OTHER NEWS - July 8, 1993

Kasler Shareholder Files Dissent: A family group led by Patrick Ortiz of Irvine filed a formal objection to the proposed merger of Southland road builder Kasler Corp. and Montana-based Washington Contractors Group. The group has asserted “dissenters’ rights” under California law, basically demanding that Kasler purchase its shares at a higher price than the current market value of $7.625. Ortiz, a former Kasler director, has argued that the merger terms are unfair to Kasler shareholders, a charge that Kasler officials have rejected. The Ortiz group owns about 10% of Kasler stock. Shareholders vote on the merger Friday.