Andy Kaye Joins William Blair & Company as Firm Bolsters Its Asian Banking Team.

CHICAGO -- William Blair & Company today announced that it has hired Andy Kaye as Head of Asia, expanding its Asian investment banking expertise. In this role, Mr. Kaye will be based in the firm's China office and will lead further penetration into the Asian marketplace as well as development of targeted product offerings. He will report to Brent Gledhill, global head of corporate finance.

Mr. Kaye has spent 14 years as an international investment banker, serving in senior banking and management positions at CIBC World Markets, Robertson Stephens, and, most recently, his own boutique. He brings extensive experience in developing new markets, with significant expertise in international and cross-border transactions in public and private equity, debt finance, and merger and acquisitions. During his career, he has headed various industry groups and advised clients in multiple sectors and geographies, including communications, hardware, and wireless sectors in Europe and Asia; and information technology in Israel.

"Andy's proven ability to build successful international businesses will build upon the inroads we have made into the Asian marketplace," said Mr. Gledhill. "Adding Andy to the team augments our skills, relationships, and credibility in this vast continent."

"Andy's deep working knowledge and relationship network will extend our firm's heritage of assisting international filing companies to enter the U.S. capital markets as part of their growth strategy. His experience will be synergistic with our global franchise and demonstrates William Blair & Company's commitment to both Asian banking and growth companies," said John Ettelson, president and CEO of William Blair

& Company. He added, "We have worked with Andy for many years, and we are delighted that he is joining our firm."

William Blair & Company, L.L.C. is a global investment firm offering investment banking, asset management, equity research, institutional and private brokerage, and private capital to individual, institutional, and issuing clients. Since 1935, we have been committed to helping clients achieve their financial objectives. As an independent, employee-owned firm, our philosophy is to serve our clients' interests first and foremost. William Blair & Company is based in Chicago, with office locations including Boston, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Zurich. For more information, please visit www.williamblair.com.