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CSK Auto Corporation to Acquire Big Wheel/Rossi Auto Parts Stores

18 May 1999

CSK Auto Corporation to Acquire Big Wheel/Rossi Auto Parts Stores

                   - Acquisition to Provide CSK with Growth
                    Platform in Northern Plains/Midwest -

    PHOENIX, May 18 -- CSK Auto Corporation announced
today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, CSK Auto, Inc., the largest retailer
of automotive parts and accessories in the Western United States and one of
the largest such retailers in the country, has entered into a definitive
agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Apsco Products Company
dba Big Wheel/Rossi, the leading retailer of auto parts in the Northern Plain
states.  Big Wheel/Rossi operates 86 stores in Minnesota, North Dakota and
Wisconsin.  CSK Auto believes these stores will produce sales of $85 million
to $90 million during calendar 1999.
    CSK Auto, Inc. will pay approximately $60 million in cash for the assets,
and will fund the purchase through its senior credit facility, which will
be increased.  CSK will also assume certain indebtedness of Big Wheel/Rossi of
approximately $5 million.
    CSK Auto, Inc. is a specialty retailer in the automotive aftermarket
operating approximately 825 stores under the trade names of Checker, Schuck's
and Kragen in 13 Western states.  The acquisition of the 86 Big Wheel/Rossi
stores gives CSK an immediate presence of scale in a strategically important
market adjacent to its current operations.
    CSK intends to utilize Big Wheel/Rossi's existing distribution center in
the Minneapolis area which CSK believes is capable of supporting significantly
more stores than the existing 86 Big Wheel/Rossi stores.
    CSK plans to introduce to the newly acquired stores its commercial sales
program in which CSK offers a broad product selection to professional
installers, repair shops and fleet operators.  Big Wheel/Rossi currently
has minimal commercial sales while commercial sales represent approximately
18% of CSK's sales.
    "This acquisition of the Big Wheel/Rossi business will provide CSK with
an excellent platform for growth in the Northern Plains/Midwest market,"
said Maynard Jenkins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSK Auto
Corporation. "This transaction is consistent with our strategic plan to build
our business and improve our profitability through accretive acquisitions and
significant new store openings.  Big Wheel/Rossi, the leading auto parts
retailer in the Northern Plains states with quality personnel, name brand
product, and an average store size in excess of 6,500 square feet, will be a
great addition to the CSK family.  We will leverage CSK's expertise in
commercial sales, distribution and information technology, and take advantage
of synergistic opportunities."
    The closing, which is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
is expected to occur in June.  Following the completion of the transaction,
CSK Auto will employ approximately 12,000 people in more than 900 stores,
three major distribution centers and several regional distribution centers.
    Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking
statements.  They discuss, among other things, expected growth, future store
development strategy, business strategies, future revenues and future
performance.  The forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, competitive
pressures, demand for the Company's products, the state of the economy,
inflation, consumer debt levels and weather.  Actual results may differ
materially from the anticipated results described in these forward-looking
statements.