Clairvest and CEP Invest in Innovative Residential Mortgage Services Firm.

TORONTO -- Clairvest Group Inc. (TSX:CVG) and Clairvest Equity Partners Limited Partnership (CEP) today announced the closing of their investment in N-Brook Mortgage Limited Partnership (N-Brook). Clairvest and CEP have committed to invest up to $20 million in N-Brook, to be funded between Clairvest and CEP based on pro rata capital commitments to their investment pool of 25 per cent and 75 per cent respectively.

Toronto-based N-Brook originates, adjudicates and underwrites first-ranking mortgages on owner-occupied, residential real estate in Ontario. N-Brook competes in the non-conforming mortgage market, lending to individuals who do not fit the traditional lending criteria of the major banks and trust companies. N-Brook will provide high-ratio mortgages to creditworthy individuals who are self-employed professionals or business people, and low-ratio mortgages to individuals with impaired or no credit history.

The Clairvest CEP investment will help N-Brook build a portfolio of mortgages, primarily in markets surrounding the Greater Toronto Area. N-Brook plans to operate solely through Ontario's established network of registered mortgage brokers. "Non-conforming lending is an under-served market that is expected to grow substantially over the next decade," said Jeff Parr, co-CEO of Clairvest. "When managed with financial and operational discipline, mortgage lending is a steady, low-risk business capable of providing superior returns."

Paul McGill, President of N-Brook added, "Clairvest is an ideal investment partner for N-Brook as their interests are fully aligned with ours. We share the same business objectives and strategies, and are looking forward to a period of significant growth in the size of our mortgage portfolio over the next three or four years."

About Clairvest

Clairvest is a Canadian merchant bank that invests its own capital, and that of third parties through Clairvest Equity Partners Limited Partnership (CEP), in companies that have the potential to generate superior returns. In addition to providing financing, Clairvest contributes strategic expertise and execution ability to support the growth and development of its investee partners. Clairvest realizes value through investment returns and the eventual disposition of its investments.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to Clairvest Group Inc., its subsidiaries and their investments.These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated.These risks and uncertainties include interest rates, currency fluctuations, changes in security prices, market conditions, competitor behavior, prices of raw materials, general economic and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the publicly filed disclosure documents.Clairvest disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.