Washington, DC and Tampa, FL - November 5, 2007. The Ashcroft Group (TAG), led by former Attorney General John Ashcroft, and Communications Equity Associates (CEA), led by J. Patrick (Rick) Michaels, Jr., announced today that they have formed a strategic alliance (AshcroftCEA) to provide strategic consulting and investment and merchant banking services to middle market and growth companies in the global security arena, including port security, surveillance, communications, risk management, data and intellectual property, biometrics, logistics, software and information technology.

With this alliance, TAG and CEA will collaborate on investment opportunities and business development. This collaboration will bring together seasoned investment banking professionals and knowledge of the global security marketplace.

"Our government's primary responsibility is to secure life and liberty," said former AG John Ashcroft. "This would be impossible without the innovation and assistance of companies dedicated to developing and providing the latest cutting-edge technology and services in the global security space. This unique alliance will provide an opportunity to identify, encourage, promote, advise and provide growth capital to companies dedicated to global security - endeavors that will further enhance the liberty and security we all enjoy."

In the past two years, TAG played a critical role in over $43 billion in transaction value related to acquisitions, strategic investments, and anti-trust issues. CEA has completed over 900 transactions in 60 countries, totaling over $40 billion in transaction value.

"Along with former Attorney General Ashcroft, CEA recognizes the importance and priority of our global security efforts and the value that the private sector can bring to bear," said Rick Michaels, CEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "This alliance will not only focus on an industry that shows incredible growth, but it will also have the opportunity to advance technology and services that we need for our safety and protection."

The Ashcroft Group is a Washington, DC based firm led by former Attorney General John Ashcroft, specializing in strategic consulting for corporations worldwide in homeland security, corporate governance, litigation strategy, and data security. For more information about The Ashcroft Group, visit www.ashcroftgroupllc.com.

Communications Equity Associates is a leading provider of investment banking services and private equity for the global media and entertainment, communications and information technology industries. CEA and its affiliates also manage, co-manage or participate in a worldwide family of private equity funds with committed capital of approximately $1.15 billion for private equity investments in the industries CEA serves. CEA Media Group, LLC is a member of the NASD and SIPC. For more information about Communications Equity Associates and its services, visit www.ceaworldwide.com.