Alliant Resources Group Acquires Gaddy Ward.

Business Editors

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2004

Alliant Resources Group, Inc., one of the largest U.S. insurance brokerage and financial services distribution companies, announced today the acquisition of California-based Gaddy Ward & Company Insurance Brokers. Gaddy Ward will become part of Alliant's largest subsidiary, Driver Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA.

Founded in 1996 by Stan Ward and Scott Gaddy, Gaddy Ward focuses on providing products, services and expertise to the commercial construction industry. Headquartered in Lodi, CA, Gaddy Ward is one of the premier service providers to the construction industry throughout the Central California Valley. Its largest clients include leading public works contractors and real estate developers. Gaddy Ward had revenues in excess of $4 million for 2003.

"The Gaddy Ward acquisition gives Driver Alliant and Alliant Resources Group additional specialty expertise in a growing geographic area and segment of the insurance market," said Tom Corbett, chairman and CEO of Driver Alliant. "Gaddy Ward is a leading specialty firm with a superior management team. Their expertise is highly regarded and will complement the insurance services and products currently offered by Driver to the construction industry."

"The staff and management of Gaddy Ward are excited about the expanded opportunities, resources and markets that will now be available to our organization," said Stan Ward, CEO of Gaddy Ward. "We believe the combination of Driver Alliant's extensive resources and product capabilities combined with our local knowledge and expertise will take our firm to the next level" added Scott Gaddy, president of Gaddy Ward.

Gaddy Ward, advised on this transaction by Orlando-based Nexus Group will continue to be led by Stan Ward and Scott Gaddy.

About Alliant Resources Group, Inc.

Alliant is a national distributor of insurance and financial services products, reaching a broad base of middle-market clients through a growing network of operating companies.

Alliant was founded by John Addeo and equity partner GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC in March 2000. Alliant's business plan contemplates rapid expansion over the next several years through the continued selective acquisition of high-quality regional insurance brokerage firms that possess strong management teams and demonstrated records of growth, profitability and quality service. Strong sales management, as well as cross selling of insurance products, are key components of Alliant's marketing strategy. Alliant's revenues for 2003 were in excess of $158 million.

Alliant has completed 11 acquisitions and is aggressively pursuing additional acquisitions and strategic partnerships throughout the country to complement its existing operating companies and products.

For more information about Alliant Resources Group, please visit www.alliantresourcesgroup.com.

About GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC

GTCR is a Chicago-based private equity firm currently managing in excess of $6 billion in equity and subordinated debt capital. Founded in 1981, GTCR is one of the most respected private equity firms in the country. GTCR's investment approach is to provide capital to experienced management teams to grow their business internally and through acquisition in fragmented and consolidating industries. GTCR currently has approximately 65 portfolio company investments primarily in the business services sector of the economy.

For more information about GTCR Golder Rauner, please visit www.gtcr.com.