Investec Adds Top Industry Analysts to Electronics Research Group; Hires Semiconductor Research Team From Thomas Weisel Partners

Business Wire, May 14, 2002

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2002

Investec Inc. announced today that Eric M. Ross has joined the company as Director of Electronics Research, along with Associate Analyst Robert J. Burleson.

Prior to joining Investec, Mr. Ross was a Principal, and served as a Senior Semiconductor Research Analyst in equity research, at Thomas Weisel Partners, LLC. Mr. Burleson worked with Mr. Ross as a Senior Associate.

The addition of Mr. Ross and Mr. Burleson to the company's Electronics Research Group rounds out Investec's impressive food chain approach to coverage of the electronics sector, which spans Semiconductor Capital Equipment, Electronic Design Automation Software, Semiconductor Devices, Electronics Manufacturing Services, Embedded Systems, and Consumer Electronics.

"Over the last three months, we have recruited many distinguished and talented professionals to Investec," said Mark Segall, Chief Executive Officer of Investec. "The hiring of research talent of this high caliber continues to demonstrate our ability to attract well-respected, experienced analysts. Eric and Bobby have developed an impressive following among institutional investors, and building out our equity research team in the electronics sector is a strategic move in Investec's commitment to growing its technology platform."

"We are delighted to welcome Eric and Bobby to Investec," said Jeff Van Rhee, Director of Research. "Their reputation, experience, and knowledge of the semiconductor sector, and more broadly the electronics food chain, will enhance our ability to service our clients' needs in this important segment of the market."

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 Inc.

Investec Inc. is the United States investment banking arm of Investec Group. The firm is a full service, research-oriented investment bank focusing on companies in the technology, healthcare, and consumer products industries.

Investec 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 its wealth management and asset management services.