Harry L. Casari, chairman of the Board of Directors of Meade Instruments Corp. (Nasdaq:MEAD), announced that Steven G. Murdock will retire as president and chief executive officer upon the naming of his successor. The company has retained the executive search firm of Korn/Ferry International to conduct a search for Murdock's replacement. The company expects to conclude the search in the next several months.

Murdock, who will remain on the company's Board, joined Meade Instruments in 1980 as vice president of optics, was named president and chief operating officer in 1990, and in 2003 was appointed chief executive officer.

"We are grateful to Steve for his quarter century of service to Meade Instruments," said Casari. "It has been a period in which our product line has expanded enormously while the company has dealt with the challenges of designing and manufacturing some of the most sophisticated consumer optical products ever brought to market. I am delighted that Steve will remain on the Board, where we will continue to have ready access to his experience and knowledge of the telescope and sports-optics markets."

About Meade Instruments

Meade Instruments is a leading designer and manufacturer of optical products including telescopes and accessories for the beginning to serious amateur astronomer. Meade offers a complete line of binoculars that address the needs of everyone from the casual observer to the serious sporting or birding observer. Meade also offers a complete line of riflescopes under the Simmons(R), Weaver(R) and Redfield(R) brand names. The company distributes its products worldwide through a network of specialty retailers, mass merchandisers and domestic and foreign distributors. Additional information on Meade is available at www.meade.com.