Industry Leaders Launch Archstone Consulting Backed by Lake Capital; Todd Lavieri Named Chief...

Business Editors

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 30, 2003

Offices Opened in Metropolitan New York, Chicago, and San Francisco

Sixty professionals from leading consulting firms today announced the launch of Archstone Consulting, a firm focused on delivering to corporations

Headquartered in Stamford, with offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, Archstone's launch and growth plans are backed by private equity firm Lake Capital.

Todd Lavieri, 41, has been named chief executive officer and president of Archstone Consulting. Lavieri left Deloitte Consulting, where he was the Global Lead Partner of the firm's manufacturing practice, to start Archstone. During his career at Deloitte Consulting, Lavieri led several global practice areas and worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, leading strategy and operational assignments in the consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, high technology and aerospace and defense industries.

"Our experience and ability to deliver results are core to our success, as we know it is harder to execute a strategy than it is to create one," said Lavieri. "Our independence, focus and insight give clients what they are asking for - strategic and actionable advice with demonstrable and measurable results."

The Archstone Consulting Approach

Combining deep industry expertise with proven functional skills, Archstone is able to design and implement strategic and fundamental change geared to capture value and stimulate growth for corporations. Archstone's professionals have skills honed at leading consulting firms as well as practical experience on the client side, working for major corporations. The Archstone approach is based on experience, objectivity, independence and commitment to client success.

Archstone Consulting will work primarily with manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, life sciences, and business and consumer services companies. Archstone focuses on cost reduction and growth solutions in product development, supply chain management, operations improvement, working capital reduction, outsourcing strategy, merger integration, strategic procurement, IT strategy, trade spend effectiveness, and return on marketing investment.

"We see great client interest in the Archstone approach and are excited to join with Todd Lavieri and other leading professionals to launch this special firm," said Paul Yovovich, president of Lake Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investments in services companies. "We believe that Archstone Consulting will quickly become known as a world-class consultancy that works with clients to produce great strategies and great results."

About Archstone Consulting

Archstone Consulting is an independent business strategy and operations consulting firm specializing in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, life sciences and business and consumer services sectors. Focusing on innovation, growth and value, Archstone Consulting's expertise includes product development, supply chain management, sourcing and procurement and marketing. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company has offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. For additional information, please visit the company's web site at www.archstoneconsulting.com.

About Lake Capital

Lake Capital is a private equity firm that focuses on investments in services companies across various industries. The firm is currently managing a $500 million fund and typically looks to invest $50-$75 million of equity in each of its portfolio initiatives to build leading services companies through organic and acquisition-enhanced growth. More information about Lake Capital is available at www.lakecapital.com.