Released on: October 19, 2007, 6:01 am

Press Release Author: Invest Now News

Industry: Financial

Press Release Summary: According to a source close to the private equity firm, Appia
Capital has hired a former executive in the consumer and healthcare sectors as an
operating partner to help rebuild its private equity business three years after a
spinoff of its buyout division.

Press Release Body: A leading analyst was hired to help to identify opportunities
for leveraged buyouts, joint ventures and other direct investments, and to oversee
the management and strategies for those businesses.

Appia's newest recruit has been president of several companies within the retail
sector and pharmaceutical sector. The head of Appia Capital's private equity and
merchant banking divisions, said: "Operating partners are critical to our strategy
of building a world-class private equity franchise and we are pleased to welcome
such a leading expert to the team."

Sources close to the company say Appia Capital began fundraising for a $6bn buyout
fund earlier this month. The fund will focus on buyout opportunities in Europe. The
bank has contributed $2bn of its own money to the fund to date.

Web Site: http://www.appiacapital.com

Contact Details: 67, Posidonos Ave.
16674 Glyfada
Athens
Greece

Tel No: +30 211 268 6874
Fax No: +30 211 268 6718

E-mail: information@appiacapital.com
Web: www.appiacapital.com