Johnson Industries Acquires Uptown Auto Supply

4 February 1999

Johnson Industries Acquires Uptown Auto Supply

    ATLANTA--Feb. 3, 1999--

    Marks Expansion into Midwest

    Johnson Industries ("JI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Uptown Auto Supply ("Uptown"), a Chicago area wholesale distributor of automotive parts. JI acquired Uptown in exchange for cash.
    Uptown, founded in 1954 on Chicago's north side, has a single distribution center now in suburban Elmhurst, Illinois from which it serves the ACDelco parts needs of automotive repair facilities in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Uptown will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of JI. 1998 revenues for Uptown were approximately $15 million.
    "I am convinced that the acquisition of Uptown offers JI significant growth opportunity," said Terry K. Johnson, President, JI. "This move will not only add immediate top line growth for JI, but also positions us to serve a significant number of Midwestern customers to which we are currently unable to provide same or next day delivery." Mr. Johnson went on to say that, "Our growth by acquisition strategy demands that we add organizations like ours with solid growth prospects and efficient operating models. We are pleased that we were able to reach this agreement with such a quality organization as Uptown."
    As part of the agreement, Uptown President, Mr. Gregory A. Marino, will remain in that capacity. Mr. Marino will continue to manage the day to day operations at Uptown as well as drive growth by increasing sales to customers beyond its current delivery radius. "I am delighted by our partnership with JI," Marino said. "The significant resource backing and national distribution experience JI provides will enable Uptown to achieve a more aggressive growth strategy than was possible before our agreement."
    Johnson Industries is headquartered in Atlanta, with distribution centers in Atlanta; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Monterrey, Mexico; and Santiago, Chile. Founded in 1924, JI is the nation's largest distributor of original equipment and aftermarket automotive parts, service equipment, supplies and facility services. Projected 1999 revenues for JI total $150 million.