W.W. Grainger (GWW)

What is the purpose of this proxy statement?

        This proxy statement relates to Grainger's 2009 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2009, and any adjournment of that meeting. It contains information intended to help you make your voting decisions. We are sending the proxy statement to you because Grainger's Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the meeting. The mailing of the proxy statement and other proxy-soliciting materials to you and other shareholders began on or about March 13, 2009.

What is the purpose of this proxy statement?

       This proxy statement relates to Grainger's 2008 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 30, 2008, and any adjournment of that meeting. It contains information intended to help you make your voting decisions. We are sending the proxy statement to you because Grainger's Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the meeting. The mailing of the proxy statement and other proxy-soliciting materials to you and other shareholders began on or about March 14, 2008.

What is the purpose of this proxy statement?

        This proxy statement relates to Grainger's 2007 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 25, 2007 and any adjournment of that meeting. It contains information intended to help you make your voting decisions. We are sending the proxy statement to you because Grainger's Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the meeting. The mailing of the proxy statement and other proxy-soliciting materials to you and other shareholders began on or about March 16, 2007.

What is the purpose of this proxy statement?

        This proxy statement relates to Grainger's 2006 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2006 and any adjournment of that meeting. It contains information intended to help you make your voting decisions. We are sending the proxy statement to you because Grainger's Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the meeting. The mailing of the proxy statement and other proxy-soliciting materials to you and other shareholders began on or about March 24, 2006.

What is the purpose of this proxy statement?

        This proxy statement relates to Grainger's 2005 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 27, 2005 and any adjournment of that meeting. It contains information intended to help you make your voting decisions. We are sending the proxy statement to you because Grainger's Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the meeting. The mailing of the proxy statement and other proxy-soliciting materials to you and other shareholders began on or about March 18, 2005.