CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 25 /EMWNews/ -- Baker & Taylor, Inc., the

world's largest wholesale distributor of books and entertainment products,

today announced that James C. Melton, Executive Vice President & Chief

Financial Officer, has decided to leave the company. Baker & Taylor will

immediately begin a search for a successor. Mr. Melton has agreed to remain

with the company during a transition period.



    "James has made many outstanding contributions at Baker & Taylor and we

appreciate his dedication to the success of our company. He will be missed,

and we wish him every success for his future," said Tom Morgan, Baker &

Taylor Chairman and CEO.



    Melton joined Baker & Taylor in May 2004 and was appointed Chief

Financial Officer in October 2006.



    Arnie Wight, President, said "James has been a key member of the

management team that has driven the company's growth over the last several

years and his hard work and motivation have been a factor in our success."

    About Baker & Taylor, Inc.



    Baker & Taylor, Inc. (http://www.btol.com) is a global information and

entertainment services company that offers books, videos, music, games and

services to libraries, educational institutions, and retailers. Based in

Charlotte, N.C., the company has been in existence for over 180 years,

developing long-term relationships with major suppliers, including book

publishers, movie studios, and music labels. Baker & Taylor maintains one

of the largest combined in-stock book, video and music inventories in the

United States, and services the broadest customer base in the industry.

Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., a

leading private equity investment firm.



    About Castle Harlan



    Castle Harlan, a leading private equity investment firm founded in

1987, acquired Baker & Taylor in July 2006. It invests in controlling

interests in the buyout and development of middle-market companies in North

America, Europe, and, together with CHAMP Private Equity, Australasia.

Since inception, Castle Harlan has invested in 49 companies representing

more than $9 billion in enterprise value. Castle Harlan's current portfolio

companies, which employ more than 42,000 people, include AmeriCast

Technologies, a leading designer and manufacturer or large, complex steel

castings used in minim trucks, locomotives and energy equipment; Ames True

Temper, a leading manufacturer of lawn and garden tools and accessories,

and Anchor Drilling Fluids USA, Inc., the nation's largest independent

provider of drilling fluids and fluid-handling services for onshore oil and

gas drilling.