Acklands-Grainger Inc. Acquires Ranson Industrial and Safety Supplies Inc.

TORONTO, Feb. 22 /CNW/ - Acklands-Grainger Inc., Canada's largest distributor of industrial and safety supplies, today announced that it has acquired the assets of Ranson Industrial and Safety Supplies Inc., effective February 20, 2010. Ranson, with 2009 sales of approximately C$8 million, is a distributor of industrial and safety products with one location in Sarnia, Ontario. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Ranson is a leading distributor of industrial and safety supplies in Southwestern Ontario with a track record of exceptional customer service," said Sean O'Brien, President of Acklands-Grainger. "With this acquisition, we look forward to building upon our shared goal of helping local customers keep their facilities operating efficiently and safely."

"We share common values that focus on serving customers with the utmost integrity," said Bob Gladwish Sr., C.E.O., Ranson Industrial and Safety Supplies Inc. "We expect a seamless transition for our employees and customers and know they will appreciate Acklands-Grainger's industry-leading network and commitment to superior service."

Acklands-Grainger operates 40 locations in Ontario and has served the Sarnia community for more than 10 years. The acquisition further builds on recent investments the company has made in Ontario, which include a new state-of-the-art 13,000 sq ft. facility in Sarnia opened in 2006, and the opening of four new branches in Richmond Hill, Milton, Hamilton and Newmarket in 2009. In the short term, both businesses will continue to operate separately in their respective locations. Ranson will transition to the Acklands-Grainger Sarnia location in late 2010 using the Acklands-Grainger brand name.

About Acklands-Grainger, Inc.

Founded in 1889, Acklands-Grainger - a wholly owned subsidiary of Grainger - is Canada's largest distributor of industrial, safety, and fastener products, with over 100,000 in-stock products available from 165 branches and five distribution centres. For more information about Acklands-Grainger, please visit www.acklandsgrainger.com.

W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2009 sales of $6.2 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in United States and Canada, with an expanding presence in Japan, Mexico, India, China and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including branches, distribution centers and Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done.

About Ranson Industrial and Safety Supplies Inc.

Ranson Industrial and Safety Supplies Inc. has been serving Canadian industry in Southwestern Ontario for over 25 years with products and solutions in a wide range of customer segments. Family owned and operated since inception, Ranson's priority has always been superior customer service. The company operates a modern 28,000 sq. ft office and warehouse facility in Sarnia, ON and represents an extensive list of quality manufacturers, offering customers a comprehensive line up of products and services in the industrial, safety and janitorial categories. For more information about Ranson, visit www.ranson.on.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements under the federal securities law. The forward-looking statements relate to the company's expected future financial results and business plans, strategies and objectives are not historical facts. They are generally identified by qualifiers such as "expect," "expects," "expected," or similar expressions. There are risks and uncertainties the outcome of which could cause the company's results to differ materially from what is projected. The forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the company's most recent annual report, as well as the company's Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, containing a discussion of the company's business and various factors that may affect it.

For further information: Media: Sara Boyne-Granack, Regional Communications, [phone]; Investors: Ernest Duplessis, Vice President, Investor Relations, [phone]; William Chapman, Director, Investor Relations, [phone]