Owens & Minor, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, is the leading distributor of national name-brand medical and surgical supplies and a healthcare supply-chain management company. With a diverse product and service offering, the company uses its nationwide distribution centers to serve hospitals, intergraded healthcare systems, alternate care locations, group purchasing organizations, and the federal government. The acquisition of Access Diabetic Supply (Access) in January, 2005, extended Owens & Minor’s reach into the patient’s home. Access is a leader in the rapidly growing direct-to-consumer, diabetic supply market.

Beyond healthcare products, Owens & Minor provides technology and consulting programs that enable healthcare providers to maximize efficiently and cost-effectiveness in materials purchasing. These services also enable users to improve inventory management and streamline logistics across the entire medical supply-chain, from the origin of the product to the patient’s bedside. In searching for innovative ways to serve customers, Owens & Minor also has made a name for itself in the development and use of technology.

Founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1882, Owens & Minor has created an enduring culture that focuses on customer service, integrity and social responsibility. The company believes in treating its teammates well, and they, in turn treat customers, suppliers and business partners with superior service. The team at Owens & Minor starts every day with a focus on business integrity, using the insight gained from a century in healthcare to create the innovation that distinguishes the company.

Owens & Minor common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol OMI. As of December 31, 2004, there were approximately 39.5 million commons shares outstanding.