JH Partners Leads Recapitalization of Barmensen Labs

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – August 22, 2006 – JH partners, a San Francisco based private equity firm focused on the consumer products and services industry, announced it has acquired Barmensen Labs, a developer, distributor and marketer of condition-specific lifestyle nutraceutical products under the Barmensen, Maxoderm, Vazomyne and Connection brand names. Each of Barmensen’s products, whether in the fitness, skin care, sexual health, or dietary categories, takes a unique approach to address consumer needs, often through proprietary formulations or innovative delivery methods. Barmensen branded products are sold nationwide through select mass, drug and grocery retailers, direct-response television, print, and radio and the Internet.

“We are thrilled to find a true partner in the JH team and feel JH’s experience growing leading brands, particularly in direct response channels, will be invaluable. We believe together we can accelerate Barmensen’s growth and build sustainable leadership positions in our categories” said Frank Barone, of Barmensen.

“The opportunity to partner with an emerging market-leader in the exciting nutraceutical space, while leveraging our deep multi-channel and direct response consumer experience, is a strong fit with JH’s investment strategy. We believe, together with management, we can build Barmensen into a strong market leader in the lifestyle nutraceutical space” said Pat Collins of JH Partners.

Sanders Morris Harris acted as financial advisor to Barmensen Inc. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About JH Partners, LLC

JH Partners is a San Francisco based private equity firm focused on investments in growth-oriented middle market consumer products and services companies. The firm distinguishes itself among private equity firms in that each of its principals has senior-level operating experience building middle-market consumer related businesses. JH Partners has been instrumental in aiding the growth of powerful consumer brands, including Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Bare Escentuals, Performance Bicycle Shop, Bell Helmets, and Design Within Reach, among others.