LIVONIA, Mich., July 22 -- Valassis, the leading company in marketing services and Connective Media(TM), announced that it has agreed to a multi-year deal with The Kroger Co. to be the exclusive partner of all Kroger corporate direct mail initiatives. Effective Aug. 15, 2003, Valassis will target, coordinate, produce and analyze all targeted marketing mailing and sampling programs utilizing Kroger's proprietary frequent shopper database. The agreement encompasses all Kroger corporate solo, cooperative and sampling direct mail programs utilizing frequent shopper data including those implemented by Kroger's general office in concert with consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and suppliers. "This exclusive agreement with Kroger is an important component in the ongoing growth of our 1 to 1 Solutions business," said Alan F. Schultz, Chairman, President and CEO of Valassis. "Valassis was selected because of our expertise in managing and analyzing frequent shopper data using MarketEXPERT XR(TM) and TargetEXPERT XR(TM) software combined with our superior direct mail capabilities. In addition to being the low-cost producer, Valassis will support Kroger with the integration of direct mail and a variety of other consumer marketing programs." Valassis will work closely with both Kroger and its CPG suppliers to help attract new consumers, build loyalty and improve value for Kroger shoppers while ensuring consumer privacy and list security. "Valassis is committed to the privacy of Kroger's highly valued customers," said Schultz. "Exclusively partnering with Valassis allows Kroger to reward loyal shoppers with special mailings, product samples and value completely under the Valassis roof."