Bergen Brunswig to Strengthen Manufacturer Ties; Utilize Key Data to Enhance Revenues and Improve Patient Outcomes.

ORANGE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 6, 1999--

S. Kent Hiser, New Vice President, Business Development, Will Work Closely With Manufacturers To Implement Development Opportunities

Advancing its strategy to generate revenues and improve patient outcomes through data development and closer alliances with manufacturers, Bergen Brunswig Corporation (NYSE:BBC) announced today that S. Kent Hiser has been named to the newly created post of vice president, business development for Bergen Brunswig Drug Company.

Reporting directly to Charles J. Carpenter, Bergen's executive vice president and chief procurement officer, Hiser will work with pharmaceutical manufacturers to identify product development opportunities and implement programs that will improve clinical information and compliance while driving market share enhancement.

"Kent's 30 years of health industry experience, with emphasis on his data management skills, marketing savvy and understanding of the needs of managed care, will assist us in leveraging the full strength of Bergen's offerings to strengthen ties with suppliers, identify opportunities to improve disease management capabilities and achieve maximum success for manufacturers' products while generating new revenue streams for Bergen," Carpenter explained. "To facilitate daily interaction with our manufacturer partners and ensure collaborative program development, we have chosen to base Kent on the East Coast where the majority of key pharmaceutical manufacturers are located."

A registered pharmacist, Hiser received his degree from Northeast Louisiana University and pursued graduate studies at Louisiana State University. Most recently he was a senior vice president, sales and marketing, for an IMS subsidiary which concentrated on managed care marketing and communications. He was previously executive vice president and COO for Medi-Promotions, Inc. Hiser began his career in the pharmaceutical industry at Roche Laboratories.

Bergen Brunswig Corporation, a Fortune 200 Company with annualized revenues of $16 billion (excludes bulk shipments to customers' warehouses), is one of the nation's leading supply channel management companies, providing pharmaceuticals, medical-supplies and specialty products as well as information management solutions and outsourcing services designed to improve cost-effectiveness and increase value for customers, patients and manufacturers across the entire healthcare spectrum. The company also develops disease-specific treatment protocols and pharmacoeconomic initiatives to assist in the reduction of overall healthcare costs while improving disease management and outcomes.

Bergen Brunswig press releases are available at no charge through the Company's faxline. To receive a directory of available releases, call [phone] and follow the voice-prompt instructions. You may also view the Company's web site at www.bergenbrunswig.com.