Acklands-Grainger Inc. Acquires Solus Securite Inc.

TORONTO, Sept. 20 /CNW/ -- Acklands-Grainger Inc., Canada's largest distributor of industrial, safety and fastener supplies, today announced it has purchased Solus Securite Inc. effective September 17, 2010. With 2009 sales of approximately C$20 million, Solus Securite is a leading fire protection and safety distributor in Quebec with locations in Trois Rivieres, Victoriaville, Montreal and Sorel. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Our Quebec customers have told us they want more products and services available to them that help them keep their facilities and employees safe," said Sean O'Brien, President of Acklands-Grainger. "Working together with our new team members and sharing best practices, we will leverage our combined expertise to offer local customers more of the products and services they need, where and when they need them, including safety product repairs and technical support."

"Solus Securite has worked hard since 1978 to provide businesses and institutions in Quebec with quality, full-service distribution and strong technical expertise," said Normand Belanger, President, Solus Securite. "We are thrilled to be joining Canada's leading industrial, safety and fastener distributor and know our customers will benefit from Acklands-Grainger's broad product offering, industry-leading supply chain and commitment to service."

Acklands-Grainger has served Quebec for more than 73 years and employs more than 135 team members in the province. Over the years the company has made significant investments across the province to meet the evolving needs of local business, including its acquisition of Excel Industriel in 2008.

Acklands-Grainger and Solus Securite will continue to operate separately in their respective locations for the immediate future.

About Acklands-Grainger Inc.

Founded in 1889, Acklands-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 coast to coast. For more information about Acklands-Grainger, please visit www.acklandsgrainger.com.

Its parent company, W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2009 sales of $6.2 billion, is North America's leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products with an expanding presence in Asia and Latin America. For more information about the company, please visit www.grainger.com/investor.

About Solus Securite Inc

Founded in 1978 as Distribec, Solus Securite Inc. is a leading fire protection and safety distributor in Quebec, with four locations across the province. For more information about Solus, visit www.solus.com.

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 "will" 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: English Media, Sara Granack, Director, International Communications, [phone], or French Media:, Christian Lafortune, General Manager, Quebec Region, 514/332-6105, ext 78247, or investors, William Chapman, Director, Investor Relations, [phone] Web Site: http://www.solus.com