Hawkesbridge Private Equity leads $6 million acquisition of Hunter Valley Building Supplies

Information Release, 15 November 2005

Hawkesbridge Private Equity is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Hunter Valley Building Supplies business through a $6 million Management Buy-Out. Hawkesbridge invested $3.25 million into the transaction, with the remainder coming from management and vendor finance.

Located in Newcastle, Hunter Valley Building Supplies is a leading manufacturer of prefabricated wall frames and trusses for the housing sector. The incoming management team of the company will comprise Ashley Henkel as Managing Director and Bruce Maynard, previously a Divisional General Manager at Crane Distribution Limited, as Chairman. Hawkesbridge will be represented on the board by Investment Director David Plumridge.

Ashley Henkel commented that "Hawkesbridge has been a fantastic partner in restructuring the business, recruiting the Board and advising on strategy going forward."

David Plumridge commented that "we were attracted to the quality of the management team and Hunter Valley's reputation in the marketplace. We look forward to working with management to grow the value of the business."

Hunter Valley Building Supplies is Hawkesbridge's first investment from the Regional Development and Private Equity Trust (RDPET), a $50 million private equity fund with NSW Local Government Super Scheme as the major investor.

Hawkesbridge is a leading provider of private equity funds to Australian companies. Hawkesbridge targets management buyout and expansion capital opportunities, investing A$5 million to A$10 million in companies and management with a demonstrable track record.

For more information please contact David Plumridge on (02) 9233 7200 or go to www.hawkesbridge.com.au