Release Details

METAIRIE, La., May 29, 2002 /PRNewsire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Ava, S.p.A., a privately owned provider of drilling fluids headquartered in Rome, Italy in a transaction valued at euro 7.5 million. Consideration for the sale included euro 6.0 million in cash and 170,704 shares of Newpark common stock.

Newpark Chairman and CEO James D. Cole commented: "Our objective in the transaction is to assist Ava in expanding its operations within its primary markets in Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Newpark will provide Ava access to technology-oriented products and services developed and proven by Newpark in the North American market in order to broaden Ava's product offerings. In addition, we expect that the transaction will provide the opportunity for introduction of other Newpark products and services into the European and North African markets." The transaction is expected to be accretive to Newpark's fiscal year 2002 earnings.

Ava was founded in 1954 and provides drilling fluids and related products to exploration companies in the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.

Newpark Resources, Inc. provides integrated fluids management, environmental and oilfield services to the exploration and production industry.

     For further information contact:

     Company

     Matthew W. Hardey
     Vice President of Finance
     Newpark Resources, Inc.
     3850 N. Causeway, Suite 1770
     Metairie, Louisiana 70002
     (504) 838-8222

The foregoing discussion contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause future events and results to differ materially from those anticipated by management in the forward-looking statements included in this press release. For further information regarding these and other factors, risks and uncertainties affecting Newpark, reference is made to the risk factors set forth in the Prospectus dated March 27, 2001, included in Newpark's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-53824), and to the section entitled "Forward Looking Statements" on page 17 of that Prospectus. In particular, as described on page 9 of that Prospectus, any material decline in the level of oil and gas exploration and production activity could result in fewer opportunities being available for the service industry in general and Newpark in particular, and may adversely affect the demand for our services. In addition, as described on page 13 of that Prospectus, and rescission or relaxation of governmental regulations, including any delays in implementing the new discharge regulations, could reduce the demand for Newpark's services and reduce Newpark's revenues and income. You are strongly urged to review these sections for a more detailed discussion of these risks and uncertainties. Newpark's SEC filings can be obtained at no charge at www.sec.gov , as well as through our Website, www.newpark.com .

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SOURCE Newpark Resources, Inc.

CONTACT:          Matthew W. Hardey, Vice President of Finance of Newpark
                  Resources, Inc., +1-504-838-8222

URL:              http://www.prnewswire.com
                  http://www.sec.gov
                  http://www.newpark.com

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