Investec Continues Build Out of Global Technology Research Platform

Business Wire, April 16, 2002

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2002

Adds digital media expert; latest in a series

of senior professional recruits

Investec PMG announced today that James R. Preissler has joined the company as Director of Digital Media Research and will spearhead the company's efforts in that market sector.

James will focus upon coverage of companies that are at the center of the convergence between media, communications, and technology such as entertainment software and hardware, online content and platforms, and online services.

Formerly head of Internet equity research at UBS PaineWebber, Mr. Preissler established the largest Wall Street-sponsored Internet conference on the East Coast, with over 60 companies and 1,500 attendees, featuring his coverage of digital media, Internet software, Internet security, and Internet advertising and e-commerce.

"Jim has been a widely sought after digital media professional who has built an outstanding reputation in the Internet and media sectors," says Mark Segall, Chief Executive Officer of Investec PMG. "His experience will provide Investec clients with expertise that is unmatched in this sector."

Prior to joining Investec, Mr. Preissler was a founder of HelloAsia, a provider of CRM and e-marketing applications in the Asian marketplace. As acting CFO and vice president of corporate strategy, he directed the company's funding efforts, raising over $30 million in venture capital from top-tier investors and significantly expanded operations launching offices throughout Greater China and Korea.

"Digital media is a critical market in our technology platform and Jim will add significant value to our team of analysts as we continue to expand our research capabilities," said Jeff Van Rhee, Managing Director of Research.

Editor's note: Additional biographical information and interviews are available upon request.

About Investec Group

The Investec Group (JSE Securities Exchange: INT) is an international specialist-banking group which provides a wide range of specialized products and services to a select client base in 15 countries worldwide.

The Group is organized in four principal businesses: investment banking, treasury and finance activities, private client activities and asset management. Investec Group employs over 5,000 individuals worldwide. It is one of the Top 25 largest companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and ranks among the world's top 350 banks with total assets under management exceeding $70 billion.

About Investec PMG

Investec PMG is a full service, research-oriented investment bank focusing on companies in the technology, healthcare, and consumer products industries. The firm provides a full range of investment banking services, including public and private equity financings, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, and financial advisory services.

Clients also benefit from wealth management and asset management services. Founded in 1986 as Pennsylvania Merchant Group Ltd., Investec PMG merged with the Investec Group in 2001.