Nationwide and Casper Sign Framework Agreement (28/07/08) NATIONWIDE and CASPER agree to form close cooperation in UK market CASPER becomes Associate Member of INPACS GmbH Nationwide and Casper today announce that they have signed a framework agreement for a close working relationship in the UK market to provide customers with a complete range of products and services, and to provide suppliers with the opportunity to participate in the growth of the largest independently owned group of non-food distributors in the UK. David Scholes, Chief Executive of Nationwide said: “With combined sales of over £200million, Nationwide and Casper are a real force for new developments in the UK market. We are excited at the opportunities this will bring to our members, customers and suppliers.” David Wallwork, Managing Director of Casper commented: “Since joining the Board of Nationwide last year we have identified an array of opportunities and this is the next logical step to bring benefits to both parties.” At the same time, Casper has become an Associate Member of INPACS GmbH, the leading pan-European network of independently owned distributors in the non-food distribution sector. Ralf Schwierzke, Managing Director of INPACS said: “we are delighted that the Casper companies have joined INPACS since July 1st. The strengths of Nationwide and Casper are very complementary and together they will become a leading force in the UK market.” Adolf Kruse, Chairman of the INPACS Board added: “Since its foundation in 2004, INPACS has consistently provided a unique and reliable service to all our partners, especially to our valued customers. Our objective is to continue to develop further on this basis.” Further information: Nationwide is the UK’s largest network of independently owned cleaning and hygiene distributors with 17 shareholder companies providing a national service through a network of 36 local branches. See www.nationwide-hygiene.com, or contact: David Scholes at david@nationwide-hygiene.com Casper is a privately held group of companies comprising Industrial Supplies (a leading member of Nationwide), King UK and WK Thomas. See www.casperlimited.com, or contact David Wallwork at dwallwork@casperlimited.com INPACS is the leading international and independently-owned group of non-food distributors with sales of €1.7billion and 200 members operating across 23 countries. See www.inpacs.com, or contact Ralf Schwierzke at ralf.schwierzke@inpacs.com