COSTA MESA, Calif. - July 1, 2004 -- RSM EquiCo, a global investment banking firm serving private middle-market companies throughout North America, announced the appointment of Mary M. Colston as controller. In her new position, Ms. Colston will be responsible for a variety of accounting functions, including financial reporting, accounts payable, commission and bonus payments, cash receipts and collections, as well as regulatory reporting.

"RSM EquiCo has evolved into a significant force in the M&A business, largely in response to the efforts of our skilled professionals," said Margaret Thurmond, chief financial officer. "We are pleased to welcome Mary Colston, whose financial expertise will help maintain the company's current momentum."

Ms. Colston has more than 19 years of financial reporting, account management, franchisee compliance and treasury experience. She comes to RSM Equico from New Horizons Worldwide, Inc., a global computer training provider and franchisor in Anaheim, Calif. During her eight years as controller for New Horizons, she was responsible for daily financial management and reporting for both company-owned locations and the franchising business.

Previously, Ms. Colston spent eight years as controller for Realty World Corporation, an international real estate franchisor located in Irvine, Calif. During this time, she served on the board of directors for Realty World Advertising Fund Corporation, in addition to being elected treasurer for Realty World Corporation and its subsidiaries and Realty World Advertising Fund Corporation. Prior to that, she served as an accountant for the Oxford Development Corporation, a real estate developer in Bethesda, Md.

Ms. Colston holds a bachelor's degree in business administration/accounting from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pa., an AACSB accredited university.

About RSM EquiCo, Inc.

RSM EquiCo is a leading global investment banking firm serving private middle-market companies throughout North America. With more than 400 professionals and support personnel, the firm specializes in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures for non-public companies with up to $500 million in annual revenues. Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., RSM EquiCo is part of RSM McGladrey Business Services, a business segment of H&R Block Inc. For more information, log on to www.rsmequico.com.