WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 23, 2006--

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) today announced the appointment of Wes Davidson to the position of Vice President of Corporate Development reporting to Glenn Novotny, Central's President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Davidson will be responsible for merger and acquisition activity companywide. He brings to Central an excellent background in corporate development and strong experience in leading activities necessary to complete acquisitions and joint ventures of companies and brands. His most recent assignment was Vice President - Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Alberto Culver Company in Melrose Park, Illinois. Mr. Davidson participated in closing 30+ transactions with valuations over $700 million. Prior experience included Garden Way, Inc. in New York, as Director, Corporate Development and President, Cover Technologies, Inc. where he led efforts for the acquisition of Stairmaster Sports Medical Products, and a highly successful 15-year career with Amax, Inc. in New York, as Director of Business Planning, Development and Research.

"We are very pleased that Wes is joining Central Garden & Pet Company," commented Glenn Novotny. "We know that Wes's extensive experience and valuable skills make him an asset to our management team and to our vision for Central's strategic growth."

Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets. Our pet products include pet bird and small animal food, aquarium products, flea, tick, mosquito and other pest control products, edible bones, cages, carriers, pet books, and other dog, cat, reptile and small animal products. These products are sold under a number of brand names, including Kaytee, SuperPet, All-Glass Aquarium, Oceanic, Kent Marine, Energy Savers Unlimited, Zodiac, Pre-Strike, Altosid, Nylabone, TFH, Four Paws, Interpet, Breeder's Choice and Farnam. Our lawn and garden products include grass seed, wild bird food, weed and insect control products, and decorative outdoor patio products. These products are sold under a number of brand names, including Pennington, Norcal Pottery, New England Pottery, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, Lilly Miller, Ironite, Matthews Four Seasons, Cedar Works, AMDRO, Grant's, Sevin and Over'n Out. For additional information on Central Garden & Pet, including access to the Company's SEC filings.

Source: Central Garden & Pet Company

Contact: Central Garden & Pet Paul Warburg, 925-948-3686