Weymouth to Divide Energies Between Investment Banking and Private Equity Transactions

New York --May 15, 2001-- Philip B. Weymouth III, an experienced media-industry banker and private equity investor in the media and telecommunication sectors, has joined media merchant bank Veronis Suhler as lead managing director of the firm's M&A and corporate finance divisions.

James P. Rutherfurd, executive vice president and head of investment banking for Veronis Suhler, said that Mr. Weymouth, who goes by "P.B.", will concentrate on originating investment banking and private equity investment transactions from three particular areas: large diversified media companies, companies in business information and specialty marketing, as well as broadcasting and telecom companies.

"Given P.B.'s extensive M&A, corporate finance, and private equity investing experience as well as his knowledge of both the media and telecommunications industries, he will a great addition and a valuable asset to the Veronis Suhler merchant banking team," Mr. Rutherfurd said.

Mr. Weymouth said: "Veronis Suhler's terrific brand name, global relationships and reputation for integrity in its strategic advice, coupled with its private equity platform of more than $1 billion in committed investment capital, provide a unique alternative to traditional investment banking firms and standalone private equity funds. I am obviously thrilled to become a part of that formula.

Mr. Weymouth joins Veronis Suhler from J.P. Morgan Capital Corporation's Communications Group. In addition to serving as a Partner with the Group, he was a board-level director for several of Morgan's portfolio companies, including Lightship Telecom, LLC; mindSHIFT Technologies, Inc.; and ComDominio Ltda., the latter a group of Internet data centers in Brazil.

Previously, he was head of Morgan's media/telecom/technology investment banking practice in Latin America, working extensively with international companies on financial and strategic advisory assignments on the region. Among the prominent Latin American media and entertainment companies he worked with on transactions were Multicanal, Telefonica Internacional, and StarMedia Network. He also spent several years developing M&A business for Morgan in Latin America, advising clients in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia and elsewhere.

Prior to joining Morgan in 1992, Mr. Weymouth spent four years as an analyst and associate at Alex Brown & Sons, initially in corporate finance for the firm's Technology Group, later moving into the Private Capital Group working on private equity transactions across multiple industry segments.

Mr. Weymouth, 36, is a graduate of Yale College and the Colgate Darden School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia. At Yale (1984-1987), he was a member of the Varsity Heavyweight Crew.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Veronis Suhler. Founded in 1981 by publishing industry executives John J. Veronis and John S. Suhler, the firm is today a leading independent merchant bank exclusively dedicated to the media, communications, and information industries. Since its formation, Veronis Suhler has acted as a financial advisor across the full spectrum of media industry segments including Broadcasting, Cable & Entertainment; Newspaper Publishing; Consumer Magazines; Business Information Services; Consumer, Professional & Educational Books; Business-to-Business Communications; Specialty Media & Marketing Services; and the Internet.

Veronis Suhler (www.vss.com) has more than 125 professionals in its investment banking and private equity operations, with headquarters in New York and a London affiliate.

From:
David Hillstrom
Allan Ripp