New Venture to provide Energy and Telecommunications Industry Information

Metzler & Associates, a subsidiary of The Metzler Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: METZ) and a leading provider of management consulting services to die energy industry, has formed Metzler Services by acquiring American Corporate Resources, a premier provider of' energy industry financial and operating information. Metzler Services will be dedicated to giving its clients the highest quality information about the dynamic energy industry, enhancing strategic analysis and competitive intelligence activities.

"We're very excited about this expansion of Metzler & Associates' service offerings," said James T. Ruprecht, president of Metzler & Associates. "We've grown rapidly by providing high-value business solutions to the energy services Industry. American Corporate Resources' powerful information capabilities will seamlessly extend our ability to provide the most comprehensive source of financial and operating knowledge available in the industry today."

As competition intensifies under deregulation, Metzler & Associates and Metzler Services will together provide competitive information on energy utilities and counsel their clients about us it most effectively. With a unique combination of consulting services, state-of-the-art technology, information management expertise and in-depth knowledge of the industry, these organizations will deliver quality data, as well as proven and measurable business solutions tailored to clients' specific market opportunities and challenges.

Metzler Services' initial offering is the Energy Knowledge SystemTM. Formerly known as the Quarterly Utility Information System (QUIS), Energy Knowledge System sets the standard by providing the fastest and most reliable source of information. The product is currently used by the largest diversified financial institution-utilities and consulting firms around the globe.

Metzler Services will operate as a division of Metzler & Associates. Mr. Samuel L. Xanders, president of American Corporate Resources, will serve as president of Metzler Services. "Between our state-of-the-art software and information products, and Metzler & Associates' dominant position in the consulting market we will be able to substantially increase the products and services we offer clients," said Xanders.

The acquisition is finding favor among Metzler Services' clients. "The management consulting talent of Metzler & Associates, combined with the strategic data and competitive intelligence services of American Corporate Resources, will result in a full-service firm well positioned to serve the needs of the energy industry," said John C. Bukovski, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Unicom Corp.

Building on experience gained over the past 15 years, Metzler & Associates helps its energy clients succeed in a business environment of changing regulation, increasing competition and evolving technology. Metzler & Associates offers a wide range of consulting services related to business strategy development, market and product management, service delivery optimization and enabling technology implementation. Its parent company, The Metzler Group, Inc., is a leading nationwide provider of consulting services to electric and gas utilities and other energy-related businesses. Founded in 1992, American Corporate Resources is a leading provider of energy industry data. In 1995, ACR released the QUIS software that included utility operating data and SEC-based financial data. ACR has consistently proven to be the fastest source of data available, providing clients with complete information months in advance of other sources.

For more information about Metzler Services, please contact Samuel Xanders at (800) 236-1819.