New York, New York
March 1, 2006

Toussaint Capital Partners Announces New Management Team

Paul T. Williams, Jr., has been named President of Toussaint Capital Partners LLC, a Wall Street investment banking company, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Avery Byrd announced today. Mr. Byrd previously held the position. Mr. Williams was formerly a partner at the international law firm of Bryan Cave LLP.

Mr. Byrd said: "Toussaint Capital is pleased that a professional the stature of Paul Williams is joining our team. We look forward to the contributions that he will undoubtedly make in assisting the team execute our business plan and accomplishing our other other strategic objectives. Paul's years of experience and expansive network will prove invaluable as we move forward our corporate agendas."

Mr. Williams said: "As an investor and corporate officer, I am excited about the opportunity to help build Toussaint Capital into a world class, multi-faceted investment banking firm. I will have the chance to bring all of my talents and skills to a task I enjoy immensely - building a business. After eight wonderful years at Bryan Cave, I look forward to this new challenge and to immersing myself , once again, into a truly entrepreneurial environment."

Toussaint Capital is an African American owned boutique institutional broker/dealer formed in 2003. Since inception, the firm has participated in an aggregate of $ 8.0 billion in financings in the debt and equity capital markets. Toussaint Capital's clients include Fortune 500 companies, large private and public pension funds, hedge funds and asset managers.

Before joining Toussaint Capital in February 2004 as Vice Chair, Mr. Williams was a partner at the law firm of Bryan Cave. His practice included representation of clients in entrepreneurial, technology and commercial transactions, as well as complex litigation. Prior to joining Bryan Cave as a partner, Mr. Williams co-founded the law firm of Wood, Williams Rafalsky & Harris where he practiced for 15 years, including building a substantial practice in public finance and representing Wall Street firms. Mr. Williams is also a member of the advisory board of Earl G. Graves Ltd., a multi-media company and owner of the publisher of Black Enterprise magazine. He formerly served as counsel to the Banking Committee of the New York State Assembly. He is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law, Yale University and Phillips Exeter Academy. He also studied abroad at the American University in Cairo as a Ford Trustees Scholar.

At Toussaint Capital, Mr. Williams will be a major participant in the firm's efforts in the debt and equity capital markets primary issuance business, including corporate fixed income, asset backed securities and municipal underwriting. He will also be responsible for growing Toussaint Capital's equity execution platform, including its electronic trading and program trading capabilities. In his new role, he will also oversee acquisitions and spearhead the firm's administrative, legal and compliance matters.

In addition to his professional work, Mr. Williams is known for his community service. Among other activities, he served as president of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York for five years and currently sits on the boards of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., the City Parks Foundation, the Eagle Academy Foundation and the Regional Plan Association. He has been recognized often for his service to the legal profession and the community including honors from the New York City Comptroller's Office, the New York City Council, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and the United Negro College Fund. In 2002, Mr. Williams was named among "America's 100 Top Black Lawyers" by Black Enterprise magazine.