AutoZone's Response to ESL's SEC Filing

Apr 11, 2000

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a Schedule 13D filing by ESL Partners with the Securities and Exchange Commission today, AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) has the following statement:

"ESL's filing today referenced possible insider conflicts with regard to a 'significant business venture.' We believe that is a reference to our Internet strategy. Currently, that part of our business is being developed internally. The board has requested that management study various alternative Internet strategies, but management has not made any recommendations. If a conflict of interest should arise, it, of course, will be dealt with in an appropriate manner."

AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 2,837 AutoZone stores in 40 states in the U.S. plus the District of Columbia and 11 AutoZone stores in Mexico. AutoZone also sells heavy-duty truck parts through 47 TruckPro stores in 14 states, and automotive diagnostic and repair software through ALLDATA and diagnostic and repair information through alldatadiy.com . SOURCE AutoZone, Inc.

CONTACT: financial, Emma Jo Kauffman, 901-495-7005, or media, Eric Epperson, 901-495-7307, both of AutoZone, Inc./