Oct. 6, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Patterson Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDCO) today announced that James W. Wiltz, president and chief executive officer, will retire at the end of the current fiscal year as of April 24, 2010. The Board of Directors named Scott P. Anderson, currently president of the Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. subsidiary, as Wiltz’s successor.

Anderson, 43, has worked with Patterson since 1993. Prior to June 2006 when he became president of Patterson Dental Supply, Patterson’s largest business, Anderson held senior management positions in the dental unit, including vice president, sales, and vice president, marketing. Anderson started his career as a territory sales representative in the dental business before becoming national equipment manager, manager of the San Francisco branch and manager of the Minnesota branch, two of Patterson’s largest dental branch offices.

Patterson expects to name a new president of its dental business within the next few months.

Wiltz, who will remain on the board of directors, commented: “Scott has compiled an outstanding record of achievement during his Patterson career. In addition to his proven leadership skills and extensive experience with our dental business, he also possesses a keen understanding of our veterinary and rehabilitation operations. I will be working closely with Scott between now and the end of fiscal 2010 to ensure a smooth management transition. We have every confidence that Scott will lead Patterson to continued long-term success.”

Anderson said: “It is an honor and privilege to be Jim Wiltz’s successor. He has successfully led Patterson through a period of extensive investment in our businesses and challenging economic conditions, and for this, we owe him our sincere thanks. I look forward to helping Patterson meet its future challenges and opportunities, and I intend to work closely with our many outstanding people to forge a prosperous future for our customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders.”

About Patterson Companies, Inc.

Patterson Companies, Inc. is a value-added distributor serving the dental, companion-pet veterinarian and rehabilitation supply markets.

Dental Market

As Patterson’s largest business, Patterson Dental provides a virtually complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and value-added services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America.

Veterinary Market

Webster Veterinary is the nation’s second largest distributor of consumable veterinary supplies, equipment and software, diagnostic products, vaccines and pharmaceuticals to companion-pet veterinary clinics.