Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW Announces Expansion Plans BUFFALO GROVE, Illinois, March 14, 1996 - CDW Computer Centers, Inc. ("CDW") announced today that it has entered into a contract to purchase approximately 27 acres of vacant land in Vernon Hills, Illinois, upon which it intends to construct a combined telemarketing, warehouse, showroom and corporate office facility. Under the terms of the contract, CDW's obligation to consummate the purchase of the land is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, zoning and other governmental approvals. "The Company's sales growth has created the need for expansion of our facilities to accommodate our future growth," said Michael P. Krasny, chairman and chief executive officer. "We are optimistic that we will obtain complete approval, and we anticipate moving into our new home in the first quarter of 1997." As a result of the move to the new facility, the Company will vacate and endeavor to sublease its current facility, resulting in a pre-tax non-recurring charge to operating results for exit costs in the first quarter of 1996, currently estimated at $2.5 to $4.0 million. The final magnitude of the charge will be largely dependent upon the Company's success and timing in subleasing the vacated facility. The initial phase of construction on the new property is planned to include approximately 100,000 square feet of warehouse space and approximately 100,000 square feet of office space, effectively a 100% increase over CDW's current facility. The Company will also have the ability to expand the initial building and/or construct additional buildings on the property to accommodate future growth. Based on current plans, the Company estimates that capital expenditures for purchasing the land and constructing and equipping the facility will be approximately $23.0 to $25.0 million. The Company intends to fund the acquisition and building costs from existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances. "The expansion is a necessity as we strive to sustain our sales growth while remaining focused on our customers' needs and our proven operating model," said Krasny. "Keeping our business under one roof is a key ingredient of our model as a low-cost provider with stringent operating controls. The close proximity of the new property to our current facility allows us to retain the benefits of our loyal and highly competent co-workers, while remaining close to our key distributors." About CDW CDW Computer Centers, Inc. is a leading direct marketer of brand name microcomputer products. Inbound and outbound telemarketers are dedicated to providing superior customer service at the best price. CDW offers a broad range of over 20,000 MS-DOS/Microsoft Windows and Apple/Macintosh-based products, including hardware, peripherals, accessories, networking and software. Customers can call Computer Discount Warehouse at 1-800-884-4CDW to place orders and obtain product information from CDW's account managers. The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CDWC.