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Rankin Announces 3rd Quarter Earnings

12 January 1999

Rave Announces 3rd Quarter Earnings

    ALEXANDRIA, La., Jan. 11 -- Rankin Automotive Group, Inc.
d/b/a USA AUTO STORES reported their net sales for the
nine-month period ended November 25, 1998 at $30.3 million.  This compares to
similar net sales for the same period last year.  The Company's net earnings
for this current period are approximately $282,000 or $.06 per share as
compared to $93,000 or $.03 per share for the previous year.
    Randall B. Rankin, President and CEO, commented, "The Company has
accomplished much in this nine-month period.  As of October 13, 1998, the
acquisition of the Monroe, Louisiana distribution center from APS, Inc. helps
solidify the Company's supply chain.  Also, the Company has closed or
consolidated three stores which were not accretive to corporate earnings."
    Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company announced a new credit
facility of $25 million from Heller Financial, Inc. who has agreed to act as
agent to place up to an additional $23 million of indebtedness.  The Company
is scheduled for a consummation of this new facility on or about
January 29, 1999.  These funds will be utilized in acquiring certain
automotive distributors and providing a working capital line.
    Some of the information in this press release constitutes forward-looking
information based on current information and expectations of the Company that
involve a number of uncertainties.  Among the factors that could materially
affect the validity of the forward-looking information are the following:
changes in current industry trends, changes in competitive factors, changes in
the economic environment in which the Company has its operations, and other
factors which would generally affect the operations of the Company.
    Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. d/b/a USA AUTO STORES is a specialty
supplier and retailer of automotive replacement parts, tools, supplies,
equipment and accessories to both the professional mechanics and
do-it-yourself customers.  The Company presently operates in 42 locations in
the states of Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.