News

News

Uni-Select Completes the Sale of its US Automotive Parts Distribution Activities

Unless otherwise indicated in this press release, all amounts are expressed in US dollars.

Boucherville, June 1, 2015 – Uni-Select Inc. (TSX: UNS), a leading distributor of automotive products in Canada and paint and related products in the United States, completed today the sale of substantially all of the assets of Uni-Select USA, Inc. and Beck/Arnley Worldparts, Inc. to affiliates of Icahn Enterprises L.P. originally announced on February 9, 2015 at a purchase price of approximately $340 million, subject to adjustments based on the net tangible book value of assets sold at closing. The proceeds of the transaction will be used by Uni-Select to repay its outstanding debt, settle related transaction costs, and to invest in future growth-driven organic and acquisition opportunities.

"We are very pleased by the conclusion of this transaction, which creates optimal conditions for success by Uni-Select. It strengthens our balance sheet and allows us to focus on creating additional value for our shareholders”, said Richard G. Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Select. “Uni-Select is now focussed on taking full advantage of the leadership position we hold in our two core business units”, added Mr. Roy.

The sale transaction includes the following assets and employees:

• The activities of Uni-Select USA;
• The activities of Beck/Arnley Worldparts;
• 38 distribution centres and satellite locations;
• 240 corporate stores; and
• Approximately 3,500 employees.

In connection with the transaction, a transition agreement is in place to ensure an orderly and smooth transition for employees, customers and suppliers.

Uni-Select retains its FinishMaster automotive paint and related products distribution activities in the US, as well as its automotive products distribution in Canada, totalling 13 warehouses and 189 stores operated by over 2,400 employees.

“The sale now puts Uni-Select in an optimal position to accelerate profitable growth in our core markets both organically and through select acquisitions. We will continue to strengthen our leading position in the automotive aftermarket in Canada and extend our lead in the automotive refinish business – such as paint and related products, both in the USA and Canada,” added Henry Buckley, Uni-Select’s Chief Operating Officer.

ABOUT UNI-SELECT

Leader in the Canadian distribution of automotive products, Uni-Select is also a leading independent automotive paint distributor in the United States with FinishMaster. Over 2,400 employees spread across 13 distribution centres and 189 corporate stores are dedicated to offering advanced solutions and first-rate service to customers in order for them to benefit from a positively superior experience. Uni-Select’s strong network and proficient programs contribute to the success of countless auto service shops and collision centres as well as more than 1,155 independent wholesalers in North America. Its Canadian banner programs made up of Auto Parts Plus®, Auto-Plus®, Bumper to Bumper®, Auto Select™, Uni-Pro®, SAX and Carrossier ProColor® regroup over 3,900 shops and stores. Uni-Select is headquartered in Boucherville and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol UNS.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The information provided in this press release may include some forward-looking information, which could include certain risks and uncertainties, which may cause the final results to be significantly different from those listed or implied within this news release. Such risks and uncertainties may include, for example, the impact of the transaction on the business of Uni-Select as a whole and certain strategic benefits expected to result from the transaction. For additional information with respect to risks and uncertainties, refer to the Annual Report filed by Uni-Select with the Canadian securities commissions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the results of the transaction. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release, and Uni-Select does not undertake to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Denis Mathieu | Executive Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer
Tel. 450 641-2440 | investorrelations@uniselect.com