Lou Mancini Named CEO of Murray's Discount Auto Stores

BELLEVILLE, Mich.--Jan. 1, 20050, 2005--Murray's Discount Auto Stores, Inc., a leading auto parts superstore in the Midwest, today announced that it has named Lou Mancini President and CEO of the 107-store chain, replacing Michael Klein, who has resigned. Mr. Klein spent 20 years with Murray's in various positions, including the last six as CEO. Until recently, Mancini was President and CEO of GNC Corp., the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements.

Mr. Klein remarked, "While it was a difficult decision for me personally, it was made easier by the fact that Murray's foundation is incredibly strong and its future never brighter. I am very excited about spending more quality time with my family before beginning the next adventure in my life. I am especially thankful to the 2,200 Murray's associates who have made Murray's the best auto parts chain in America. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made during my tenure and am honored for the opportunity of working alongside so many fine men and women through the years."

William E. Watts, Chairman of Murray's Discount Auto Stores and an operating partner of J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., its largest investor, said, "Lou Mancini brings management strength and a new perspective on growth to Murray's. Lou's retailing experience began as a store manager more than 20 years ago, and he has held nearly every operating position in retailing since then. He is a hands-on manager with strong merchant skills who understands 'value-building' at all levels - product assortment, inventory, distribution, store management and marketing. I look forward to working with Lou again. At the same time, the Board of Directors would like to extend its thanks to Michael Klein for the many positive contributions he has made to Murray's over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Watts said that Mancini's mandate at Murray's will be to continue the company's store expansion program and expand its product offerings while maintaining Murray's unique retailing culture of knowledge-driven customer service.

Mancini said, "Murray's is a market leader in every one of its trade areas because of the company's 30-year-plus history of superior product knowledge, product selection and customer service. Those are the hallmarks of a great retailer. Murray's is on track for continued store openings in 2005 and 2006 - on top of the 13 locations opened in 2004 - to increase critical mass in its trade areas. I look forward to working with our management team to execute on the store-growth plan."

ABOUT J.W. CHILDS ASSOCIATES, L.P.

J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. ("JWC") is a leading private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts specializing in leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of middle-market growth companies. Since 1995, JWC has invested in 34 companies with a total transaction value of $7.8 billion. The firm is comprised of partners with hands-on operating experience as well as partners with financial expertise. J.W. Childs focuses on making investments in specialty retailing, consumer products and healthcare services.

ABOUT MURRAY'S DISCOUNT AUTO STORES, INC.

With 107 stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, Murray's Discount Auto Stores is a leading regional auto parts superstore in the Midwest. Headquartered in Belleville, MI, Murray's Discount Auto Stores was founded by in 1972 by Al and Murray Pitt as a single location in Detroit.