Costa Mesa, CA - August 11, 2003 - RSM EquiCo, a leading global investment banking firm for the private middle market, is pleased to announce the promotion of Paul Weisbrich to senior managing director of its broker-dealer subsidiary, RSM EquiCo Capital Markets LLC. Mr. Weisbrich is responsible for leading four teams of bankers executing mid-market M&A transactions primarily for private sellers.

"In his short time here, Paul has overseen the close of numerous RSM EquiCo transactions. His experience and demeanor are respected by his clients and fellow employees alike," said Coby Sonenshine, president of RSM EquiCo and chief executive officer of RSM EquiCo Capital Markets. "His leadership aids clients in navigating through the M&A process. We are fortunate to have Paul on our team and look forward to continued success."

With more than 20 years of investment banking experience advising middle-market and public companies, Paul Weisbrich is a valued and well-respected member of RSM EquiCo's dealmaking team. Prior to joining the firm in early 2001, Weisbrich founded a successful venture capital firm focused on investment in private companies. He was a Managing Director in the mergers and acquisition groups of Banc of America Securities (where he co-founded its Los Angeles M&A Group) and Montgomery Securities, and a mergers and acquisitions Principal at Robertson Stephens. Weisbrich has advised more than 250 companies, led the closing of $5 billion in transactions and has served on the board of several middle-market companies. Weisbrich lectured on mergers and acquisitions topics at USC's EMBA program for 10 years and was a member of the Loyola Marymount National Alumni Board of Directors for 3 years.

"RSM EquiCo is a premier middle-market M&A specialist, and I am excited to be a part of its leadership team," said Weisbrich. "I look forward to the opportunity to play an important role in shaping the company's future and in helping RSM EquiCo meet the needs of clients and achieve new goals."

RSM EquiCo, Inc. specializes in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and corporate finance for private middle-market businesses. RSM EquiCo is part of RSM McGladrey Business Services, a business segment of H&R Block. RSM EquiCo has approximately 350 professionals and support personnel in the United States, with additional staff and resources in London. The firm is based in Costa Mesa, California. For more information, visit www.rsmequico.com.