Peterson Partners

March 13, 2006 PETERSON PARTNERS COMPLETES $3.5 MILLION INVESTMENT IN BOUNTIFUL-BASED HANDI QUILTER -- Leading Intermountain Private Equity Firm Continues to Invest in Businesses Founded by Women in the Intermountain West -- Salt Lake City, UT (March 14, 2006).Peterson Partners, a leading Intermountain West private equity firm has made a $3.5 million investment in Handi Quilter, announced Jordan Clements, managing partner of Peterson Partners. The Bountiful, Utah-based Handi Quilter is the leading manufacturer and marketer of mid-arm quilting machines, portable frames, and tables for the home quilting enthusiast. Handi Quilter was founded in 1999 by Laurel Barrus, an avid quilter who recognized that neither the standard sewing machine nor the long-arm quilting machine met the needs of the individual quilter. She designed her own products, including an innovative mid-arm quilting machine, the HQ Sixteen, which has revolutionized the quilting industry. Today, Handi Quilter is one of the fastest growing and most successful woman-owned businesses in the Intermountain region. .This investment is a natural for Peterson Partners,. said Jason Reading, the partner leading the investment for Peterson. .Through our earlier investment in Making Memories, a scrap book supplies company founded by Bridgette Server, we learned of the powerful demand and real business opportunity for craft and hobby products.. .We are very fortunate to have Peterson Partners as a part of the Handi Quilter team,. said Handi Quilter founder Laurel Barrus. .Peterson has become known within the Intermountain business community for its ability to identify and invest in success stories. We intend to become the next chapter in that line of thriving companies.. Handi Quilter products and the HQ Sixteen provide quilters of all abilities an affordable and simple to use quilting system. .When our customers see what is offered by competitors and then compare that to the HQ Sixteen, it is an easy choice for them. Quilters love their HQ Sixteen mid-arm quilting machines,. said Bob Juenemann, owner of Make it Sew, a quilting specialty store in Broomfield, Colorado. About Peterson Partners. Peterson Partners, based in Salt Lake City, is one of the Intermountain West.s most successful private equity firms. Peterson is ranked in the top one percent of investment groups in the U.S. for return on investment. Specializing in small to mid-sized companies, Peterson Partners has a track record of success including investments in JetBlue, Making Memories, EnergySolutions, Asurion, Instashred, Winder Farms and Diamond Rental. Founded in 1995, Peterson Partners has over $300 million under management through four funds. Press Contacst: Todd Wolfenbarger The Summit Group Communications for Peterson Partners 801-595-1155 or todd@summitslc.com Jordan Clements (801) 365-0180 or jordan@petersonpartnerslp.com.