The Sterling Group

HOUSTON (October 31, 2005) - The Sterling Group, a Houston-based private equity firm focused on acquiring North American middle-market manufacturing, industrial service and distribution companies, is pleased announce that Francis T. Carr has joined the Company as a Senior Associate. Mr. Carr will be active in evaluating investment opportunities as well as the monitoring and advising of portfolio companies.

"We welcome Francis and his strong private equity background to The Sterling Group," said Frank J. Hevrdejs, Chairman and Partner of The Sterling Group. He added, "Francis will fit in well with our team's depth of experience."

Previously, Mr. Carr was an Associate with Arena Capital Partners, LLC, an Associate with ING Barings LLC, and an Analyst with Prudential Securities Incorporated. Carr holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.

About The Sterling Group, L.P.
The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm founded in 1982 that targets controlling interests in leveraged buyout investments in basic manufacturing, industrial services and distribution companies with enterprise values typically between $100 million and $500 million. Sterling partners with management teams to acquire companies where it has identified specific opportunities to grow and improve the business. Sterling has sponsored the buyouts of 30 portfolio companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value greater than $7 billion. For more information visit www.sterling-group.com.

For additional information:
The Sterling Group, L.P.
Kevin Garland
(713) 877-8257
kgarland@sterling-group.com