TOTOWA, NJ, March 5, 2004 — Pitman Company, the leading independent North American graphic arts supplier, today announced the merger of its New England branch operations with Northeast Graphic Supply, a major New England regional distribution company based in Portland, Maine. Effective today, Northeast Graphic Supply customers will be served by Pitman's Taunton, Massachusetts branch which provides same-day and overnight product delivery to customers throughout New England. Brian Kroot, President of Northeast Graphic Supply, which was founded by his father 65 years ago, will join Pitman to assure a seamless transition of customer service to Pitman. Joe Demharter, President of Pitman Company, noted, "The merger with Northeast Graphic Supply gives Pitman an even stronger presence in the important New England graphic arts marketplace. This move provides us with the opportunity to serve many new customers with Pitman's tremendous product portfolio and our strong sales, technology and support people who are dedicated to helping companies achieve high-productivity performance goals. We're pleased that Brian Kroot will be working with us as we begin our new relationships with the customers that his company served so well over the last six decades." Mr. Kroot noted, "We're proud to join the graphic industry's premier dealership, and know that our customers will enjoy enhanced benefits in working with Pitman. It is a forward-looking, national company known for its quality products, equipment and high level of service and support." The Northeast Graphic Supply merger is the second expansion announced by Pitman Company this year. In January, Litho Supply Company Inc. of Monrovia, California was merged into Pitman's Los Angeles area operations.