Press Release

RJD portfolio company Stone Group appoints Roger Burdett as chairman

Stone, 3rd June, 2009.

Stone Group ("Stone"), a leading IT provider and the UK's largest privately owned computer manufacturer, has appointed Roger Burdett as non-executive chairman.

Roger, aged 59, has an outstanding track record in working with private equity backed companies for over 12 years. He was chairman of 3 MBOs between 2001 and 2005 from buyout through to disposal, and chief executive of both Trident Components Group and Hay Hall Group, until successful private equity exits in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Roger also has significant experience in M&A activity and successful acquisition integration.

He is currently executive chairman of Jeyes Group Ltd, the UK-based manufacturer of household and industrial cleaning products with a £210 million turnover.

Prior to this, Roger was chief executive of Classic Hospitals, a private equity backed private hospital group, and deputy chairman of Europackaging plc, a £200 million turnover global manufacturer and supplier of packaging products, with 1,800 employees worldwide.

RJD Partners ("RJD") led the £28 million management buyout of Staffordshire-based Stone Group in April 2008. Stone subsequently acquired Rock Computers, one of the UK's leading Performance Notebook manufacturers, in May 2008. The company employs over 200 members of staff and had a turnover of more than £60 million in 2008.

James Bird, founder and chief executive of Stone, said:

"Stone has achieved significant growth both organically and through acquisition since the buyout. Roger's strategic experience will enable us to capitalise on our success to date and take advantage of the further growth opportunities facing the business."

Roger Burdett commented:

"Stone is a well-managed business with an excellent service-led reputation and a competitive position in a niche market. I look forward to working with the Board and RJD to take the business forward to the next level in its growth plan."

John Dillon, partner at RJD, added:

"Stone has achieved considerable success by providing a comprehensive first class service to its customers and operates in a traditionally more resilient public sector market which, despite the general economic downturn, is forecasting growth over the next few years. Roger's excellent track record in adding strategic value to private equity backed businesses will be of considerable benefit."

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact: RJD Partners: John Dillon, Partner or Jill Williams, Investment Manager Tel: 020 7050 6868

RJD Partners:

is one of the leading lower middle market private equity investors targeting UK companies in the service, leisure and healthcare sectors with enterprise values up to £75 million, and providing equity investment and restructuring finance solutions. RJD Partners has raised total funds in excess of £250 million. For further information please visit www.rjdpartners.com.

The Stone Group:

is a public sector specialist hardware manufacturer and systems designer, specialising in the supply and support of ICT and audio-visual solutions to schools, colleges, universities, local government, the emergency services, the NHS and MoD.

As long-established UK hardware manufacturers, Stone Computers and Compusys have built up enviable reputations for their superior after-sales service as well as the stability and reliability of their Desktops, Laptops and Servers, earning the confidence of their customers.

Having acquired Rock Computers in May 2008, the Stone Group now sells direct to consumers, and offers high-end business and gaming notebooks to all sectors.

As well as being awarded all major educational and public sector frameworks, the Stone Group has well-established relationships with leading manufacturers. Strong partnerships with Intel, Microsoft, LG, Seagate and Samsung ensure that all of its customers can be confident in the quality of the technology and receive the most competitive pricing structure.

Stone was recently ranked 21st in The Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 league table 2009 of Britain's top 100 private equity-backed companies with the fastest growing profits.

For further information, please contact Dionne Barlow, Stone Group: tel 01785 812100 or email: dionne.barlow@stonegroup.co.uk; or visit www.stonegroup.co.uk.