Berger & Montague, P.C. Files Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit Against Anicom, Inc.

Business Editors/Legal Writers

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2000

The following notice is issued by the law firm of Berger & Montague, P.C. on behalf of its client, who on August 2, 2000, filed a complaint in a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, on behalf of all persons who purchased the common stock of Anicom, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANIC) during the period April 29, 1998 through July 18, 2000.

The Complaint charges that Anicom and its executives violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, by issuing a series of false and misleading statements during the Class Period that materially overstated Anicom's revenues, income and earnings growth. These statements were materially false and misleading since they were attributable to improper accounting practices which resulted in overstatement of net assets in violation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). As a result of Anicom's materially false and misleading statements, the market price of the Company's common stock was artificially inflated during the Class Period.

On July 18, 2000, Anicom revealed to the market that it was investigating possible "accounting irregularities" which could result in a revision of its 1998 and 1999 financial statements. It is currently believed that the total effect of these accounting revisions and charges could be as much as $35 million. Thereafter, Anicom's President and Chief Financial Officer took administrative leave pending completion of the Company's investigation. Following the announcement, trading in Anicom common stock was halted and has not yet resumed.

Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all purchasers of Anicom common stock during the Class Period (the "Class").

The law firm of Berger & Montague, P.C. has over 50 attorneys, all of whom represent plaintiffs in complex litigation. The Berger firm has extensive experience representing plaintiffs in class action securities litigation and has played lead roles in major cases over the past 25 years which have resulted in recoveries in excess of two billion dollars to investors. The firm is currently representing investors as lead counsel in actions against Waste Management, Inc., Sunbeam, Alcatel, Boston Chicken and IKON Office Solutions, Inc. The standing of Berger & Montague, P.C. in successfully conducting major securities and antitrust litigation has been recognized by numerous courts. For example:

"Class counsel did a remarkable job in representing the class interests." In Re: Ikon Offices Solutions Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 98-4286 (E.D. Pa.) (Settled in 2000 for $111 million).

". . . you have acted the way lawyers at their best ought to act. And I have had a lot of cases. . . in 15 years now as a judge and I cannot recall a significant case where I felt people were better represented than they are here. . . I would say this has been the best representation that I have seen." In Re Waste Management Inc. Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 97-C 7709 (N.D. Ill.) (Settled in 1999 for $220 million).

If you purchased Anicom common stock between 4/29/98 and 7/18/00, you may no later than September 18, 2000 request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. A lead plaintiff is a representative party that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Under certain circumstances, one or more class members may together serve as "lead plaintiff." Your ability to share in any recovery, is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. You may retain Berger & Montague, P.C., or other counsel of your choice, to serve as your counsel in this action. If you wish to join this action or have any questions please contact:

Sherrie R. Savett, Esquire

Karen S. Orman, Esquire

Douglas M. Risen, Esquire

Kimberly A. Walker, Investor Relations Manager

Berger & Montague, P.C.

1622 Locust Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: [phone] or 215/875-3000

Fax: [phone]

Website: http://home.bm.net

e-mail: [e-mail]