SolarOne delivers in excess of 250 outdoor lighting fixtures to the City of Masdar. Located in Abu Dhabi, Masdar represents its country's efforts to create the first carbon-neutral zero waste city in the world. It is the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), home of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and was the 2010 host of the World Future Energy Summit. Competing amongst many of the world's leading outdoor solar lighting fixture companies, SolarOne was awarded the contract based on its superior technology and lighting fixture architecture. To view pictures of the Company's fixtures in the City of Masdar and at other locations, please click here.

TSG closes investment in clean technology company Progression, Inc. Progression markets, installs and services unique on-site real-time analytical instrumentation systems providing critical material testing for moisture and BTU content, and elemental analysis of among others Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Sulfur (S), and Hydrogen (H). Historically targeting the polymer industry, Progression now applies its technology to the coal mining and coal-fired power generation sectors, enabling its customers to yield significant plant efficiencies, material carbon emission reductions, operating cost savings, revenue generating opportunities, and regulatory compliance benefits.

Elisabeth Robert, the former CEO of The Vermont Teddy Bear Company and current owner and CEO of Terry Precision Cycling, recently joined TSG's Operations Partner group. Operating as CEO and CFO of numerous businesses in the lower middle market segment, Ms. Robert's track record of successfully building and managing high growth companies is exceptional. Ms. Robert brings to TSG and its portfolio companies extensive branding and manufacturing expertise, as well as valued business development, sales and marketing, and financial acumen.

TSG's President, Nate Shepherd, and Operations Partner, Don McCullough, were instrumental in accelerating the growth of this business, effectively managing the relationship with our banks, and successfully positioning and selling the company to a strategic buyer.

Leveraging the firm's experience in serving the small and lower middle market sector, TSG has launched its Advisory Services group. Services provided include operations guidance, business development, M&A advisory, capital raising, business due diligence, and strategic planning. Drawing on its network, TSG also provides for Board representation and interim management solutions. The Advisory Services group is a natural extension of TSG's primary private equity investing business and the firm's value added investment approach.

As an active investor and through Tom Shepherd's role on our Board of Directors, TSG provided guidance for key management decisions in a difficult market environment and facilitated our sale process with SAS.

Guy Simmons recently joined TSG as a Senior Advisor, bringing extensive corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and corporate governance experience to the group. Mr. Simmons' relationships with leading providers of equity, mezzanine, debt capital, as well as intermediaries and other professionals is extensive. Guy has provided financing for numerous successful public and private companies including General Nutrition Company, Snapple Beverage Company, and First Alert.

TSG played a lead role in the strategic direction of Vermont Teddy Bear through its representation on the Board and its role as an advisor to the company. The operational and institutional expertise of the principals was crucial to our success, particularly with our acquisition of Calyx and Corolla and the successful completion of our going private transaction.

Since 1996, TSG has been investing in privately held companies positioned in the small and lower middle market sectors. Underserved by much of the investment community, these sized companies face challenges unique to their sector - limited resources, access to capital, lean management teams, growth challenges, etc. TSG's Principals understand the hurdles management faces, and work diligently to improve a company's opportunity for success.

TSG was central to our company's Initial Public Offering process and the subsequent merger with VA Linux.