ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996             TAG: 9602080041
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: C-8  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY STAFF WRITER 

TETRA ON THE BLOCK DIVISION MIGHT GO UP FOR SALE

Warner-Lambert Co., the pharmaceutical company that owns Blacksburg-based manufacturer Tetra/Secondnature, is considering selling the division.

CNBC, the business-news television network, reported Wednesday that Warner-Lambert had hired New York investment firm Goldman, Sachs Co. to explore the sale of the Tetra Division, which posted $230 million in sales in 1995.

Jennifer Mann, a Warner-Lambert spokeswoman, confirmed Wednesday that the company has started looking for a buyer in an effort to invest in and revitalize the company's core businesses, though no decision has been made. Warner-Lambert also is considering selling other noncore businesses.

"The only way we'll sell Tetra is if the return is greater," said Mann, who would not comment further on the possibility.

Tetra, the world's leading manufacturer of aquariums, outdoor fish ponds and terrarium products, has its North American headquarters in Blacksburg. It also makes products in New Jersey. Tetra/Secondnature, housed in Blacksburg Industrial park, employs about 100 people.

Since coming to Montgomery County in 1993, Tetra/Secondnature has been a success story for local economic developers. It doubled the size of its plant in 1994 and is expanding the facility by another 10,000 square feet to house operations from its Oakland, N.J., plant. The move will create about 15 new jobs.

Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, said he spoke with Warner-Lambert officials several months ago about the company's review of noncore businesses, but expects the company to keep Tetra because it is so successful. If Warner-Lambert does decide to sell Tetra, Boucher said, he is "confident Tetra products would be sold for a princely sum and would continue as it does today."

Boucher helped bring Warner-Lambert to Southwest Virginia through the Showcase Virginia program in the late 1980s.

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