Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW Climbs FORTUNE 500 List VERNON HILLS, Ill. - April 2, 2002 - CDW Computer Centers, Inc., (Nasdaq: CDWC), a leading provider of technology products and services to businesses and the public sector, capped a year of growth and accomplishment by moving up 21 places to No. 414 on FORTUNE magazine's "FORTUNE 500" list. "The FORTUNE 500 list is the benchmark of corporate achievement and we are pleased to be ranked with the best in American business," said John A. Edwardson, CDW chairman and chief executive officer. "In the face of these challenging economic times, we have been successful by remaining focused on our customers, using technology to improve service and increase productivity, and perpetuating our culture of coworker empowerment." The company was also recognized for profit growth: CDW was ranked No. 10 of all FORTUNE 500 companies for fastest growth in profitability over the past five years. While 97 of the FORTUNE 500 reported losses in 2001, CDW posted year-over-year increases including a three percent increase in net sales to $3.962 billion, four percent increase in net income, and record earnings per diluted share, which rose 5.6 percent. The company also grew market share, with a 15 percent increase in active customers to more than 356,000. CDW was one of 29 companies that were recognized on both the FORTUNE 500 and FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" list. In addition, CDW ranked first in its industry on FORTUNE magazine's list of "America's Most Admired Companies." The FORTUNE 500 list appears in the magazine's April 15, 2002 issue. About CDW CDW® (Nasdaq: CDWC), ranked No. 435 on the Fortune 500, is a direct solutions provider of complete, customized technology solutions for businesses, government agencies and educational institutions nationwide. CDW is a leading source of technology products and services from companies such as Cisco, Compaq, Computer Associates, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Toshiba and other top name brands. CDW distributes contracts to end users for customized and standardized on-site services provided directly by firms such as Compaq Global Services and DecisionOne and for training programs provided directly by KnowledgeNet and Productivity Point International. CDW was founded in 1984 as a home-based business and today employs more than 2,800 coworkers whose efforts generated net sales of approximately $4 billion in 2001. CDW's direct model offers one-on-one relationships with highly trained account managers; purchasing by fax, telephone, the company's award-winning www.cdw.com Web site or customized CDW@work™ extranets; custom configured solutions and same day shipping; flexible financing solutions; and phone and online technical support, with more than 100 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians on staff. Additional information can be found by visiting CDW.com.