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(COMTEX) B: Home Depot names Ridge to board of directors ( AP WorldStream )

ATLANTA, Feb 24, 2005 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Tom Ridge, the former
secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former governor of
Pennsylvania, was named to Home Depot Inc.'s board of directors, the home
improvement retailer announced on Thursday.

"Tom Ridge served his country with great distinction, and we are honored to have
him join our board, where we expect that his unique global experience and
perspective will make a profound contribution to our company and our
shareholders," said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO.

The appointment of Ridge brings the number of directors on Home Depot's board to
13. This includes 12 outside directors, 11 of whom are considered independent.

Last month, the company reported that Roger Penske would not stand for
re-election to the board after his term expires at the company's next
shareholders meeting.

In trading Thursday, Home Depot shares fell 9 cents to $39.66 on the New York
Stock Exchange. The company's stock has traded in a 52-week range of $32.34 to
$44.30.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press, All rights reserved

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