<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-25-276006.txt : 20251112
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-25-276006.hdr.sgml : 20251112
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20251112080016
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-25-276006
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	DEFA14A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
FILED AS OF DATE:		20251112
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20251112

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			UNIFIRST CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000717954
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	SERVICES-PERSONAL SERVICES [7200]
		ORGANIZATION NAME:           	07 Trade & Services
		EIN:				042103460
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MA
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0829

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		DEFA14A
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-08504
		FILM NUMBER:		251469025

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		68 JONSPIN RD
		CITY:			WILMINGTON
		STATE:			MA
		ZIP:			01887
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(978) 658-8888

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		68 JONSPIN ROAD
		CITY:			WILMINGTON
		STATE:			MA
		ZIP:			01887

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	INTERSTATE UNIFORM SERVICES CORP/MA
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19840410
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>DEFA14A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>unf-defa14a-2026.htm
<DESCRIPTION>DEFA14A
<TEXT>
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  <div class="main-content-container" style="z-index:5;position:relative;"><p style="border-top:2.25pt double #000000;font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:14pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">UNITED STATES</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:14pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:12pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:18pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">SCHEDULE 14A</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:12pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:12pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.           )</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Filed by the Registrant </font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9746;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Filed by a Party other than the Registrant </font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Check the appropriate box:</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      Preliminary Proxy Statement</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      </font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      Definitive Proxy Statement</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      Definitive Additional Materials</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9746;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      Soliciting Material Pursuant to &#167;240.14a-12</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:20pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">UNIFIRST CORPORATION</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9746;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      No fee required</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      Fee paid previously with preliminary materials</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:'Segoe UI Symbol',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#9744;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">      Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;border-bottom:2.25pt double #000000;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p></div>
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  <div style="padding-top:0.5in;z-index:2;min-height:1in;position:relative;box-sizing:border-box;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:12pt;font-family:'Aptos',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p></div>
  <div class="main-content-container" style="z-index:5;position:relative;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">UniFirst Files Preliminary Proxy Statement for Upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Recommends Shareholders Vote FOR UniFirst&#x2019;s Director Nominees</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Reiterates Confidence in Strategy and Ability to Deliver Long-Term Growth and Value Creation</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">WILMINGTON, Mass., November 12, 2025 &#x2013;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> UniFirst Corporation (the &#x201c;Company&#x201d; or &#x201c;UniFirst&#x201d;) (NYSE: UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, today filed its preliminary proxy statement in connection with its upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (&#x201c;Annual Meeting&#x201d;).</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">In connection with the filing, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the &#x201c;Board&#x201d;) has nominated two highly qualified directors in CEO Steven S. Sintros and Audit Committee Chairman Joseph M. Nowicki to stand for election at the Annual Meeting. Raymond C. Zemlin will be retiring upon completion of his term at the Annual Meeting. Following Mr. Zemlin&#x2019;s retirement, the Board will meet to appoint a Chairman of the Board, which is currently expected to be Mr. Nowicki.</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">In its preliminary proxy statement, the Company also disclosed that Engine Capital Management, LP (&#x201c;Engine Capital&#x201d;) submitted to the Company a notice of nomination for two director candidates, Arnaud Adjler, Founder and Managing Member of Engine Capital, and Michael A. Croatti, who previously served as a consultant to the Company. After engagement with Engine Capital and a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of both nominees, the Board recommends that shareholders vote AGAINST Engine Capital&#x2019;s candidates by voting FOR each of the Company&#x2019;s highly skilled and dedicated directors on the WHITE proxy card.</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">In regard to the Board&#x2019;s recommendation, the Company issued the following statement:</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="margin-left:6.667%;font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">The UniFirst Board and management team regularly review the Company&#x2019;s strategic priorities and opportunities and assess options to enhance value. We have a clear strategy in place &#x2013; focused on investing in our people, technology and infrastructure &#x2013; to drive growth, profitability and value for our shareholders, employees, customers and the communities the Company serves.</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="margin-left:6.667%;font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="margin-left:6.667%;font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">The UniFirst Board currently comprises seven directors, five of whom are independent and all of whom possess expertise and experience highly relevant to our business and strategy, including in finance, operations, technology, commercial growth, M&amp;A and human resources. We are committed to strengthening and refreshing the Board and have appointed three new independent directors in the past three years. The UniFirst Board will continue to review its composition to ensure it has the right mix of skillsets and capabilities to oversee the Company&#x2019;s strategic plan and create shareholder value.</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">UniFirst&#x2019;s preliminary proxy materials can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission&#x2019;s website at </font><font><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">www.sec.gov</font></font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">. The Company&#x2019;s definitive proxy materials will be mailed to all shareholders eligible to vote at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Shareholders may receive materials, in the mail or through other means, from Engine Capital. The UniFirst Board recommends that shareholders discard any proxy materials received from Engine Capital and vote using the WHITE proxy card they will receive as part of the definitive proxy materials that will be mailed by the Company.</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Advisors</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal advisor and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor.</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p></div>
