Stoddard Hill Capital Incorporates, Begins Search for Acquisitions

Stoddard Hill Capital Incorporates And Begins Seeking Acquisition Opportunities

Private Investment Firm Targets Small to Mid-sized Companies

Dayton, OH -- July 19, 2004 -- Stoddard Hill Capital today announced that it has completed its incorporation and has begun operations.

Stoddard Hill Capital is a private investment firm formed to acquire and operate small- and middle-market companies. The company is focused on established and profitable firms with up to $50 million in revenue in manufacturing, distribution, and business services. In particular, Stoddard Hill Capital is targeting situations where the owner/operator wishes to achieve liquidity and remove themselves from day-to-day operations of their company.

Troy Augustine is Stoddard Hill Capital’s founder and managing director. Mr. Augustine began his career at Delphi Automotive Systems in Dayton. After being awarded the prestigious General Motors Fellowship in 1996, he obtained an MBA and a master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems from Stanford University. After 5 years with a Silicon Valley software startup, Troy returned to Ohio to launch this new venture.

“At both Delphi and Tradec, I had the pleasure of working with terrific small and mid-sized companies", Augustine said. "I have always admired the owner/operators of these companies, and I know from direct experience that great companies exist, though they often keep a low profile."

Mr. Augustine is backed by a strong investor group with extensive experience in financing, operating, and growing companies. This group consists of a Silicon Valley-based private equity firm and 10 high net worth individuals. These individuals include experienced executives, seasoned directors of public and private companies, and presidents of successful mid-sized companies.

“I could not be happier with the quality and the mix of skills of the investor team that is behind Stoddard Hill Capital”, Augustine said. “In addition to the capital necessary to complete the target acquisitions, the team brings tremendous expertise in sales, marketing, finance, operations, law and real estate. They will play an integral role in not only evaluating opportunities, but operating the companies post-acquisition.”

Stoddard Hill Capital invests in companies in both mature and growing industries. The firm is particularly interested in opportunities where existing management teams are retiring or where a key executive needs to be added. Its investment preference is for majority ownership positions in firms located in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.stoddardhillcapital.com, or contact Troy Augustine at (937) 312-9294.