WASHINGTON--Nov. 20, 2006 -- Allied Capital Corporation announced today that it has committed $210.5 million to support the management-led buyout of EarthColor, Inc., a leading one-stop commercial printer serving blue-chip customers in the pharmaceutical, telecommunications and financial services industry. Based in New York City, EarthColor is the largest promotional printer in the New York metropolitan market, while also serving customers nationwide with facilities in New Jersey, Florida, Texas and Arizona. Allied Capital's investment took the form of a senior revolving credit facility, senior subordinated debt and non-voting common equity. At closing, Allied Capital funded $197.5 million of its commitment. The senior management of EarthColor also made a significant equity investment in the company, acquiring a majority of the voting common stock. Founded in 1982, EarthColor has developed organically and through acquisitions into a diversified, full-service provider of commercial printing solutions. The company serves a highly diversified customer base of blue-chip companies, focusing primarily on short-run, high-end promotional products such as direct mail pieces, brochures, product information and free standing inserts. The company's integrated solutions are custom-designed for each customer and include every step of the workflow process including digital prepress services, printing, finishing, digital archiving, print-on-demand and fulfillment services. "Allied Capital's decision to invest in EarthColor reflects our high degree of confidence in the company's skilled and experienced management team, led by founder and CEO Robert Kashan," said John Fruehwirth, Managing Director of Allied Capital. "Robert and his team have created a market-leading business, positioning EarthColor as a mid-size printer with a low-cost operating platform, but with the capacity and flexibility to handle large print jobs with short lead times for their customers. This unique combination will allow the company to continue building on its success as it pursues growth opportunities in its markets." "We have known the Allied Capital team for some time now and are pleased to have them as our new financial partner as we position our company for the next phase of growth by building out our national platform to enhance our service offerings to our customers," said Robert Kashan, CEO of EarthColor. "Allied Capital's financial strength and understanding of our business will make them a value-added partner for us going forward."