  <div style="z-index:2;flex-direction:column;display:flex;padding-bottom:0.5in;min-height:1in;justify-content:flex-end;position:relative;box-sizing:border-box;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p></div>
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  <div style="padding-top:0.5in;z-index:2;min-height:1in;position:relative;box-sizing:border-box;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:12pt;font-family:'Aptos',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p></div>
  <div class="main-content-container" style="z-index:5;position:relative;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">About UniFirst Corporation</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the Company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its five company-owned ISO-9001-certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the Company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For more information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com.</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Forward Looking Statements</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">This press release contains &#x201c;forward-looking statements&#x201d; within the meaning of the federal securities laws that reflect the Company&#x2019;s current views with respect to future events. Such statements including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company&#x2019;s strategies, opportunities, commitments and prospects. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may be identified by words such as &#x201c;strategy,&#x201d; &#x201c;opportunities,&#x201d; &#x201c;create,&#x201d; &#x201c;continue,&#x201d; &#x201c;objective,&#x201d; &#x201c;achieve,&#x201d; &#x201c;future,&#x201d; &#x201c;growth,&#x201d; &#x201c;committed,&#x201d; or the negative versions thereof, and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Company&#x2019;s current expectations and speak only as of the date made. Such statements are highly dependent upon a variety of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in these statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those factors described in the Company&#x2019;s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#x201c;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">SEC</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#x201d;), including the Company&#x2019;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 30, 2025, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except for the Company&#x2019;s ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made.</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;" id="p585933882">&#160;</p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Important Information for Investors and Security Holders</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New 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style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#x201d;) together with a WHITE proxy card. </font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL FILE WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> Shareholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and any other documents (including the </font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">WHITE</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> proxy card) when filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC&#x2019;s website (</font><font><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">http://www.sec.gov</font></font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">) or at the Company&#x2019;s website (</font><font><font 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Information regarding the identity of these potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and other material to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2026 Annual Meeting. Information about the compensation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Steven S. Sintros, and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Shane O&#x2019;Connor, is set forth in the section titled &#x201c;Executive Compensation&#x201d; in the Company&#x2019;s preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on November 12, 2025 (the &#x201c;</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Preliminary</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p></div>
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  <div style="padding-top:0.5in;z-index:2;min-height:1in;position:relative;box-sizing:border-box;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:12pt;font-family:'Aptos',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p></div>
  <div class="main-content-container" style="z-index:5;position:relative;"><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Proxy</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#x201d;) and compensation for each of our non-employee Directors is set forth in the section titled &#x201c;Director Compensation &#x2013; Fiscal 2025&#x201d; in the Company&#x2019;s Preliminary Proxy. Information regarding the participants&#x2019; holdings of the Company&#x2019;s securities can be found in the section titled &#x201c;Security Ownership of Management, Directors, Director Nominees and Principal Shareholders&#x201d; in the Company&#x2019;s Preliminary Proxy. Shareholders can obtain, free of charge, copies of the Preliminary Proxy at the SEC&#x2019;s website (</font><font><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">http://www.sec.gov</font></font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">) or at the Company&#x2019;s website (</font><font><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">https://investors.unifirst.com</font></font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">).</font><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;"> </font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Investor Relations Contact:</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Shane O'Connor, Executive Vice President &amp; CFO</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">UniFirst Corporation</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">978-658-8888</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">shane_oconnor@unifirst.com</font></font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Media Contact:</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Aura Reinhard / Joseph Sala</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="color:#000000;white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">212-355-4449</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:0;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:11pt;font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p><p style="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0;font-family:Times New Roman;margin-bottom:8pt;text-align:left;"><font style="white-space:pre-wrap;font-size:10pt;font-family:Times New Roman;font-kerning:none;min-width:fit-content;">&#160;</font></p></div>
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