LAP-BAND Forum

NewHope Bariatrics, Inc. Secures Financing From Three Institutional Investors for Obesity Treatment

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11-07-2006

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NewHope Bariatrics has received $18.5 million in debt and equity financing from three institutional investors: Austin Ventures, Versant Ventures, and Square 1 Bank. The company will use these funds to develop and operate ambulatory surgery centers focused on the treatment of obesity using the Lap-Band® system.

Founded in 2005 by David Crane and Dennis Kelly, former senior executives at MedCath Corporation (NASDAQ: MDTH), NewHope Bariatrics will own and operate these centers in partnership with leading bariatric surgeons in markets across the United States. In anticipation of this new financing, the company has been working diligently with several physician groups and expects to announce its first partnerships in the coming weeks.

?We are gratified that diligent investors at this level think so highly of both our strategy to create centers of excellence and the extensive industry experience of the management team we have assembled,? said David Crane, NewHope Bariatrics President and Chief Executive Officer. ?This financing affords NewHope Bariatrics the opportunity to bring to the U.S. market our new vision of healthcare and the latest technologies that promise a new hope for those suffering from obesity.?

?In speaking with physician groups, we have been very pleased with the enthusiastic response to our business model and market approach,? said Dennis Kelly, NewHope Bariatrics Chief Operating Officer. ?With our doctors as partners, we are now well on our way to realizing the NewHope vision.?

Navigant Capital Advisors, LLC, the NASD broker dealer subsidiary of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: NCI) served as the Company?s placement agent and exclusive financial advisor. ?We rarely get involved with early stage ventures. However, we were impressed with the NewHope Bariatrics? executive management team and business model,? said Gerry Benjamin, Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at Navigant Capital Advisors. ?We believe NewHope Bariatrics will quickly emerge as the partner of choice for bariatric surgeons seeking an effective business partner.?

NewHope Bariatrics develops and operates Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Short-stay Surgical Hospitals that serve the needs of the morbidly obese. The NewHope Bariatrics centers focus on gastric banding procedures (primarily the Lap-Band® system), delivering compassionate care, excellent clinical and financial results, and superior patient satisfaction. For more information, visit www.newhopebariatrics.com.

Austin Ventures, one of the most active venture capital firms in Texas, has been working with entrepreneurs to build valuable companies since 1979. With $3 billion under management, AV focuses on business services, information services, computer and communications hardware, and enterprise software.

Versant Ventures, a leading healthcare-focused venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in medical devices, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, and healthcare information technology. The firm, founded in 1999, manages more than $1 billion, with more than 65 companies in its portfolio.

Square 1 Bank, a full service commercial bank dedicated to providing financial services to venture capital firms and the entrepreneurs that receive venture capital investment. The bank supports entrepreneurs in all stages of growth and expansion.

Navigant Capital Advisors, LLC is the NASD broker dealer subsidiary of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: NCI), an international consulting firm. Navigant Capital Advisors has extensive experience in arranging private placements for healthcare service providers and advising on mergers and acquisitions. More information about Navigant Consulting can be found at www.navigantconsulting.com.