AEI: Declercq to Manage AEI South Africa CONTACT: Arthur McWilliam Smith AEI, Tel: (27-21) 876 3027, Fax:(27-21)876 3293, Internet email: jnbmws@aeilogis.com Candace Bouchard, AEI Tel: (203) 655 5792, Fax: (203) 655 5895, Internet: exocb@aeilogis.com AEI NAMES DANIELLA DECLERCQ TO MANAGE ITS SOUTH AFRICAN OPERATIONS DARIEN, CT USA (March 5, 1997) - AEI said today that it has named Daniella A. Declercq to manage its operations in South Africa. As its managing director, Declercq, a 15-year industry veteran, is responsible for all of AEI's transportation and logistics activities in South Africa and is based at its Johannesburg headquarters. For the past year, Declercq has served as national director of AEI South Africa's airfreight operations. Previously, she spent nine years as managing director of Profreight Aircargo, a South African air and ocean freight forwarder and customs broker acquired by AEI in March 1996. She has worked in the South African transportation business since 1982. "Daniella Declercq brings a high level of skills and expertise to the post. She is well-versed in the intricacies of doing business in South Africa," said Arthur McWilliam Smith, chairman of AEI South Africa. "Our nation has entered a new age, one which will be defined by international trade and commerce. This transition requires a capable hand at the helm of AEI South Africa, and Daniella Declercq provides that." "Since the lifting of trade sanctions with the United States, South Africa has assumed a much more visible role in global trade," Declercq said."Our more than 40 years of experience operating in South Africa, combined with our growing capabilities through internal growth and acquisitions, makes us a leader in the nation's logistics market. My mission is to build on our already-strong position here." Besides the acquisition of Profreight, AEI last year opened a 55,000square-foot distribution center in Johannesburg. In addition, it formed an in-country logistics group tasked with serving the international customers needing value-added, door-to-door services to help streamline their global supply chain. Headquartered in Darien, CT, AEI is a worldwide integrated logistics provider with 600 locations in 140 countries. It delivers logistics solutions to its customers by integrating multi-modal transportation, warehousing and distribution, customs brokerage and information management services. AEI recently reported record revenues and earnings in 1996, its third consecutive year of record results. [end] Ends.