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Ace Auto Parts Announces Merger with General Parts, Inc.

17 February 1999

The Parts Source, Inc. d/b/a/ Ace Auto Parts Announces Merger with General Parts, Inc.

    CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 17 -- Thomas D. Cox, President of The
Parts Source, Inc. (the "Company")(d/b/a Ace Auto Parts)
announced today that the Company has entered into an agreement with General
Parts, Inc., a privately owned company headquartered in Raleigh, North
Carolina, whereby General Parts, Inc. will acquire all of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock of the Company for $3.00 per share.  Consummation of
the agreement is subject to approval by the Company's shareholders and certain
other conditions.
    General Parts, Inc. operates 37 CARQUEST Distribution Centers nationwide,
which serve over 2,700 CARQUEST Auto Parts stores in 42 states.
    Thomas Cox, President of The Parts Source, Inc., made this comment, "We
feel fortunate to merge our company into General Parts, Inc.  Their reputation
for excellent customer service has made them one of the leading auto parts
distributors in the nation.  We believe that our customers, employees and our
shareholders will be pleased with this decision."
    0. Temple Sloan, Jr., Chairman and CEO of General Parts, Inc., responded,
"Our sincere thanks to Tom and Bob Cox for this opportunity to expand our
presence in central Florida.  We have followed their progress for years and
have respected their aggressive growth and outstanding customer service."

    The Parts Source, Inc. is a specialty supplier and retailer of automotive
replacement parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories to both
professional mechanics and do-it-yourself customers.  The Company presently
operates 41 stores in the State of Florida and a distribution center in Ocala,
Florida.