Leonard Green & Partners Closes $5.3 Billion Private Equity Fund

Business Wire, March 28, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. announced today the closing of its latest private equity fund, Green Equity Investors V, L.P., with total commitments of $5.3 billion. Founded in 1989, Leonard Green & Partners now manages approximately $9 billion in capital commitments.

The investment activities of Leonard Green & Partners are led by Managing Partners John G. Danhakl, Peter J. Nolan, and Jonathan D. Sokoloff. In Green Equity Investors V, the partners will continue to pursue the same successful middle market investment strategy employed over the last 18 years.

Investors in Green Equity Investors V include a diverse group of domestic and international public and corporate pension funds, funds of funds, endowments, private foundations, banks, insurance companies, and family offices.

About Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.

Located in Los Angeles, California, Leonard Green & Partners is a private investment firm established in 1989 to make primarily control investments in a diversified portfolio of middle market companies. Leonard Green & Partners manages approximately $9 billion in equity commitments and has invested in 42 companies with an aggregate value of over $31 billion. The firm's investments are focused primarily on North American companies in a range of sectors including retail, consumer products, distribution, media, business services, and healthcare. Significant investments include The Brickman Group, David's Bridal, FTD Group, Jetro Cash and Carry, Neiman Marcus Group, Petco Animal Supplies, The Sports Authority, The Tire Rack, and Tourneau. For more information, please visit www.leonardgreen.com.