Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW Completes January 2001 Share Repurchase Program, 3rd Quarter 2002 Results Scheduled for October 16, 2002 VERNON HILLS, Ill. - September 30, 2002 - CDW Computer Centers, Inc. (Nasdaq:CDWC), a provider of technology products and services, today announced that it has completed the 5 million share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in January 2001. These shares were purchased at an aggregate price of $204.7 million (an average share price of approximately $40.93). In addition, CDW has purchased 408,376 shares of Company stock pursuant to the 2.5 million share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in July 2002 at an aggregate price of $17.6 million (an average share price of approximately $43.18). The amount and timing of any future purchases will be determined based upon market conditions. "Despite all the challenges in the economy, we are upbeat about our ability to continue to gain share and execute well," said John A. Edwardson, CDW chairman and chief executive officer. "Our continued share repurchases reflect our sense of confidence and commitment to outperforming the market." The company will release its third quarter 2002 results on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). On October 16, 2002 at 5:00 EDT, management will review these results during a conference call. This conference call will be available on a live Webcast - in listen-mode only - on the Company's Web site at CDW.com and through streetevents.com. An audio replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the event on streetevents.com until October 31, 2002. This release contains statements that are forward-looking (that is, not historical in nature). Such forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs and expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which may have a significant impact on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein. The following risks and uncertainties, among others, may have an impact on the accuracy of forward-looking statements contained in this release: the continued acceptance of the Company's distribution channel by vendors and customers, the continuing development, maintenance and operation of our IT systems, the timely availability and acceptance of new products, continuation of key vendor relationships and support programs, changes and uncertainties in economic conditions that could affect the rate of IT spending by our customers, changes in pricing by our vendors, and the ability of the Company to hire and retain qualified account managers. Additional discussion regarding these and other factors affecting the Company's business and prospects is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About CDW CDW® (Nasdaq: CDWC), ranked No. 414 on the Fortune 500, is a leading provider of technology solutions for businesses, government agencies and educational institutions nationwide. CDW is a principal source of technology products and services from top name brands such as Cisco, Compaq, Computer Associates, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft and Toshiba. CDW distributes contracts to end users for customized and standardized on-site services supplied directly by providers such as Compaq Global Services and DecisionOne and for training programs provided by firms such as 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 www.cdw.com.