NewStar Leads Financing for the Acquisition of Naylor Supports Buyout by RLJ Equity Partners

BOSTON January 9, 2014 -- NewStar Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: NEWS), a specialized commercial finance company, announced today that it has served as Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent for Senior Credit Facilities totaling $38,000,000 to support RLJ Equity Partners' ("RLJ") acquisition of Naylor, LLC ("Naylor"). Founded in 1969, Naylor provides customized communications and business services that include a full suite of print and digital media, event management, exchange event and related marketing and business services for over 450 associations in the United States and Canada.
RLJ Equity Partners is a middle-market private equity firm focused on generating long-term capital appreciation by investing in profitable and growing businesses led by strong management teams. Founded in 2006 by Robert L. Johnson and The Carlyle Group, RLJ invests in traditional buy-outs, recapitalizations, and growth capital infusions. Jerry Johnson, Managing Director of RLJ Equity Partners, said, "This is the first transaction we closed with NewStar Financial, and the team did a fantastic job. We really appreciate their ability to dedicate the resources to move quickly and close this transaction in a timely, hassle-free manner."
"We are excited to support RLJ's acquisition of Naylor and to have another opportunity to work with Naylor's great management team," said Eric Barton, Director at NewStar. The deal team for the transaction included Eric Barton, Robert Milordi, Scott
Trefry and Martin Loew.

About NewStar Financial, Inc.:

NewStar Financial (NASDAQ:NEWS) is a specialized commercial finance company focused on meeting the complex financing needs of companies and private investors in the middle market. The Company specializes in providing senior secured debt financing options to mid-sized companies to fund working capital, growth strategies, acquisition and recapitalization, as well as, equipment purchases. NewStar originates loans and leases directly through a team of experienced, senior bankers and marketing officers organized around key industry and market segments. The Company targets 'hold' positions of up to $35 million and selectively underwrites or arranges larger transactions for syndication to other lenders.
NewStar is headquartered in Boston MA and has regional offices in Atlanta GA, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, Darien CT, Los Angeles CA, Philadelphia PA, San Francisco CA, and Portland OR. For more detailed information, please visit our website at www.newstarfin.com.

Corporate Inquiries: NewStar Financial Robert K. brown

617.848.2558 rbrown@newstarfin.com

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