May 3, 2010: 21^st Century Group, LLC
Announces the Loss of John L. Ware
21^st Century Group announced today that
John L. Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer, passed away in his home on Sunday morning, May 2, 2010. In 1998, Mr. Ware co-founded 21st Century Group with the Partners of HM Capital, formerly Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst. At 21st Century Group, Mr. Ware was involved in originating, structuring and monitoring of the Firm’s investments and served as director of several portfolio companies.

21^st Century Group, with $161 million of committed capital, seeks to acquire an equity interest, usually controlling interest, in lower middle market companies focused on emerging domestic and underserved markets in urban and metropolitan areas. These companies possess stable, high quality cash flows and a strong strategic profile. Our typical transaction values range from $15 million to $100 million.

In addition to capital, we provide significant operational experience and financial expertise to the management partners who operate our portfolio companies. The Partners of 21^st Century Group, having distinguished careers working with lower middle market companies and large organizations, understand the needs of lower middle market companies.