Fulcrum Capital Partners Completes Management Buyout From HSBC Capital (Canada) Inc.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 25, 2011) - Fulcrum Capital Partners Inc. announced today it has completed the management buyout of the mid market mezzanine lending and private equity investment operations of HSBC Capital (Canada) Inc. Fulcrum Capital Partners Inc. ("Fulcrum"), led by Dave Mullen, Neil Johansen and John Philp, along with an investment management team of 13, will manage over C$750 million in capital with a focus on providing flexible private equity, mezzanine and bridge financing to entrepreneurial businesses in Canada. These investments typically support management buyouts, acquisitions, going-private transactions, leveraged buyouts, corporate growth, financial restructurings and project and property financings. Fulcrum will continue to operate from offices in Vancouver and Toronto.

Commenting on the announcement, Dave Mullen, Chair and Managing Partner said, "The Fulcrum management team will maintain the close partnerships established over 18 years in the mezzanine lending and private equity space in Canada." Mullen further added, "The team eagerly looks forward to the new venture and to continuing the strong partnerships we have established with HSBC and our other investors. The Partners of Fulcrum are committed to maintaining the investment philosophy that has served us well these past years. With offices in both Western and Eastern Canada, we look to capture attractive opportunities and play a role in the growth and development of businesses throughout the Canadian middle market."

Linda Seymour, Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking and Regional President, Central and Eastern Canada of HSBC Bank Canada, said: "The management team at Fulcrum Capital Partners Inc. have a strong track record. We look forward to continuing to work with them to serve the mezzanine debt and private equity financing needs of HSBC Bank Canada's corporate clients."

Fulcrum intends to continue the legacy of profitable investments, which began with HSBC Capital (Canada) Inc. in 1993. Over its 18 year history, HSBC Capital (Canada) Inc. provided over C$1 billion of growth capital to more than 120 high potential companies operating in a range of industries including services, manufacturing and distribution.

Fulcrum Capital Partners management established its first fund in 1993 and recently closed its fourth fund, PEF 2010 Limited Partnership ("PEF 2010"). PEF 2010 has received commitments of C$180 million.

About Fulcrum Capital Partners

Fulcrum Capital Partners manages over C$750 million of capital with a mandate to provide private equity as well as mezzanine and bridge debt to mid-sized businesses. These investments typically support management buyouts, acquisitions, going private transactions, leveraged buyouts, corporate growth, financial restructurings and project and property financings.