Dallas, Texas — Brazos Private Equity Partners, LLC, a leading Dallas-based private investment firm, announced today that it will partner with Bill Scheller to build a new industrial distribution platform called BlackHawk Industrial Distribution, Inc. Mr. Scheller, a long-time industrial distribution executive and investor and former CEO and President of ORS Nasco, a Brazos portfolio company, will serve as President and CEO. BlackHawk is currently looking for U.S.-based distributors participating in the $400+ billion industrial distribution end market.

Brazos Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founding Partner Randall S. Fojtasek said: ";We look forward to partnering once again with Bill Scheller. Over the past ten years, Brazos has compiled a strong track record of distribution investments that have created significant value for our investors."

BlackHawk will be an excellent platform for further growth in the industrial distribution space. I look forward to partnering with Brazos. –Bill Scheller

About Brazos Private Equity Partners, LLC

Brazos Private Equity Partners is a Dallas-based private equity firm that manages approximately $1.6 billion of equity capital. Brazos focuses on investments in middle-market companies with enterprise values up to $500 million. Brazos seeks to partner with outstanding management teams and/or families of closely-held businesses to maximize value. Brazos has been one of the most active middle-market private equity investment firms over the past decade, having completed 54 acquisitions, including 20 platform investments. Brazos has invested in a broad range of industries including consumer, food and beverage, business and financial services, healthcare, manufacturing / industrial and distribution.

Brazos has significant experience acquiring, growing and monetizing distribution businesses. Since 2002, Brazos has invested in three successful distribution companies. Below is a brief overview of these investments.

• ORS Nasco, Inc. is one of the largest, pure wholesale distributors of industrial supplies in North America. The company supplies a comprehensive product portfolio of over 140,000 branded and private label products – sourced from over 600 vendors – to over 11,000 independent distributors in multiple sectors; including, industrial, janitorial/sanitation, MRO, safety, construction, electrical, rental, welding, and oilfield services. ORS Nasco currently has a network of eight strategically placed distribution centers that provide overnight delivery access to approximately 80% of the industrial activity in the United States and the rest of the country within two days. The company was sold in December 2007 to United Stationers (Nasdaq:USTR). For additional information about ORS Nasco, please visit the firm's website at www.orsnasco.com.

• Shelter Distribution, Inc. is one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing products and related accessories in the Midwest/Southwest U.S. The company offers comprehensive line of residential/commercial roofing products and accessories as well as insulation, siding, windows, doors and other building materials. Shelter Distribution focuses primarily on retrofit and residential markets. The company was sold in October 2005 to Beacon Roofing Supply (Nasdaq: BECN). For additional information about Shelter Distribution, please visit the firm's website at www.shelterdistribution.com.

• Strategic Equipment and Supply Corporation is a leading national provider of foodservice equipment and supply solutions. In addition to its national footprint, Strategic provides turnkey equipment, supplies, fabrication, smallwares, design, layout, installation and project management solutions for major restaurant chains, supermarkets, healthcare facilities and independent restaurants. Formed in early 2000 through the consolidation of six independent foodservice equipment and supply solution companies, Strategic Equipment and Supply has been instrumental in opening more than 10,000 restaurants, as well as 1,000 non-restaurant foodservice facilities. For additional information, please visit the firm's website at www.strategicequipment.com.

Contact
Margaret Dipp
Brazos Private Equity
214-756-6509