Middle Market Investment Bank Expands Midwest Presence – Corporate Finance Associates Opens Minneapolis Office

Los Angeles, California - July 28, 2009 - Corporate Finance Associates (CFA), an international middle-market investment banking services firm providing merger and acquisition, business valuation, capital resources, and financial advisory services, is further expanding its reach in the Midwest with the opening of a new office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

CFA's new twin cities office, managed by John R. Hammett, will provide business owners with merger, acquisition, and financial advisory services. John comes to CFA with almost a decade of middle-market M&A experience and a 20-year career in operating leadership roles of companies with sales between $10 million and $100 million. John has been President and CEO of four operating companies, including his own company, a public company, and two portfolio companies owned by private equity investors. As a CEO, John bought and sold a number of companies. As an investment banker, he represented owners in the sale of their company and strategic and financial buyers in their acquisitions of privately-owned companies.

"The new Minneapolis office is one of the many steps that Corporate Finance Associates has taken over the last few years to expand its reach both nationally and internationally." said Peter Heydenrych, Chairman and CEO of the firm. "With John Hammett at the helm, the new office is positioned to create opportunities for local business owners looking to finance, buy or sell a company.

"I am delighted to be associated with CFA," said Hammett. "and looking forward to leveraging CFA's reputation and global reach to accomplish clients' objectives for capital formation, acquisitions and other M&A transactions."

For the past eight years, John's transaction expertise has focused on providing personalized service to private company owners who are interested in selling or recapitalizing their companies. His experience as the President/CEO of four middle-market companies and as an investment banker spans a wide range of manufacturing, distribution, and service industries. John's experience as a middle-market entrepreneur enables him to understand the owner's history, perspective, needs, and objectives. As an investment banker he is well-versed in how buyers evaluate and value potential acquisitions; a definite plus when selling a business. John has FINRA Series 7, 63, and 24 securities licenses.

About Corporate Finance Associates

Corporate Finance Associates is a major investment banking services firm, providing middle-market companies with a wide range of financial advisory services in support of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, capital sourcing, and corporate restructuring. From project inception to completion a senior principal guides clients through every challenge, advocates on their behalf, and leverages CFA's experience and extensive resources. CFA has over 25 offices in United States, three in Canada, three in India and 11 partner offices throughout Europe. More information about buying or selling a business is available via the Internet at www.corporatefinanceassociates.com.

For more information, contact:

John Hammett | Corporate Finance Associates | 612.216.4466