Sterling Financial Investment Group to Spin Off its Domestic and European Independent Retail Division to Better Focus on the Hispanic Market

Business Wire, May 26, 2005

MIAMI -- Sterling Financial Group of Companies, Inc. and L3D3 LLC and their respective broker-dealer subsidiaries Sterling Financial Investment Group Inc. and Pointe Capital LLC, both NASD member firms, have signed a purchase agreement whereby, pending regulatory approval, Pointe will acquire the Domestic Independent Retail and European Division from Sterling. Upon completion of the transaction, the purchasers will acquire approximately 60 Independent Financial Advisors in nine states and two foreign associate offices in Athens, Greece.

Charles P. Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of both Sterling companies stated: "This transaction will allow us to better focus on our strategic vision of becoming the #1 investment bank and wealth management firm focused exclusively on the Hispanic market." Furthermore, Garcia stated: "I have worked closely with several of the principals at Pointe Capital, two of whom were formally Chief Operating Officer and head of Private Client Services at Sterling. I know they are experienced professionals who are very familiar with the financial advisors and clients that make up our Domestic and European Independent Retail division and because we share a common clearing platform, the transition to Pointe Capital will be seamless."

Paul Richardson, Chief Executive of both L3D3 and Pointe Capital said that: "Our familiarity with the financial advisors and their client base made this a natural fit. As Pointe continues to grow its primary business as an Independent Broker/Dealer, this acquisition will help in developing our national footprint with some very talented individuals."

About Sterling:

Founded in 1997 with just three employees, today Sterling Financial Group of Companies has grown into a diversified international firm with offices in seven countries. In 2002, Sterling was named by Inc. magazine as the number 8 fastest growing privately held company in the United States and by Hispanic Business magazine as the #1 fastest growing Hispanic owned business. Focused on private clients in Latin America and the booming U.S. Hispanic market, Sterling's wholly owned subsidiary, Sterling Financial Investment Group, Inc., an NASD member firm, offers these Hispanic clients wealth management services, asset management, and investment banking services. Additionally its fixed income sales and trading division service both institutional and retail clients. Further information about Sterling can be found at http://www.mysterling.com.

About Pointe:

Pointe Capital, LLC was approved by the NASD in December 2004. Paul Richardson and Daniel Levene created the broker/dealer to exclusively serve the independent Financial Advisor. Pointe Capital prides itself on its cutting-edge technology and customer service. Pointe's principals have over 50 years of brokerage experience. Further information can be found at http://www.PointeCap.com.