FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 9, 2012

Southlake, TX – Southlake Equity Group announced today the acquisition of a majority interest in Waples Manufacturing.  Southlake acquired its interest from the Waples management team, which will retain a minority stake in the business and continue to direct day-to-day operations.

Waples Manufacturing is a leading build-to-order precision machining company focused on serving the energy, aerospace, telecommunications and printing industries, among others. Waples Manufacturing is located in Fort Worth, Texas.

In announcing the investment, Tom Keene, Managing Partner at Southlake Equity Group, said:  “We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with the management team of Waples and to help support the continued growth of the company.  We look forward to helping the company expand its manufacturing capabilities and customer base and serve with first-class service a diverse range of end markets.”

About Southlake Equity Group

Southlake Equity Group is a private investment firm focused on acquiring middle market companies in the United States, and building industry-leading manufacturing and business service companies.  The firm partners with management teams to develop and implement long-term strategies to create industry leaders in the middle market.