Patterson Companies Announces 17% Dividend Increase

Patterson Companies, Inc.

announced that its board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.12 per diluted share to $0.14 per share, bringing the annual dividend rate to $0.56 per share. The dividend is payable on April 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 11, 2012. Scott P. Anderson, president and chief executive officer, commented: “While our first priority remains investing in our businesses, we also are committed to generating additional value for Patterson's shareholders. Our increased dividend is a clear expression of that commitment.”