Allegiance Capital Launches Financial Restructuring Program

Business Wire, July 16, 2008

Pamela Ragon Leads New Special Situations Division

DALLAS -- Allegiance Capital Corporation, a Dallas-based full-service investment banking firm, announces the creation of a new division to handle financial restructuring, distressed mergers and acquisitions, and special situations for the company's burgeoning middle market client base. Pamela L. Ragon, vice president, will lead Allegiance Capital's new Special Situations Division.

"Since the economic downturn, more than a few business owners are facing difficult challenges that Allegiance Capital is skilled at resolving," said David Lonsdale, president and managing director. "Our track record of selling companies at premium prices combined with the ability to attract interest from a global investor pool makes Allegiance Capital the ideal investment bank for owners of distressed companies looking for fast, knowledgeable solutions in a tough business climate."

As a former chief financial officer, Pamela Ragon has guided distressed companies through recapitalization and restructuring initiatives - both in and out of bankruptcy. Her background in business valuation provides the expertise needed to determine what makes a company valuable to prospective buyers.

"When facing a financial crisis, middle market companies want the same experienced leadership that is available to Fortune 100 corporations. Allegiance Capital's depth and breadth of financial expertise helps clients refinance debt, divest assets, source new investment capital or find a buyer for the business," Ragon noted. "We strive for a total solution that will exceed the expectations of business owners and other stakeholders."

With a seasoned team of investment bankers, Allegiance Capital offers a variety of creative resolutions for sensitive business issues. "We recognize value that others may well overlook," Ragon pointed out. "Our experience with hundreds of middle market companies means that we can quickly spot hidden value and recognize opportunities for synergies with strategic buyers."

"There is never a one-size fits all solution," Lonsdale cautions. "By utilizing a multi-faceted problem solving approach, we will come up with a variety of possible solutions and help clients select the best alternative." Often, immediate action is needed to provide some financial breathing room. Once the business is financially stable, time can be spent strategically marketing the company, taking advantage of Allegiance Capital's vast network of middle market business contacts. "At Allegiance Capital, the goals of our clients always come first," said Lonsdale. "Our Special Situations Division is another step toward providing top level service and Wall Street expertise to our clients."

About Allegiance Capital:

Allegiance Capital Corporation is a full-service investment banking firm specializing in the middle market (companies with revenue from $20 million to $500 million), with offices in Dallas, New York, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Vancouver, British Columbia, Shanghai and Tel Aviv. Through its worldwide network, Allegiance Capital assists companies in every aspect of selling and financing a business, including debt restructuring, mezzanine financing, management buyouts, strategic partnering, consulting and other related services. Allegiance Capital differentiates itself by having deep industry knowledge, vast contacts with potential buyers, heavy investment in educating sellers and obtaining premium pricing for clients. For more information, refer to the company website at www.allcapcorp.com.