Retriever Payment Systems and Iron Triangle Payment Systems Announce Combination

Business Wire, Jan 21, 2005

HOUSTON & LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Retriever Payment Systems ("Retriever") and Iron Triangle Payment Systems, LLC ("ITPS") are pleased to announce their combination as of January 1, 2005. Retriever is a leading processor of credit card and other point-of-sale payments serving more than 95,000 merchants and processing approximately $8 billion in annual volume. ITPS was formed in 2003 by Tom Wimsett, former president and CEO of National Processing Company (NYSE:NAP), to build a leading provider of transaction processing and payments services.

As a result of the combination, Retriever will become a subsidiary of ITPS. Retriever's existing investors, including CEO Bill Higgins and other members of management, have converted their ownership of Retriever into securities of ITPS. All members of Retriever's existing senior management team will remain with the company, which will continue to operate as Retriever Payment Systems. Both Retriever and ITPS are portfolio companies of GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC, the leading private equity investor in the transaction processing industry.

"We are extremely excited about Retriever's growth opportunities," stated Wimsett. "Bill Higgins and his team have established Retriever as one of the largest and most respected merchant acquirer sales organizations in the credit card industry. Their recent technology investments, coupled with their unmatched focus on serving and supporting their distribution partners, position Retriever as an outstanding partner for leading independent sales organizations and talented sales people."

Retriever provides credit card processing and other point-of-sale payment related services to small- and medium-sized merchants, primarily through independent sales groups. The company offers integrated transaction processing support for all major credit cards, as well as ATM/debit cards, EBT (government financial support programs), check conversion, specialty cards, gift cards and loyalty cards. GTCR and Retriever management acquired and recapitalized Retriever in July of 2004 in a $250 million transaction.

"We are also very excited about this transaction," stated Bill Higgins, president and CEO of Retriever. "I've known Tom for a number of years and witnessed firsthand the integral role he played in creating substantial value for all stakeholders at National Processing. Tom will be instrumental in helping to increase Retriever's distribution network and expand our sales channels."

GTCR Principal Collin Roche stated, "The combination with ITPS positions Retriever to build on its history of unparalleled service to independent sales groups while also pursuing exciting new growth opportunities. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Tom Wimsett, Bill Higgins and the rest of the senior management team."

About Retriever

Founded in 1986, Retriever is one of the fastest growing U.S. merchant acquirers and transaction processors, providing payment processing and other related services to small- and medium-sized merchants for credit card, debit card and other payment transactions. Retriever focuses on providing its sales groups with unparalleled focus and support through industry-leading service and technologies. The corporate office, located in Houston, Texas, provides full customer service and support for merchants in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.retrieveronline.com.

About ITPS

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Iron Triangle Payment Systems, LLC was formed in 2003 to pursue growth and acquisition opportunities in the transaction processing and payment services industry. For more information, visit www.irontrianglepaymentsystems.com.

About GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC

Founded in 1980, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC is a leading private equity investment firm and long-term strategic partner for outstanding management teams. The Chicago-based firm pioneered the investment strategy of identifying and partnering with exceptional executives to acquire and build companies through a combination of acquisitions and strong internal growth. GTCR currently manages more than $6 billion of equity capital invested in a wide range of companies and industries. More information about GTCR can be found at www.gtcr.com.