May 22, 1997 -- La Vergne, TN -- Ingram Book Group and Spring Arbor Distribution Co. today announced they are joining forces to be the nation's largest wholesaler of Christian books and related products.

The new entity is Spring Arbor Distributors Inc., a subsidiary of Ingram Industries Inc., and will be based in Belleville, Michigan. Spring Arbor CEO Richard L. Pigott is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Spring Arbor Distributors Inc., and Ingram veteran Larry A. Carpenter is the Executive Vice President.

"This is a merger of strengths," Mr. Pigott said today. "Ingram has the best ‘backroom' in the business -- distribution technology and information processing and it has critical mass. Spring Arbor has the best aligned service offerings that meet the needs of religious products retailers and producers. We are impressed that Ingram feels the most significant asset they are gaining is the expertise of the employees of Spring Arbor. This expertise allows Spring Arbor the distinctions it has in the Christian product marketplace."

John R. Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Book Group, noted that Ingram has shared a strong belief in the importance of Spring Arbor's basic mission to serve Christian retailers. In 1996, Ingram formed its own Ingram Christian Resources as a division of Ingram Book Group, the largest wholesaler of trade books, textbooks and specialty magazines in the U.S.

"This is a happy combination for both Ingram and Spring Arbor," Mr. Ingram said. "Since Ingram increased its focus on serving the CBA market we have built an effective organization with Ingram Christian Resources, and we have made great strides in communicating the ‘just-in-time' message to that important market.

"Spring Arbor has blazed an important trail over the past 19 years, and we are in a position now to offer the highest level of service to the vitally important role served by Christian booksellers," Mr. Ingram said.

Lee Synnott, Chief Executive Officer of Ingram Book Group, said the merger will not affect the current product mix or service levels currently maintained by Ingram and Spring Arbor.

"Our mission remains the same," Synnott said. "This presents us with an opportunity to serve our customers and the bookselling industry with a new level of expertise, thanks to the solid work Spring Arbor has done over the past two decades."

Spring Arbor was founded in 1978, and it brings to the combined operation more than $220 million in sales of books, Bibles, printed and recorded music, and other products. Spring Arbor currently provides more than 20,000 customers with access to over 85,000 different products. Spring Arbor also offers its customers a variety of computerized "value added" support products and merchandising services that facilitate the management of a retail establishment.

Thomas Murphy, majority shareholder of Spring Arbor, said: "Ingram has an outstanding reputation for high quality, integrity and excellent service to the book industry. They will be excellent partners in this important business. I have every confidence that Spring Arbor's long record of commitment and dependability will grow even stronger in the years ahead."

James E. Carlson, founder of Spring Arbor, said: "Change is an inevitable process, both in life and in business. I personally believe that this change in ownership is the best option to ensure the ongoing fulfillment of Spring Arbor's mission. Ingram has a sharp focus on wholesale distribution and is keenly aware of how to operate smoothly and efficiently in this business."

Ingram Book Group operates seven distribution centers across the U.S. and employs approximately 3,400 associates. Spring Arbor employs over 700 and operates five distribution centers.