COSTA MESA, Calif. - November 4, 2002 - RSM EquiCo, a leading global investment banking firm for the private middle market, is continuing to expand its overseas presence with the addition of Paul Teuten as Managing Director, International.

Teuten, 41, brings to RSM EquiCo more than 15 years of experience in international business and finance. Most recently, he was a lead partner for Ernst & Young in London, where he headed M&A activities covering the major European markets and the Far East. His prior experience also includes senior-level M&A and corporate finance positions at two European investment banks, Credit Commercial de France in Paris and Charterhouse Bank Ltd. in London.

With a focus on Europe, Teuten will be responsible for identifying strategic and financial buyers for RSM EquiCo's North American client companies, as well as expanding the firm's relationships with European companies and investor groups planning to make acquisitions in the U.S., and helping RSM EquiCo expand internationally.

"Based on our experience, the U.S. middle market remains a particularly fertile source for strategic acquisitions by foreign companies," said Sheila Prell Sonenshine, RSM EquiCo's Executive Managing Director. "Consequently, we are moving aggressively to expand our reach overseas and are pleased to have someone of Paul Teuten's caliber to join these efforts."

"I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join RSM EquiCo at such a pivotal time in the company's development," said Teuten. "No other investment banking firm can match the size and diversity of RSM EquiCo's exclusive inventory of U.S.-based middle-market sellers. It is clearly the best resource for any cross-border acquirer wanting to access the vast North American middle market."

Teuten has advised on hundreds of international transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. He possesses significant cross-border experience involving global public companies in a wide range of industries, as well as venture capital-backed private firms.

Teuten graduated with honors from Exeter University and is a qualified accountant. He speaks fluent French and German. He will be based in the firm's London office.

About RSM EquiCo, Inc.

RSM EquiCo, Inc. is a leading global investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and corporate finance for private middle-market businesses. RSM EquiCo has approximately 270 professionals and support personnel in the United States, with additional staff and resources in London. Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., RSM EquiCo is a wholly owned subsidiary of H&R Block Inc.