The Sterling Group, L.P. Completes Acquisition of Roofing Supply Group.

HOUSTON -- The Sterling Group, L.P. ("Sterling"), a Houston-based private equity firm, today announced that it has finalized the acquisition of a majority interest in the entities comprising the Roofing Supply Group ("RSG").

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, RSG is one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing supplies and related materials in the United States. Through its network of 55 branches in 21 states, RSG provides one-step distribution services from the roofing product manufacturers to roofing contractors, home builders, retailers, and other end users.

Ron Pugh, founder of RSG, started the first branch in Houston in 1981. He was joined by Vin Perella and Rodney Burns, who opened the second branch in 1984, and then later by Dale Lowe to form the core management team and majority shareholders of RSG. Vin Perella has been named CEO of RSG at the closing of the acquisition, and Ron Pugh and Dale Lowe will remain active with RSG as board members and consultants to the company.

"Since the inception of RSG, our focus has been on our partner relationships and a continued emphasis on the entrepreneurial spirit throughout our organization. Continuing our culture, the key ingredient to our success was essential and Sterling provided the support necessary to maintain our culture and continue our successful growth. Sterling is a great fit and our future looks very bright together," said RSG founder Ron Pugh.

"The people of RSG have built a tremendous business based on strong relationships with customers and suppliers and a remarkable record of successful growth. The Sterling Group is very pleased to have the opportunity to support and participate in their continued success," said Hunter Nelson, a Principal with Sterling.

"I am extremely excited about partnering with The Sterling Group. They have embraced the culture that has made RSG the success that it is and have allowed our existing partners the ability to maintain an equity position in their branches. I am humbled and honored to lead such a talented and dedicated team," said Vin Perella.

The acquisition was financed primarily with equity from Sterling Group Partners II, L.P. and its limited partners, as well as significant reinvestment by the RSG management team.

About The Sterling Group, L.P.

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group (www.sterling-group.com) is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, industrial services and distribution companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $500 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of over 30 portfolio companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value greater than $7 billion. Currently, Sterling has $600 million of committed capital under management through two funds, including Sterling Group Partners II, L.P. Current portfolio companies include Panolam Industries International, Inc., North American Construction Group Inc., Propex Fabrics Inc. and CST Industries, Inc.