OATS Wild Oats Markets (MM)

Former Wild Oats Markets CEO Strengthens Depth Of Genstar Operating Talent With Focus On Consumer Products and Industrial Technology SAN FRANCISCO, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Genstar Capital, LLC, a middle market private equity firm that focuses on investments in selected segments of the industrial technology, life sciences, healthcare services, and business services sectors, today announced that it has named Perry D. Odak as Operating Partner. Most recently Chief Executive Officer of Wild Oats Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:OATS), Mr. Odak will advise Genstar in the areas of consumer products and industrial technology related investments. His position is effective May 1. "Our ability to attract and retain leading executives whose operating talents are among the best in the world is essential to our continued growth and it remains a powerful point of differentiation for Genstar as we build existing and future portfolio investments," said Jean-Pierre L. Conte, Chairman and Managing Director of Genstar. "We continue to strengthen our pool of talent and look forward to further tapping into the extensive experiences Perry has attained during his affiliation with a number of leading companies. We are excited that he will now devote more time to our firm." Mr. Odak has been affiliated with Genstar for nearly 10 years, serving as a member of their Strategic Advisory Board, and has worked regularly with portfolio companies to provide his operating experience and strategic insights. In addition, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Genstar's portfolio company Ft. Dearborn Company, a leading supplier of high impact decorative labels used by a variety of industries, including food and beverage, household products, paint and coatings, and personal care. As former President and CEO of Wild Oats Markets, a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets, Mr. Odak led the company through a five- year turnaround. Prior to this, he was the President and CEO of Ben & Jerry's Homemade from 1997 through its sale to Unilever in 2001. Mr. Odak also held a series of senior positions with companies, including: Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations for the Armour-Dial Company; General Manager of Jovan; President of the Consumer Products group of Atari Inc.; CEO of Graham Packaging, a leading manufacturer of plastic containers for global consumer products companies; Browning and Winchester businesses of Fabrique National Corporation, a global outdoor and recreational sporting goods company; and CEO of Sudbury, Inc., a holding company with 23 subsidiaries. He received his bachelor degree in Applied Economics from Cornell University. Commenting on his new position, Mr. Odak, said, "I have come to know JP Conte and his team during my years as a member of Genstar's Strategic Advisory Board and I believe firmly in their approach to create long-term value by enhancing the operations of their portfolio investments. I look forward to providing my years of experience in the consumer products sector and working with Genstar and their management teams to create healthier, growing businesses." Genstar also recently appointed as operating partner Edmund M. Carpenter, who will also help identify investment opportunities in the industrial technology sector. Mr. Carpenter served as Chief Executive of several leading industrial corporations, most recently as CEO of Barnes Group, Inc. In addition, Mark Hanson, a software industry executive, leads Genstar's targeted strategy within the information services sector most recently serving as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and Chief of Staff for Siebel Systems, Inc. The firm's Strategic Advisory Board Genstar's advisory board is composed of influential senior executives who are current or former leaders of major corporations. Additionally, Genstar's Strategic Advisory Board includes former senior executives from CNA Insurance Companies, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. ITT Corporation, Deere & Co., Axia Health Management, MedImmune, Inc., Wild Oats Markets, and NEN Life Science Products. Genstar's recent transactions include the acquisition of International Aluminum Corporation, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial aluminum building materials, in a transaction valued at $228 million; and the acquisition of OnCURE Medical, a Newport Beach-California operator of treatment centers focused on providing state-of-the-art radiation treatment alternatives. About Genstar Capital, LLC Based in San Francisco, Genstar Capital (http://www.gencap.com/) is a private equity investment firm that makes leveraged investments in quality middle-market companies. Genstar Capital works in partnership with management to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. With more than $900 million of committed capital under management and significant experience investing in businesses, Genstar focuses on selected segments of the industrial technology, life sciences, healthcare services and business services sectors. DATASOURCE: Genstar Capital, LLC CONTACT: Chris Tofalli, +1-914-834-4334 Web site: http://www.gencap.com/

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