ARAMARK Names Staples CEO Sargent to Board of Directors

Business Wire, Dec 16, 2002

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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2002

ARAMARK (NYSE:RMK), a world leader in managed services, announced today that Ronald L. Sargent, President and Chief Executive Officer of Staples, Inc., will join ARAMARK's Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Sargent has held various positions with Staples, including chief operating officer of the company. In that capacity, he directed the company's worldwide operations, including U.S., Canadian and European retail superstores, Staples North American Delivery business as well as the company's supply chain management, merchandising and marketing activities.

Sargent led the growth of Staples' European business, which operates in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.

During his career at Staples, Sargent worked closely with founder Tom Stemberg to build the company's business. Sargent joined Staples in 1989 following ten years with The Kroger Co., one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains.

Sargent is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. He presently serves on the board of the Yankee Candle Co. and on the board of advisors to the Boston College Carroll School of Management. A former board member of Literacy Volunteers of America, he is also active in community fundraising in Boston.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Ron Sargent to ARAMARK's board of directors," said Joseph Neubauer, Chairman and CEO of ARAMARK. "We are confident that his leadership and demonstrated expertise in marketing and international operations will contribute to the growth and success of ARAMARK."

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a world leader in providing managed services, including food, facility and other support services, uniform and career apparel and childcare and early education. ARAMARK has leadership positions serving the business, education, healthcare, government, sports and recreation sectors.

ARAMARK is ranked No. 1 in the outsourcing services category and is among the Top 50 companies overall in FORTUNE Magazine's 2002 "Most Admired Companies in America." Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 200,000 employees serving customers in 18 countries.

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Factors that might cause such a difference include: unfavorable economic conditions, including ramifications of the September 11 terrorist attacks and other terrorist attacks, increased operating costs, shortages of qualified personnel and other factors leading to increased labor costs, costly compliance with governmental regulations, currency risks and other risks associated with international markets, risks associated with acquisitions, including our ability to integrate and derive the expected benefits from our acquisition of ServiceMaster Management Services and other acquisitions, competition, decline in attendance at client facilities, unpredictability of sales and expenses due to contract terms, significant leverage, claims relating to the provision of food services, liability associated with non-compliance with governmental regulations, including regulations pertaining to food services, the environment and childcare service, seasonality, adverse publicity concerning incidents at childcare centers and levels of enrollment in our education business.

For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with ARAMARK's business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and "Risk Factors" sections of ARAMARK's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting ARAMARK's investor relations department at www.aramark.com.