Macquarie Group to Acquire Giuliani Capital Advisors

    NEW YORK, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Macquarie Group (Macquarie) today
 announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire
 the business and assets of Giuliani Capital Advisors LLC (GCA). Financial
 details of the transaction were not disclosed.
     With approximately 100 employees and offices in Chicago, New York, Los
 Angeles, Atlanta and Troy, Michigan, GCA is a boutique investment banking
 firm specializing in providing restructuring and mergers and acquisitions
 advisory services to companies dealing with complex business challenges,
 strategic transactions or financial distress.
     Murray Bleach, Head of Macquarie's Investment Banking Group in North
 America and co-CEO of Macquarie Securities (USA) Inc., said, "The
 acquisition of GCA is a significant strategic step forward for Macquarie
 and a highly complementary addition to our North American investment
 banking business. GCA provides Macquarie with an opportunity to build upon
 and expand our existing U.S. capabilities, particularly in corporate
 restructuring transactions. At the same time we gain access to a wider
 geographic footprint of M&A professionals and clients, providing greater
 reach for our existing infrastructure, utilities, oil & gas, real estate,
 TMET and industrials expertise."
     Nicholas Moore, Global Head of Macquarie's Investment Banking Group,
 said the acquisition will be an excellent outcome for clients. "Combining
 these two businesses under the Macquarie name will enable GCA clients to
 continue to receive the strategic advice of GCA's experienced professionals
 they know and trust while benefiting from Macquarie's access to capital and
 global reach. We are committed to maintaining the same high level of
 service that GCA's clients have come to expect from GCA.
     "We are particularly excited by the quality of people and relationships
 at GCA. It will increase our Investment Banking Group staff in North
 America from approximately 350 to just over 450. Ultimately we're in a
 people business, and our focus will be to ensure that our new colleagues
 have rewarding and successful careers at Macquarie," said Mr. Moore.
     Macquarie noted that the transaction will not have a material impact on
 Macquarie's balance sheet but is a significant transaction because of its
 strategic potential for the Investment Banking Group in North America.
     Under the terms of the agreement, following a transition period GCA's
 platform and employees will become part of Macquarie Securities (USA) Inc.,
 a US-registered broker-dealer. GCA's current office locations will operate
 as Macquarie offices.
     Completion of the purchase is subject to finalization of the employment
 of GCA staff by Macquarie and regulatory approvals. Financial close is
 expected to occur in April, 2007 with the transition period expected to be
 completed by the end of June, 2007.
     About Macquarie
     The Macquarie Group (Macquarie) is a diversified international provider
 of specialist investment, advisory, trading and financial services in
 select markets around the world with $140 billion of total assets under
 management (as of December 31, 2006). Headquartered in Sydney, Australia,
 Macquarie comprises Macquarie Bank, the leading Australian investment bank,
 and its worldwide affiliated entities. Macquarie Bank is a top 15 company
 listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of
 approximately $15 billion as of March 1, 2007. Macquarie employs over 9,600
 people in 24 countries.
     Since 1992 Macquarie has reported successive years of record profits
 and consistent growth. Our approach is driven by a deliberate focus on
 areas of business where our particular skills and expertise deliver a real
 advantage for clients. As a result we have established leading positions in
 a diverse range of market segments and regions internationally. Technical
 expertise, strong risk management and an enterprising approach underlie all
 activities.
     Macquarie has a significant and expanding presence in North America,
 having been active in the region for over a decade. Today we have more than
 800 professionals in offices in 21 locations. Macquarie's investment
 banking advisory services in the region include project financing, public
 private partnerships (PPPs), mergers and acquisitions and other corporate,
 strategic and financial advice. Macquarie has teams dedicated to providing
 investment and advisory advice in major sectors including infrastructure,
 utilities, oil & gas, real estate, industrials and TMET
 (Telecommunications, Media, Entertainment and Technology).
     For more information, visit: www.macquarie.com/us
     About Giuliani Capital Advisors
     Giuliani Capital Advisors LLC (GCA) is a financial advisory and
 investment banking firm comprised of senior level professionals who provide
 lead advisory services to public and private companies, lenders, and other
 parties-in- interest that are executing financial and strategic
 transactions. GCA provides a full range of capital raising, mergers and
 acquisitions, and financial and operational restructuring services.
     About Giuliani Partners LLC
     Giuliani Partners LLC is a management consulting firm dedicated to
 helping leaders solve critical strategic issues, accelerate growth, and
 enhance the reputation and brand of their organizations in the context of
 strongly held values. The firm, whose Chairman and CEO is Rudolph W.
 Giuliani, former Mayor of New York, offers expertise in innovative
 financial management, public safety, emergency preparedness and leadership
 during crises.
 
 

SOURCE Macquarie Group