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GRUPPO, LEVEY & CO. LAUNCHES MIDDLE-MARKET RESTRUCTURING PRACTICE GROUP

— New Group To Focus on Distressed, Mid-Market Companies Hit Hard By The Credit Crisis —

December 2, 2008 – New York, NY — Gruppo, Levey & Co. (GLC), a leading private investment bank, announced today that it has formed a new practice group focused on restructuring options for middle-market companies that are experiencing financial distress. The group will be led by Managing Director Mark DeGennaro and will work closely with entities that are undergoing financial hardship due to the current economic climate.

"Market conditions are very challenging for all types of businesses today, and particularly those that rely on discretionary consumer spending or are in need of a restructured capital base." said Mr. DeGennaro. "Balance sheets of lenders have been impaired, defaults by middle market companies are rising, the credit markets are very tight, and the weaknesses in the economy continue to accelerate. These challenges are daunting, and it’s important that mid-market companies avoid a bunker mentality and proactively seek professional advice to help them navigate through a down market."

GLC's new practice group will work with financially challenged corporations to customize and implement sound restructuring plans. GLC will advise companies on balance sheet restructuring, raising additional equity capital, debt replacement/restructuring, distressed mergers and acquisitions, and sales of non-core assets to repay debt, both in and out of the bankruptcy court process.

"Mark and his team will be able to leverage our core expertise in helping companies survive or sell to another purchaser at the best value possible in a very tough environment where speed to closure is of utmost importance," said Claire Gruppo, Co-Founder and President of Gruppo, Levey & Co. "Our new group will be able to build on our past successes, industry expertise and relationships to create or preserve value."

GLC has advised in numerous distressed situations, including: the bankruptcy sales of Lillian Vernon, DIMAC, Edison Brother Stores, proteam.com and U.S. Mills; the purchase of the Scholastic At Home business by Sandvik AS; the secured credit facility financing of Cornerstone Brands; and the acquisition of numerous distressed properties for Fingerhut.

Gruppo, Levey & Co. (www.glconline.com) is a leading independent private investment banking firm specializing in multi-channel retail, marketing services, media, and business-to-business (B2B) distribution. GLC provides sell-side and acquisition transaction services; raises growth capital and debt financing; advises companies, debtors, trustees and special committees on restructurings, recapitalizations and corporate reorganizations; and provides fairness opinions, due diligence and valuation services.

Over almost two decades, GLC has served as a trusted advisor, in to entrepreneurs, financial sponsors, corporate boards and family business owners in transactions encompassing many business segment including retailers selling in all channels, B2B marketers, targeted media firms, specialty publishers, database/analytics companies and online/lead generation businesses.

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