[LETTERHEAD OF CENTRAL GARDEN & PET]

                                                                Corporate Office
                                                 3696 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite 310
                                                             Lafayette, CA 94549
                                                                  (510) 283-4573
                                                              Fax (510) 283-4984

                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- ---------------------
                                        Contact:  Gregory Reams
                                                  Central Garden & Pet
                                                  510/283-4573              
                                                                            
                                                  Paul Verbinnen/Dan Connolly
                                                  Sard Verbinnen & Co
                                                  212/687-8080

           CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY TO ACQUIRE KENLIN PET SUPPLY
             CREATING NATION'S LARGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF PET SUPPLIES

                       --------------------------------

     LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA, JUNE 18, 1996 --- Central Garden & Pet Company 
(NASDAQ:CENT) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire Kenlin Pet Supply, Inc., the largest distributor of pet supply products
in the eastern United States.  Under the terms of the agreement, Central will
pay an aggregate of $33 million in cash to acquire or redeem all of Kenlin's
outstanding stock and eliminate all of its outstanding debt.

     "The acquisition of Kenlin Pet Supply is an important leap forward for 
Central's already successful pet supply operations, which have been focused 
primarily in the western U.S.," said William Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Central Garden & Pet.  "Similar to our lawn and garden business, 
Central's pet supply business will now span coast-to-coast."

     Brown added: "A key part of Central's business strategy has been to expand 
its presence in the $12 billion pet supplies industry through internal growth 
and strategic acquisitions.  With the addition of Kenlin, we have taken a major 
step toward fulfilling that goal."

     Based in Mahwah, New Jersey and China Grove, North Carolina, Kenlin Pet 
Supply has annual sales of approximately $70 million.  Kenlin operates in 17
eastern states and has approximately 290 employees.

     The acquisition is expected to close in July, however, consummation of the 
acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including expiration of the 
applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976.

     Central Garden & Pet Company is the leading national distributor of lawn 
and garden supply products, as well a major distributor of pet and pool 
supplies.

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