Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC Invests in Computer Sales International, Inc.

Business Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2002

Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC announced it has acquired an equity interest in Computer Sales International (CSI), one of the nation's largest leasing companies of information technology equipment. Charlesbank will become the St. Louis-based firm's first and only institutional equity investor and the largest non-management shareholder. The funding will assist CSI in continuing the aggressive expansion of its business.

CSI recorded $577 million of revenue in fiscal year 2001, reporting its sixth straight year of double-digit revenue and earnings growth. Founded in 1972, the firm employs more than 300 people and has over 50 sales representatives operating across the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.

CSI handles the full range of IT equipment but leases primarily mid-range CPUs, workstations, printers and personal computers to large and mid-sized companies throughout the US, Canada and Europe. The company offers a customized approach to fit the user's needs and budget constraints, enabling flexibility in IT planning and continual access to new technology. Because CSI is an independent lessor, its customers are able to adapt solutions incorporating multiple hardware and software vendors.

"Our independent status and technical expertise allow us to respond effectively to each customer's needs, working with premier vendors to attain the best pricing in new and used equipment," says the firm's Chairman and CEO, Ken Steinback. "We see a tremendous opportunity to continue to aggressively grow our business and increase market share. We take pride in cultivating strong relationships with vendors and customers and are thrilled to have raised capital that will help us expand. The experienced team at Charlesbank will be a valuable strategic resource as we move ahead."

"CSI's solid historical performance is a testament to the strength of its business model and management team," says Kim Davis, Managing Director, Charlesbank Capital Partners. "The current market opportunity and the company's robust balance sheet will enable CSI to grow in excess of historical rates and serve customer needs even more adeptly than in the past. We look forward to partnering with this long-tenured, talented management team as they continue to grow their business."

Further information about CSI can be found on the company's web site at www.csileasing.com.

Charlesbank Capital Partner, LLC, is a private investment firm with approximately $2.5 billion of capital committed to acquisition and expansion financing for growing companies and developing real estate assets. The private equity team focuses on middle-market management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, typically investing $20 million to $75 million per transaction. Charlesbank seeks to partner with strong management teams and other value-added investors to build companies that offer competitive advantages and excellent prospects for growth. The firm has offices in Boston and New York.