THE DEAL APPLIES FOR BPA INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP

June 1, 2003--New York, N.Y.--The Deal, a weekly publication that serves organizations involved in strategic investments and acquisitions, has applied for membership in BPA International. The Deal is published by The Deal  LLC, New York, NY.

BPA International will track circulation for The Deal based on business/distribution, demographic and geographic coverage. The magazine will have 12 months to complete its initial circulation audit.

"We selected BPA International to conduct our circulation audit because of their expertise in measuring professional business publications," said Kevin Worth, President and CEO. "Their rigorous qualification requirements will provide objective and accurate statistics of The Deal to advertisers and advertising agencies."

Glenn Hansen, BPA International President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to have The Deal apply for membership in BPA International. I'm confident that our audit of its circulation will help the publication in its efforts to assure advertisers that it effectively serves their target markets."

A not-for-profit organization since 1931, BPA International is in the Business of Performing Audits and has the largest membership of any media auditing organization in the world. Media owners, advertisers, and advertising agencies govern the tripartite organization. Our international membership of 5,400 consists of more than 2,600 media properties (print, electronic, face-to-face, wireless, databases) and 2,800 media buyers in more than 20 countries. Visit www.bpai.com for the latest audit reports, membership information and news.

About The Deal
The Deal is a diversified media company dedicated to providing must-read financial news, commentary, data and services to corporate and financial dealmakers, their advisers and investors worldwide. Through The Deal, The Daily Deal, TheDeal.com and Corporate Control Alert, the company gathers, reports and disseminates information that offers a detailed look at transactions, industry sectors and financial services, along with the personalities and players who are the central figures driving change in the global economy. Investors in The Deal, a privately held company, include majority owner U.S. Equity Partners, a private investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co. LP, and Rustic Canyon Ventures, one of the largest venture capital funds in Southern Califor