WexTrust Capital Acquires 24-Unit Residential Complex in New York City

CHICAGO, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 20, 2006 -- WexTrust Capital, through its affiliate West 82nd Street Holdings, LLC, has acquired a 24-unit residential complex located at 176-182 West 82nd Street in the Upper West Side of New York City for an undisclosed price. The site on which the complex will be developed is approximately 0.16 acres in size and is currently improved with a 20-unit apartment complex. The Company plans to partially demolish the existing improvements and construct a seven-story residential complex containing 24 high-end luxury condominiums.

This property is on a block consisting of a mix of brownstones and townhouses and was designated as a Landmark District. The existing apartment complex consists of four five-story buildings originally constructed in 1900 and most recently renovated in 1983. The Company's current project plans are to gut renovate (partially demolish) the existing improvements, leaving the existing front façade, and construct a seven story (five full floors and two partial floors) residential complex -- the outer shell of the building will remain intact, with newly constructed sixth and seventh floors added on.

Don Price, President of Wexford Development, a division of WexTrust Capital which will oversee all facets of the development and construction phase of the project, commented, "The property is located within a Upper West Side Manhattan neighborhood that is currently one of the stronger residential areas within the New York marketplace, and has become a desirable place for new growth and development."

Located within an upscale, revitalized urban area, the property has a central location, situated near major employment centers, retail properties and recreational facilities, and is located on city rail and bus routes, providing access to various locations throughout the city.

"Additionally," concluded Price, "The project will continue the high-end, upscale, premium concept established with previous development in the neighborhood, including high ceilings, large windows and open floor plans."

About WexTrust Capital

WexTrust Capital is a globally diversified private equity and specialty finance company with a proven track record for protecting its clients' assets and delivering a superior return-on-investment through its diverse portfolio of principal investments. WexTrust Capital specializes in unique investment opportunities ranging from real estate to specialty finance and investment banking. Headquartered in Chicago, the company also maintains offices in New York, Norfolk, Va., Atlanta, Boca Raton, Fla., Nashville, Tenn., Tel Aviv, Israel, and Johannesburg, South Africa. More information can be found at www.wextrust.com.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: David Gutierrez Dresner Corporate Services 312-780-7204 dgutierrez@dresnerco.com Philip Kranz Dresner Corporate Services 312-780-7240 pkranz@dresnerco.com