CHICAGO, ILLINOIS----Billow Butler & Company, L.L.C. ("BBC") recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as a Chicago based, boutique investment banking firm specializing in middle-market mergers and acquisitions. The firm has closed more than 20 transactions totaling nearly $500 million of consideration.

Founded in January 1997 by principals Robert Billow and Darrell Butler, BBC is a financial advisor and investment banker to business owners wishing to sell or recapitalize their companies. In 2001, BBC was listed in Crain's Chicago Business List of Illinois Companies' Investment Bankers.

Mr. Billow, a former partner with Chicago-based law firm Winston & Strawn, and Mr. Butler, a former Manager in the Chicago office of Arthur Andersen, together have more than forty years of deal making experience on transactions ranging from $5 million to $1 billion.

"Thanks to the support of our friends in the legal, banking and accounting professions, BBC has had the opportunity to represent some very fine client companies," says Mr. Billow. "The hard work of our outstanding professionals and staff, combined with our commitment to quality, has resulted in a high degree of success."

Despite the challenging business environment and the slower mergers & acquisitions market, BBC expects to close several deals and add to its professional deal staff in 2002.

BBC initiates, processes and closes business sale transactions ranging in value from $5 million to $100 million. The firm is dedicated to providing its clients-family-owned businesses, owner-entrepreneurs, and professional corporate owners-with highly personalized, strategic intermediary and M&A services.