Counsel Corporation's Enabling Technology Platform Receives Endorsement.

Business Editors

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2001

Core Communications Achieves Major Milestone As Preferred Provider

Of High-Speed Internet Access For Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Counsel Corporation (NASDAQ:CXSN)(TSE:CXS.) announced today that Core Communications, part of its enabling technology portfolio, has been selected as the preferred provider for high-speed Internet access and management solution in the meeting rooms of the Hyatt Hotel properties in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

To date, over half of Hyatt properties are scheduled for and undergoing installations. The timeline for this initiative ensures that all 120 properties will be outfitted by the end of 2001.

"After a rigorous selection process, Hyatt selected Core Communications because of their obvious competitive advantages," said Bob Bansfield, assistant vice president of management information systems, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "Unlike other service providers, Core Communications provides continual on-site services and consulting, and will personally follow up with meeting planners to ensure all their needs are being met."

T1 line speed has been adopted as Hyatt's minimum standard in the meeting rooms. High speed Internet access within meeting rooms allows attendees to experience better, faster and more secure data connections. Additionally, a high-speed network solution allows groups to access local area networks (LAN) and virtual private networks (VPN), demonstrate on-line products, and conduct computer/Internet based training classes. For more demanding Internet needs, such as those required by trade shows or exhibitions, a T3 solution will be available on an as-needed basis.

"Core's service-driven approach compliments Hyatt's commitment to quality and guest support, improving the overall event experience for its group meeting clientele," said David Giannini, president and CEO of Core Communications. "Core's national presence in major metropolitan service areas enables Hyatt to accelerate the roll out of a premium service solution across multiple properties."

"Core Communications is quickly becoming the leader in providing and managing Internet connectivity for the meetings, conferences and conventions sector of the hospitality industry. Core's commitment to outstanding customer service and its easy-to-use next-generation network management technology has gained the respect of the industry's most discerning operators and their most demanding corporate clients," said Doug Knight, Managing Director of Counsel Corporation and member of the board of Core Communications.

About Counsel Corporation

Counsel Corporation (TSE:CXS.)(NASDAQ:CXSN) focuses on acquiring significant positions in, and actively managing for growth, a balanced portfolio of operating companies. Counsel's portfolio of companies in the enabling technology sector includes a 52% stake in sales and marketing effectiveness software provider Proscape Technologies, Inc. (www.proscape.com); a 33% stake in e-marketer Impower, Inc. (www.impower.com); a 28% stake in e-learning application service provider IBT Technologies, Inc. (www.ibt-technologies.com); and a 13% stake in Internet data communications and services provider Core Communications Corporation (www.core.net).

About Core Communications

Core Communications is in its third year of providing network management solutions to the meetings and hospitality industry. Core services major metropolitan markets throughout North America. For more information about Core Communications, please see their web site at http://www.core.net.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

There are 201 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world. Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates 120 hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Hyatt International, through its subsidiaries, operates 81 hotels and resorts in 36 countries. In the U.S., Hyatt Worldwide Reservations for individuals and groups can be reached at 800-233-1234. Outside the U.S., contact the local Hyatt sales office or representative.

For more information about Hyatt hotels and resorts, consult Hyatt through the Internet at http://www.hyatt.com.

This release involves forward-looking statements with respect to business plans, acquisition prospects, development of relationships with third parties and other plans and expectations on the part of the Company. The accuracy of these statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the availability of acquisition prospects and financing for such prospects, changing economic and market conditions that would impact such prospects or financing related thereto, changes in governmental regulations and laws, as well as other risk factors detailed in the securities filings of Counsel Corporation (TSE:CXS.)(NASDAQ:CXSN) to which recipients of this release are referred for additional information concerning the Company and its prospects.