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Uni-select Inc. Makes 2nd Acquisition in the USA

10 October 1999

    BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec--Uni-Select is pleased to announce that, through a new subsidiary, it has completed the purchase of all of the assets of Universal Warehouse Company, Inc.

    The distribution centre of Universal, located in Memphis, Tennessee USA, serves 180 auto parts stores owned by independent jobbers. The automotive parts sold by Universal are similar to those distributed by Uni-Select and the customers of both organisations share a common philosophy and approach to the market making for a comfortable integration and no anticipated erosion.

    The management and personnel of Universal will remain in place under the presidency of Mr. Eugene Turner, the current president, and Mr Gary Kremer, President of Uni-Select USA will act as Chairman of the Board. The new subsidiary, Universal Warehouse Corp., will be integrated with Uni-Select USA, Inc. in the coming year.

    This new business development is expected to add annual sales of 50 million CDN to Uni-Select's Automotive Group. This acquisition is Uni-Select's second in the United States in as many years and is in line with the company's strategic plan that calls for an increased presence in this important market. The Uni-Select network now serves over 1,200 auto parts stores mostly owned by independent jobbers. Trademarks licensed for use by the member-jobbers are AUTO PLUS(TM) and AUTO PARTS PLUS(TM) in Canada and AUTO-MATE(TM) in the US.

    Uni-Select is a public company specialising in the wholesale distribution of replacement parts for motor vehicles. It currently enjoys annual sales of over $500 million. Uni-Select shares (UNS) are traded on the Montreal and Toronto Stock Exchange.