Raymond James Financial Services Investment Banking Group Advises Academic Financial Solutions in its Acquisition by Frontenac Company.

The Raymond James Financial Services Investment Banking Group served as exclusive financial advisor to Academic Financial Solutions in connection with the acquisition of the Company by Frontenac Company, a transaction that closed in March, 2007.

AFS employs proprietary direct-to-consumer marketing methods to originate student loans. The Company specializes in consolidation loans that enable its borrowers to lower their monthly costs on student loans.

Frontenac Company is a private equity firm specializing in investments in the lower middle market and owner-operated businesses. The firm typically invests in financial services, healthcare services, human resource services, education, manufacturing, marketing services, publishing and media, and technology services. The firm works with proven executives to acquire and grow successful mid-sized companies, primarily in the service businesses. The firm invests in a series of acquisitions, a single acquisition that grows organically, or a substantial minority investment. Frontenac Company was founded in 1971 by Mr. Martin J. Koldyke and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

As sell-side financial advisor, Raymond James provided comprehensive advisory services to Academic Financial Solutions and helped it achieve a successful transaction.