FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carousel Capital Acquires Sona International Corporation

May 25, 2004 – Charlotte, North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee -- Carousel Capital and franchising executive Jim Amos jointly announced today their acquisition of Sona International Corporation. Sona is the nation’s leading franchisor of laser medical spa services, with 21 locations across the United States. Sona’s centers provide a wide range of medical spa services, including laser hair removal and laser skin treatments for anti-aging, acne and cellulite. Sona has signed franchise contracts representing 145 locations, and expects to have 50 franchised MedSpas by year-end 2004.

Sona’s new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Amos, is one of the best-known and most experienced executives in the franchising industry. His outstanding track record includes serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mail Boxes Etc., presiding over its growth to nearly 4,500 locations and its subsequent sale to UPS. Mr. Amos is a past Chairman of the International Franchise Association, the leading trade organization within the franchising community. Mr. Amos also serves on the Board of Directors of Meineke Car Care Centers, another Carousel Capital portfolio company.

“Sona is the most exciting franchising opportunity I have seen in the past several years,” said Jim Amos, the new Chairman and CEO of Sona. “I have enjoyed working with Carousel in the past, and am confident that Carousel’s franchising experience will make it the ideal financial sponsor for this investment.”

“Jim Amos has an outstanding track record in the franchising sector and we are truly privileged to partner with him on this opportunity,” said Joe Pitt, Partner of Carousel Capital. “We look forward to working with Jim and his management team to develop Sona into the dominant, national brand in this exciting consumer segment.”

Sona’s management team will include current founders Dennis and Patricia Jones along with Sona’s new Chief Operating Officer Heather Rose, another experienced executive formerly with Mail Boxes Etc. “We believe that the laser MedSpa industry represents one of the most dynamic opportunities in franchising today,” said Ms. Rose. “The rapid growth in popularity of laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation over the last few years, combined with Sona’s unique unit economics, will provide significant growth opportunities for Sona and its franchisees.”

About Carousel Capital

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm that invests in Southeastern-based companies.
With more than $300 million of capital under management, Carousel is one of the largest private equity firms in the Southeastern U.S. Carousel’s investors include an elite group of more than 65 current and former CEOs with expertise in a diverse group of industries. Carousel’s investor base also includes institutional investors such as financial institutions, insurance companies, and pension funds. Since its inception, Carousel has invested in 18 companies across a wide range of industries.

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