Peterson Partners

April 13, 2006 SALT LAKE CITY. April 13, 2006 . Peterson Partners, a 10-year-old private equity firm in Salt Lake City, was recently recognized with an honorable mention by Thomson Financial.s Buyouts magazine when it recently announced its 2005 Deals of the Year. The recognition, which honors the top investment deals of the past year, is the result of Peterson Partners. involvement in the nearly three-year acquisition and exit of Making Memories, a well-known scrapbook company based in Centerville, UT. Peterson Partners first became involved in Making Memories in January, 2003, when it purchased 80 percent of the company from its founder, Bridgette Server. The following year, Peterson Partners purchased the remaining 20 percent of the company and became the soul owner. Focusing its efforts on increasing the already loyal customer base and adding an infrastructure that allowed for rapid growth, Peterson Partners transformed Making Memories from a successful mom-and-pop shop to a major multi-million-dollar business with products sold at popular retailers such as Target, Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts, Office Depot and Staples. During its nearly three-year ownership of Making Memories, Peterson Partners grew the scrapbook giant from $19 million to $45 million annually . far exceeding expectations. .When Peterson Partners first got involved with Making Memories, it was already a very successful company . but we knew we had everything in place to take the company to the next level,. said Jordan Clements, managing partner at Peterson Partners. .To see the company grow so much in such a short time far exceeded our initial expectations, and it.s very rewarding for everyone involved in this investment to be recognized nationally for their hard work.. In May of last year, Peterson Partners sold Making Memories in a sponsor-to-sponsor transaction to Advent International for an undisclosed amount. While the specific profit of the sale was not disclosed, Peterson Partners indicated the return multiple exceeded 10-times the initial investment. The U.S. scrapbooking market is a $2.6 billion industry that has had double-digit growth per year for more than 25 years. With one in four households actively participating in scrapbooking, it now surpasses the golf industry.. ABOUT PETERSON PARTNERS Established in 1995, Peterson Partners provides business expertise and equity financing to companies with proven business models and revenues of more than $10 million. By collaborating with the company management, Peterson Partners helps accelerate the growth of businesses to achieve desired results. The partners bring business experience and insight plus a network of professional contacts to each portfolio company they support. Built on sound investment principals, the firm has a track record of building great businesses and creating mutually successful relationships with growers and sellers of companies.