Both LockeBridge, LLC and Scott Waxler, Managing Partner of LockeBridge, were nominated as finalists by a prestigious panel of judges. LockeBridge was nominated for executing the Deal of the Year in the health care sector and Mr. Waxler was nominated for Professional of the Year in the M&A Industry.

May 10, 2006— The M&A Advisor, one of the Merger & Acquisition (M&A) industry’s leading publications has named the finalists, representing the industry’s top advisors and transactions, in preparation for its tribute to the outstanding achievements in the middle market M&A industry. The winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner at the close of The M&A Advisor’s Conference on Tuesday, June 20 2006 at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.

“We have been truly amazed at the volume of nominations for these awards and the obvious enthusiasm behind them. The response demonstrates the importance of the middle market industry to the overall health of the economy,” says Roger Aguinaldo, Publisher and CEO of The M&A Advisor.” The event is recognized as the Academy Awards of the M&A industry attracting the industry’s most prestigious advisors. A panel of acclaimed judges will review the entries and select the winners. As with the Academy Awards, the winners will be revealed only that evening.

The M&A Advisor is a newsletter, website, and conference publisher delivering services that provide executives, M&A professionals, and others about the intricate world of buying and selling middle market companies. For more information on the M&A Advisor go to: www.maadvisor.com.