Cleaning Up After Ice Cream: Ben Cohen Leads Acquisition of Sun & Earth.

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NORRISTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2001

-- Infusion Of Cash and Business Acumen Expected to Help Propel

Natural Soap Company to Market Leadership --

A non-profit venture fund established by Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, has purchased Sun & Earth, a line of natural, non-toxic household cleaning products headquartered in Norristown, an urban neighborhood located just outside Philadelphia.

The acquisition was made by The Barred Rock Fund, a $5 million non-profit social venture fund established by Ben Cohen following the sale of Ben & Jerry's to Unilever. The goal of the fund is to invest in companies that offer high quality entry-level jobs accessible to people living in low-income communities, and to provide equity ownership to workers. As a key component of the acquisition, a minimum of 20% of the company has been reserved for equity distribution to all Sun & Earth employees.

Co-investing is Capital-to-People/Murex Investments, a community venture fund operated by Resources for Human Development, a local Philadelphia social services agency. All return capital and profits to both funds will be reinvested in more job creating community ventures.

"Sun & Earth is an exciting company because it works on so many levels," said Ben Cohen. "It's a terrific cleaning product, it's better for the environment, it's made with non-toxic ingredients and the profits are put to good use. This is a company everyone can feel good doing business with."

Founded in 1994, Sun & Earth began selling non-toxic household cleaning products specifically designed for individuals who are sensitive to chemicals. Over the years, sales increased largely through word of mouth of satisfied customers and as public concern rose over the presence of toxic chemicals in the home and workplace.

Four years ago, Sun & Earth established its own manufacturing plant in the heart of the Enterprise Zone in Norristown. Because the business is headquartered within the urban neighborhood, the majority of employees walk to work, avoiding a costly commute. All of the workers in the manufacturing plant began as unskilled workers; today, a third of them are now working in more technical areas such as equipment maintenance, batch making and equipment operation.

Like traditional venture funds, the non-profit Barred Rock fund invests more than money. It invests time and expertise. Ben Cohen and fund manager Chuck Lacy, who served as president of Ben & Jerry's from 1990-1995, are working closely with Sun & Earth's management team and employees to improve working conditions, launch new marketing programs and expand the brand's presence into institutional markets. Already, the company has raised wages for its hourly workers in accordance with the investors' principle of paying workers a "livable" wage. All employees will be provided with health insurance beginning in September.

"We were surprised and delighted to find a manufacturer of natural products based in an economically disadvantaged community," said Chuck Lacy. "The entire team at Sun & Earth is energized and invested in the mission. Ben and I are very enthusiastic about helping them move the company to the next level."

"We've needed additional investment for some time and spoke with many investors who looked just at the numbers," said Sun & Earth General Manager, John Mullins. "Ben and his team are important partners not just because of their outstanding marketing and business acumen, but because they share our commitment to this neighborhood and to our people."

"Our supermarket partners were thrilled to learn of Ben's involvement," said Bill Dun, vice president of sales & marketing and a 20-year veteran of the industry. "Clearly, we will benefit from our investors' experience in packaged goods marketing to help spread the word. There is something very special about the way people respond to Sun & Earth. They are delighted to discover a product that delivers superior cleaning results using non-toxic ingredients."

The following Sun & Earth products are available in supermarkets and health food stores in the northeast:

-- Sun & Earth Ultra Laundry Detergent - It works on stubborn dirt and stains.
Natural, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, it is produced with coconut and corn
based surfactants. No added dyes or preservatives.

-- Sun & Earth All Purpose Cleaner - Made from orange and coconut oils, this
streak-free all purpose cleaner is non-toxic and safe to use around children,
pets, plants and on food surfaces.

-- Sun & Earth Hypoallergenic Dishwashing Liquid - Natural, non-toxic and
hypoallergenic, it is produced from orange and coconut oils. It naturally cuts
through grease and dirt and produces a film free shine.

-- Sun & Earth Liquid Soap -Natural, non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Cleans ands
and body beautifully, and contains no irritating dyes or perfumes.

For further information, or to purchase products through mail order visit www.SunAndEarth.com or call 800/298-7861.

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