News

VALLEY FORGE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2000--AmeriSource Health Corporation (NYSE:AAS) Board of Directors today announced that R. David Yost, formerly CEO and President, was elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, Kurt Hilzinger moves to President and Chief Operating Officer from Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Lawrence Karlson, formerly Non-executive Chairman of the Board, was elected Vice Chairman and Lead Director.

"The new positions reflect the most effective leadership roles for AmeriSource as we continue to build shareholder value," said Yost. "Kurt has done an outstanding job as Chief Operating Officer and will continue his strong operational leadership in the new position of President and COO. In naming Larry Vice Chairman and Lead Director, the Board reaffirmed AmeriSource's long tradition of providing strong non-executive leadership in the area of corporate governance."

About AmeriSource

AmeriSource Health Corporation, with nearly $12 billion in operating revenue, is a leading distributor of pharmaceutical and related healthcare services and the industry's largest provider of pharmaceuticals to the acute care/health systems market.

Headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, the Company serves its base of about 15,000 customer accounts through a national network of more than 20 strategically located distribution facilities. For news and additional information about the company, visit its web site at www.amerisource.com.

Certain information contained in this press release includes forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) that reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance.

Certain factors such as competitive pressures, success of restructuring or systems initiatives, market interest rates, regulatory changes, continued industry consolidation, changes in customer mix, changes in pharmaceutical manufacturers' pricing and distribution policies, changes in U.S. government policies, customer insolvencies, the loss of one or more key customer or supplier relationships and other matters contained in the Company's 10-K for fiscal year 1999 and other public documents could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

The company assumes no obligation to update the matters discussed in this press release.