Spectra-Physics Panel Neutral on Tender Offer

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 3 -- Spectra-Physics Inc. said a special committee of its board of directors has expressed no opinion and is remaining neutral about Thermo Electron Corp.'s unsolicited tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Spectra-Physics' common stock that Thermo Electron and its subsidiaries do not currently own for $17.50 per share in cash. Consequently, the company said, stockholders should make their own decisions on whether to tender their shares and accept the offer, based on all of the available information, including the factors considered by the special committee.