Livingstone Taps Restaurant, Retail Industry Veteran Gene McCaffery as Advisor

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - August 14, 2008) - Livingstone, the leading mid-market international investment banking firm, today announced the appointment of Gene McCaffery as its Consumer Industry Advisor, focused principally on the restaurant and retail sectors. Throughout his professional career, McCaffery has held senior executive positions with leading private and publicly traded companies in the industry. Additionally, he has served on the boards of countless civic and not-for-profit organizations. McCaffery also served in the Military as an Infantry Officer in Vietnam, and subsequently was appointed as Civilian Aide to the Secretary Army during the George H.W. Bush (41) Administration.

Currently, McCaffery serves as Chairman of the Board of the Gibson Restaurant Group, which owns and/or operates Gibson's Steakhouse, Hugo's Frog Bar, Luxbar, Quartino, and the Ralph Lauren (RL) restaurants. He most recently served as Executive Chairman and CEO of Value Vision Media (NASDAQ: VVTV), which owns and operates the nation's third largest home shopping network, ShopNBC. He also served on the Board of Ralph Lauren Media during the development of Polo.com. Previously, McCaffery spent 14 years at Montgomery Ward, a $7 billion retail chain, ultimately rising to the company's #2 position. During this time, he also served as Vice Chairman of the Signature Group, one of the leading direct marketing and insurance companies in the country.

"We are thrilled to have a man of Gene's reputation and experience join the Livingstone team," said partner David Sulaski. "Working with our growing panel of seasoned industry advisors, we can add greater value to our clients by providing operational experience, unique sector perspective, and board level contacts around the world."

"I look forward to working with Livingstone to further strengthen its 30-year transaction record in the consumer sector," added McCaffery. "As the restaurant and retail sectors continue to globalize and grow increasingly competitive, we can help clients navigate the marketplace in a meaningful way -- especially given Livingstone's unique international platform."

McCaffery joins 10 other sector experts on Livingstone's current Advisory Panel. Additional U.S.-based appointments are planned.

ABOUT LIVINGSTONE

Livingstone is a leading independent, international investment banking firm focused on M&A and private capital transactions with values between $30 and $300 million. Across three principal offices in the U.S. and Europe, Livingstone's 50 corporate finance professionals specialize in four key global sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Industrial, and Media & Technology. Livingstone was named 2008 Boutique of the Year at the European Private Equity awards. More information at www.livingstonepartners.com.

Contact Information: FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: David C. Sulaski (o) 312.670.5900 (m) 312.560.7627