BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 21, 2007) - Uni-Select Inc. (TSX:UNS) has entered into an agreement for the purchase of the assets of Consumer Auto Parts, Inc an automotive replacement parts distributor and operator of 23 points of sale and one distribution center active in the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. The sale is expected to be completed on August 31, 2007, subject to closing conditions.
The acquired business will become part of the North-East division of Automotive Group USA. This development should add annual sales of $41M US, 40% of which are to consumers.
"The Consumer Auto Parts business model, with its balanced mix of Retail and Wholesale, will add a powerful tool to our arsenal " offered Jacques Landreville, President and Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Select Inc.
"These developments are exciting news for our customers and employees. It will allow us to more effectively compete and grow in our extremely challenging but opportunistic industry. In Uni-Select, we have found the right partner as their culture, values and business model, including support of the independent Jobber, coincide so closely with ours " commented Merrill Cohen, President of Consumer Auto Parts.
Uni-Select is Canada's second largest distributor of automotive replacement parts, equipment, tools and accessories and through Uni-Select USA, Inc.; the company also provides service to customers in the United States where it is the 8th largest distributor. Its subsidiary, Palmar Inc., sells replacement parts, tools and accessories for heavy-duty vehicles and wheels in Canada. The Uni-Select Network includes over 2,033 independent jobbers and services over 3,063 points of sale in Canada and the United States. Uni-Select is headquartered in Montreal. Uni-Select shares (UNS) are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Uni-Select Inc.
Mr. Jacques Landreville
President and Chief Executive Officer
450-641-2440
450-449-4908 (FAX)
Uni-Select Inc.
Mr. Denis Mathieu
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
450-641-2440
450-449-4908 (FAX)
www.uni-select.com
