SALT LAKE CITY, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- American Stores Company
(NYSE: ASC) Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Vic Lund,
announced today that Dave Maher, currently President and Chief Operating
Officer has been named to the position of Vice Chairman and Chief Operating
Officer for American Stores Company.  Mr. Maher has also been named to the ASC
Board of Directors.
    Teresa Beck, currently Chief Financial Officer, has been named President
of American Stores Company.  Neal Rider, currently Senior Vice President,
Supply Chain Planning and Administration, has been named to succeed Ms. Beck
as Chief Financial Officer.
    These appointments were approved by the Board of Directors at their
regular meeting on March 17, 1998 and are effective immediately.
    Commenting on these changes, Mr. Lund said, "These advancements recognize
the valued contributions Dave, Teresa and Neal have made to American Stores.
In their new assignments, they will provide the leadership and vision we need
to be successful in the years of change and growth that lie ahead of us.
    "Dave will make an invaluable contribution as he joins the Board.  His
years of experience in the business, and his expert involvement in the changes
at ASC over the past several years, will provide the Board with new insight
and perspective."
    "I am pleased to announce Teresa's promotion to President.  Teresa's many
contributions to the business are very important to us.  Not only has she
demonstrated great leadership skills but her involvement in our transformation
from a holding company to an operating company has been invaluable.
Additionally, as a diverse leader in our business, she represents the majority
of our customers and our associates," Mr. Lund said.
    He continued, "As the new CFO, Neal brings a unique blend of financial and
operating experience to this assignment.  His expert financial background is
critical as we move ahead."
    Dave Maher began his career with Osco Drug in 1963 as a pharmacist.  Prior
to assuming his present duties, he was Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of American Drug Stores.  From March 1990 to March
1993, he held the position of President, CEO and Chairman of American Drug
Stores.
    Teresa Beck joined American Stores Company in 1982 and served in numerous
positions including Vice President and Controller of Alpha Beta Company, Vice
President and Controller of American Stores Company, Executive Vice President,
Finance, and most recently Chief Financial Officer.
    Neal Rider joined American Stores in 1987 as Manager, Accounting and then
held a number of positions with increasing responsibility.  He was named Vice
President and Assistant Treasurer in 1990 and then was named Vice President
and Controller in 1992.  Two years later, he was named Senior Vice President
and Treasurer and then assumed responsibility for the Health 'n' Home
business.  He was named to his most recent position of Senior Vice President,
Supply Chain Planning and Administration last year.
    American Stores Company is one of the nation's largest food and drug
retailers.  It operates 1,557 stores in 26 states including 263 food and drug
combination stores, 543 supermarkets and 751 stand-alone drug stores.  The
Company operates 1,104 pharmacies within its stores.  Its principal retail
operations include Acme Markets, Jewel Food Stores, Lucky Northern California
Division, Lucky Southern California Division, Jewel Osco Southwest, Osco Drug
and Sav-on.

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