Chicago Area's Medline Featured in New Book on Nation's Most Successful Companies; ''Think Big, Act Small'' to Hit Bookstores May 7.

MUNDELEIN, Ill. -- Medline Industries Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care supplies is featured as one of the nation's "quiet superstar" companies in a book by author Jason Jennings, Think Big, Act Small, scheduled to be released this week.

Jennings research team screened more than 100,000 companies to identify the nine subjects for his latest book. According to the author, Medline is one of only .01% of American companies that have been able to grow revenues and profits by ten percent or more, for at least ten consecutive years - not counting acquisitions. Jennings notes that the best long-term performers all combine the strengths of a big organization with the hunger of a startup. They build excellent relationships with their customers, suppliers, workers, and shareholders.

Also the author of the national bestseller Less is More, Jennings says, "There's no better example of a company committed to the creation of win-win solutions for their customers than Medline Industries.

"We're honored to be featured in the book and when folks read it they'll find that one secret to our success is that we love working with our customers. We're proud to be a great sales organization," said CEO Charlie Mills. "We love calling on customers, working with and exceeding their expectations. We have a long history of great salesmen in our family. Our COO Jimmy Abrams and President Andy Mills and I were all salesmen for the company and are still out on the road with customers weekly. We also have an incredible sales force that shares our commitment to quality, service and solutions for our customers."

The research team did extensive interviews at all the featured companies to find out exactly how they consistently increase revenue and profits, without using manipulation or gimmickry. The book reveals their unique approach to leadership and shows how any company, no matter what size or industry, can benefit from following their examples.

According to the publishers Think Big, Act Small may be, "the most powerful management book since Good to Great and Execution."

About Medline

Medline, headquartered in Mundelein, IL, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Medline has more than 700 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

Meeting the highest level of national and international quality standards, Medline is FDA QSR compliant and ISO 13485 registered. Medline serves on major industry quality committees to develop guidelines and standards for medical product use including the FDA Midwest Steering Committee, AAMI Sterilization and Packaging Committee and various ASTM committees. For more information on Medline visit our website. www.medline.com