Press Release

Boston, MA - Capstone Partners LLC, a leading national investment banking firm focused on middle market M&A and financing transactions, earned leadership rankings on both a regional and national basis for the second consecutive year. In a survey ranking of the most active investment banking firms in the country conducted by the Boston Business Journal in December of 2005, Capstone held its “Top 20” national positioning while also repeating in the “Top 3” category among the elite Boston-based firms.

“We are always flattered to appear on any ranking that includes such prestigious firms as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Merrill, Lehman and CS First Boston.  We are more dedicated to the privately-owned, entrepreneurial community, but these are the names we believe Capstone should be associated with given our proven ability to deliver world class Wall Street expertise,” commented Tim Harned, a Managing Director who was formerly with Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers.

“The M&A rankings are always exciting.  Given the quality of Capstone’s team and the velocity of our transaction pace, we certainly expect to be there every year.  I am happier with the fact that we displaced one of our long-term competitors and, looking ahead to 2006, we believe we are on pace to have another record year.  Our goal is to be the market leader locally while continuing to grow our brand across the country,” noted John Ferrara, the firm’s founder and Managing Partner.

The investment banking rankings complete a year of strong growth and continued success for Capstone Partners. During 2005, Capstone completed the expansion of its industry groups including Technology & Media, Business Services and Specialty Products.  “We have come a long way very quickly, but we are building a market leader and have many more milestones to look forward to,” added Jim Beakey, a Director with Capstone.