TOTOWA, NJ, July 5, 2006 — Pitman Company, the leading independent North American graphic arts supplier, today announced the acquisition of Charrette LLC, the premier provider of digital and traditional imaging supplies, equipment and services to the graphics, corporate and technical design marketplaces, and the largest provider of wide-format inkjet equipment, supplies and services in the U.S. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Charrette LLC becomes a division of the Pitman Company and will continue to operate under the Charrette name. John J. Ford III (“Jack”), president and CEO of Charrette LLC, continues to head the new division. Headquartered in the Boston suburb of Woburn, Massachusetts, Charrette has 22 locations with 404 employees. Charrette continues its operations across the country as before, now serving customers nationwide as a division of the Pitman Company. Founded in 1964, Charrette has consistently been in the forefront of the introduction of the industry’s new wave of imaging and printing technologies. The company today offers 40,000 inventoried items and full access to more than 100,000 products used in design and wide format imaging applications. The company’s expanding online catalog offers in excess of 10,000 searchable products. In announcing the completed acquisition transaction, Joe Demharter, president of the Pitman Company, said, “Pitman’s purchase of Charrette represents a major advance in our company’s strategy for expansion into new, fast growing industries. With a strong sales, service and distribution organization model, and an extensive product portfolio that complements ours, Charrette offers extraordinary cross-marketing potential. Charrette brings an extended industry perspective that can provide our customers with opportunities to explore channels for their business growth through an additional range of products and expertise.” Mr. Ford noted, “As a division of the Pitman company, Charrette now has access to an additional nationwide network of resources that enables us to reach a wider spectrum of customers while providing continued high-level support and products to our existing customer base. We’re pleased to be part of a visionary company that has built its success, as we have, on a commitment to quality, service and leadership for our customers and suppliers.” Charrette is the industry’s largest supplier to the pay-for-print market that comprises color labs, sign shops, screen printers, digital print and repro shops. It also serves customers in graphic design firms, architectural, engineering and construction firms, large corporations, professional photographers, schools and museums.