OREANDA-NEWS. On July 6, 2015, Dollar Tree completed its acquisition of more than 8,200 Family Dollar stores across 46 states. The Company had previously announced that Mr. Levine would remain with the Company for a period of time to assist with the integration, reporting to, and supporting, Dollar Tree's Chief Executive Officer, Bob Sasser. Gary Philbin, who was named Family Dollar's President and Chief Operating Officer in July 2015, will continue leading Family Dollar and will continue reporting to Mr. Sasser.

Bob Sasser, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "It was very important to me for Howard to remain with our company and to contribute to the combination of our two large organizations. He has been an integral leader at Family Dollar for more than two decades, and has accumulated a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. I would like to commend Howard for his many years of service and leadership at Family Dollar, and to thank him for his partnership during our integration. Howard has completed everything I have asked of him during this process, and has proven to be a valuable resource to both Gary Philbin and me."

Howard Levine, Family Dollar's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "It has been an honor to serve Family Dollar over the past 25 years. I would like to share my gratitude to many thousands of current and former Family Dollar team members that have helped build Family Dollar into the business it is today, delivering terrific values to millions of customers on a daily basis. I am appreciative for the opportunity to assist Bob and Gary through the integration of our companies. I have been impressed by Dollar Tree's commitment to discipline and execution in running a value retail business. I am confident that both the Family Dollar and Dollar Tree banners are well-positioned for many years of growth and success."

Mr. Sasser continued, "I have long-admired the Family Dollar brand. Since Leon Levine opened its first store in Charlotte in 1959, the Company had grown to more than 8,200 stores in 46 states. Howard and his father had a great vision and for more than five decades were committed to creating jobs and delivering values to Family Dollar's customers and their shareholders. I would like to wish Howard and his family the best for many years to come."