AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG), a major worldwide designer, manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, today announced that it has appointed Stephen D. Lupton to the position of Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Lupton was formerly Vice President, International Counsel. "The appointment of Stephen Lupton as Vice President and General Counsel reflects AGCO's growth as a global leader in the agricultural equipment industry," stated John M. Shumejda, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As Vice President, International Counsel, Stephen has played a critical role in supporting AGCO's substantial acquisition programs in Europe and Latin America. Mr. Lupton's experience will support AGCO as the Company continues to expand its presence in international markets." Stephen Lupton was previously Director of Legal Services for the Massey Ferguson brand, a position he held from 1990 to 1995. From 1975 to 1990 Mr. Lupton was European Legal Counsel of NCH Corporation, a specialty chemical company based in Irving, Texas. In this capacity, Mr. Lupton was responsible for all European legal services. From 1972 - 1975, Mr. Lupton served as Secretary and Group Legal Adviser for the domestic appliance division of GEC plc, an engineering and manufacturing company. Mr. Lupton was previously Manager - Legal and Secretarial Services for the UK division of General Motors Corporation, from 1968 to 1972. Mr. Lupton received his Bachelor of Law degree from Newcastle University in 1968. He is also a Barrister, having been called to the London Bar (Gray's Inn) in 1970. Mr. Lupton was born in 1944. Michael F. Swick, who was formerly AGCO Corporation's Vice President and General Counsel, has been appointed Director of Legal Services, North America. AGCO Corporation, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO products are distributed in 140 countries. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage equipment and implements through more than 8,500 independent dealers and distributors around the world. AGCO's products are distributed under the brand names AGCO(R)Allis, Massey Ferguson(R), Hesston(R), White, GLEANER(R), New Idea(R), AGCOSTAR(R), Black Machine, Landini, Tye(R), Farmhand(R), Glencoe(R), Deutz (South America), IDEAL, Fendt(TM), Spra- Coupe(R) and Willmar(R). AGCO provides retail financing worldwide through its Agricredit joint venture. In 1998 AGCO had sales of $2.9 billion. ots Original Text Service: AGCO Corporation Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Judith Czelusniak, Vice President, Corporate Relations, 770-813-6044, or Michele Howard, Director, Corporate Finance, 770-813-6082, both of AGCO Corporation Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/017850.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 017850 Web site: http://www.agcocorp.com