Alliant Resources Group Acquires Gaddy Ward

[Alliant Resources Group via BizWire]

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2004--Alliant
Resources Group, Inc., one of the largest U.S. insurance brokerage and
financial services distribution companies, announced today the
acquisition of California-based Gaddy Ward & Company Insurance
Brokers. Gaddy Ward will become part of Alliant's largest subsidiary,
Driver Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., headquartered in San Diego,
CA.
Founded in 1996 by Stan Ward and Scott Gaddy, Gaddy Ward focuses
on providing products, services and expertise to the commercial
construction industry. Headquartered in Lodi, CA, Gaddy Ward is one of
the premier service providers to the construction industry throughout
the Central California Valley. Its largest clients include leading
public works contractors and real estate developers. Gaddy Ward had
revenues in excess of $4 million for 2003.
"The Gaddy Ward acquisition gives Driver Alliant and Alliant
Resources Group additional specialty expertise in a growing geographic
area and segment of the insurance market," said Tom Corbett, chairman
and CEO of Driver Alliant. "Gaddy Ward is a leading specialty firm
with a superior management team. Their expertise is highly regarded
and will complement the insurance services and products currently
offered by Driver to the construction industry."
"The staff and management of Gaddy Ward are excited about the
expanded opportunities, resources and markets that will now be
available to our organization," said Stan Ward, CEO of Gaddy Ward. "We
believe the combination of Driver Alliant's extensive resources and
product capabilities combined with our local knowledge and expertise
will take our firm to the next level" added Scott Gaddy, president of
Gaddy Ward.
Gaddy Ward, advised on this transaction by Orlando-based Nexus
Group will continue to be led by Stan Ward and Scott Gaddy.

About Alliant Resources Group, Inc.

Alliant is a national distributor of insurance and financial
services products, reaching a broad base of middle-market clients
through a growing network of operating companies.
Alliant was founded by John Addeo and equity partner GTCR Golder
Rauner, LLC in March 2000. Alliant's business plan contemplates rapid
expansion over the next several years through the continued selective
acquisition of high-quality regional insurance brokerage firms that
possess strong management teams and demonstrated records of growth,
profitability and quality service. Strong sales management, as well as
cross selling of insurance products, are key components of Alliant's
marketing strategy. Alliant's revenues for 2003 were in excess of $158
million.
Alliant has completed 11 acquisitions and is aggressively pursuing
additional acquisitions and strategic partnerships throughout the
country to complement its existing operating companies and products.
For more information about Alliant Resources Group, please visit
www.alliantresourcesgroup.com.

About GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC

GTCR is a Chicago-based private equity firm currently managing in
excess of $6 billion in equity and subordinated debt capital. Founded
in 1981, GTCR is one of the most respected private equity firms in the
country. GTCR's investment approach is to provide capital to
experienced management teams to grow their business internally and
through acquisition in fragmented and consolidating industries. GTCR
currently has approximately 65 portfolio company investments primarily
in the business services sector of the economy.
For more information about GTCR Golder Rauner, please visit
www.gtcr.com.