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[BTI LOGO]
43 Bibber Parkway
Brunswick, Maine 04011
June 7, 2000
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
THE MATH IS SIMPLE
SAINT GOBAIN'S OFFER $8.00
BTI'S CLOSING STOCK PRICE (as of 6/5/00) $8.53
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($ .53)
SAINT-GOBAIN'S OFFER WAS $.53 BELOW THE CLOSING MARKET PRICE ON 6/5/00.
We don't think it gets any clearer than this. We believe Saint Gobain's
offer is inadequate and, obviously, so does the market.
DO NOT TENDER YOUR SHARES TO SAINT-GOBAIN
DO NOT RETURN ANY GREEN PROXY CARD TO SAINT-GOBAIN
VOTE YOUR WHITE PROXY CARD TODAY.
We appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
/s/ Martin S. Grimnes
Martin S. Grimnes
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE YOUR SHARES, PLEASE CALL OUR
PROXY SOLICITOR:
MORROW & CO. AT (800) 662-5200