February 19th 2009 – Houchens Industries announced today the completion of the acquisition of White’s Fresh Foods.

Whites Fresh Foods operates conventional retail grocery stores in Tennessee and Virginia. “With continuing pressures in the marketplace, and the ongoing need for expansion and investment in the employees of Whites Fresh Foods futures, Houchens Industries provides a unique opportunity for our company. With a significant interest in retail grocery already, Houchens provides the hard working and talented associates of Whites Fresh Foods the best opportunity that we can see to continue to service our customers, potentially expand that base; and provide stability to the 450+ associates of the company and their families, in a way that today’s environment has prevented us from doing” according to Doug White.

Established in 1917 in Glasgow, Kentucky, Houchens Industries, Inc., is one of the largest 100% employee owned companies in the United States and currently operates businesses in Insurance, Manufacturing, Web Development, Retail Grocery and Convenience Stores, Quick-to-Service Restaurants, Construction, Paving, Trucking, Recycling, Tanning Supply Distribution, Optical Stores, Financial Services and Property Management. Houchens’ companies employ more than 12,000 people.

Media Contact:Alan Larsen

w. (270)-780-2848

Houchens Industries

700 Church ST

Bowling Green KY 42101