve theirmaximum potential, there had to be a clear separation of the two. Thistransaction allows VLPS Lighting Services to operate independently andto focus on its core competency, lighting rental and productionservices."

"We saw this as an opportunity to add an established industry leaderto the Genlyte Thomas Group," said Larry Powers, CEO of Genlyte ThomasGroup. "Vari-Lite is the pioneer of the automated lighting industry. Bycapitalizing on our manufacturing strengths, we believe we caneffectively integrate the Vari-Lite brand into our respected family oflighting businesses."

In the past year, Vari-Lite has produced the award-winning VL1000ERSTM luminaire. And last month, the Company introduced its line of1200-watt luminaires, the Series 3000 TM family of products, whichreceived rave reviews among industry decision-makers at both the PLASAand LDI trade shows.

"The acquisition of Vari-Lite strengthens our position in theEntertainment Lighting market," said Steven Carson, Vice President andGeneral Manager of Genlyte Controls Division. "And it is consistentwith our strategy to develop the most advanced and sophisticated toolsfor the lighting industry and to provide lighting professionals withinnovative and leading-edge lighting products."

Vari-Lite International, Inc. will ultimately change its name toVLPS Lighting Services International, Inc. to further reflect theCompany's continued commitment to provide lighting systems and servicesto the entertainment industry.

About Vari-Lite International, Inc:
Publicly traded on the Nasdaq National Market since 1997 under thesymbol LITE, Vari-Lite International, Inc. (which will be renamed toVLPS Lighting Services International, Inc.) is a leading worldwidedistributor of lighting systems and related production services. TheCompany markets its products and services primarily to theentertainment industry, serving such markets as concert touring,theater, television and film and corporate events. For moreinformation, visit the company website at www.vlps.com.