Chicago-Based Investment Bank Helps Position Michigan Carrier for Service Expansion

Melvindale, Mich. (Dec. 21, 2009) – Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. (Houlihan Smith) acted as exclusive financial advisor in arranging a working capital and equipment financing facility for Four Star Transportation Co. (Four Star Transportation). Financing was provided by Crestmark Bank and GE Capital, but terms were not disclosed. The transaction was announced by Charles Botchway, Group Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Houlihan Smith. The transaction team was led by Houlihan Smith Managing Director Joe Lunkes.

“Joe Lunkes and Houlihan Smith helped reposition our company to take advantage of future growth opportunities,” said Michael Leoni, founder and owner of Four Star Transportation. “We have been providing on-time delivery and outstanding customer service to our clients since 1935. This refinancing will allow Four Star to continue to provide our clients with the best services available.”

Based in Melvindale, Michigan, Four Star Transportation provides logistical and value-added supply chain services to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Initially formed to service the steel industry, Four Star Transportation now carries a wide range of goods and commodities, including automotive stampings, sheetrock, mulch, salt, metal, and building materials. Four Star Transportation recently established a network of warehouses and terminals to provide just-in-time inventory fulfillment to retailers located in the Great Lakes region and Ontario, Canada.

“Four Star Transportation had pursued a successful strategy of offering value-added logistic services to compliment its core flat-deck trucking operation” Lunkes said. “This strategy highlights the resiliency and foresight of Mr. Leoni and his management team. We are pleased to have helped Four Star Transportation attract the capital it needs to continue to grow and provide outstanding service to its clients.”

Moving forward, Four Star Transportation plans to further diversify its client base, expand its inventory management and logistical services, and partner with independent operators to position itself for profitable growth. The firm has approximately 125 tractors and more than 300 flat-deck trailers in its fleet. It augments these assets with a network of owner-operators to provide its clients with a dedicated, diverse service offering.

About the Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc.

Founded in 1996, Houlihan Smith is a global investment banking firm that provides financial advisory, financing services, and valuation services to public and private businesses as well as asset managers. Houlihan Smith is recognized as a leading provider of financial opinions, financing, merger and acquisitions advisory, and other corporate advisory services. In addition, the firm is a registered broker-dealer and FINRA/SIPC Member. Houlihan Smith provides cost-effective fairness and solvency opinions, as well as valuations for tax and financial reporting to some of the largest NYSE/NASDAQ companies, as well as small, privately held businesses. Its experienced professionals serve clients across the globe from offices in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London, Toronto, and Accra.

About Four Star Transportation Co:

Four Star Transportation traces its roots to 1935, when Mr. Leoni’s grandfather, Mr. Charles J. Rogers, founded C.J. Rogers Transportation Company. The Company’s main operation was hauling steel on flatbed trucks between Ohio and Michigan. In 1973, Mr. Leoni’s father purchased C.J. Rogers, and seven years later, Mr. Leoni joined the family business as a Sales Representative. Over the next 14 years, Mr. Leoni handled nearly all aspects of C.J. Rogers, working his way up to Operations Manager and serving as a Vice President. Eventually, he desired a fresh start and made plans to form his own transportation company. Four Star Transportation Co. was incorporated in 1994 with Mr. Leoni serving as the sole shareholder. He bought the assets of C.J. Rogers, folded those operations into Four Star Transportation, and transitioned his relationships with his long-standing customers to the new company.

About GE Capital:

GE Capital is America’s largest leasing company. Through its Equipment Finance business it provides commercial leases and loans, typically ranging from $5,000 to $25 million, to small and mid-sized manufacturers, dealers, and end-business users to help drive cost efficiency and top-line growth. Customizable financing solutions span industries from IT and construction, to office imaging, medical equipment, telecom, transportation, and healthcare, among others.

About Crestmark Bank:

Crestmark Bank was established as an FDIC bank in October 1996, and its assets have grown more than 90 percent since 2002. When a company needs cash and traditional means are not available, an asset- based lending relationship with Crestmark Bank may be the answer. It specializes in providing working capital solutions for businesses selling to other businesses, and is the specialized lender of choice for a growing number of businesses nationwide.