Dallas, TX January 30, 2007 -- First Kernel (www.firstkernel.com), the leader in mid-market business transformation and transaction advisory, has signaled a new level of commitment to its growth by expanding its senior leadership team with the promotion of Rashmi Malhotra, Principal, to a Managing Principal.

In her new role, Rashmi will lead First Kernel's Business Development while also supporting the firm's growing Capital Connections activities involving Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Venture Capital entities and other Capital providers associated with the transformation and transaction activities of First Kernel, whose advisors have completed over 30 engagements impacting several billion dollars, in many industries.

"Rashmi is a seasoned professional with an impressive track record of achievements as a corporate growth executive and as a transformation advisor to leaders in mid- market businesses. She has led acquisition integration efforts and business expansion at industry leading firms. Her leadership role in business development furthers our ability to scale our business," said Andy Pulianda, First Kernel's founding Managing Principal.

As a Principal at First Kernel, Rashmi has already driven several client transformation initiatives, including transformation strategy development, business re-branding, repositioning a client company in its business ecosystem, formation of strategic partnerships and development of new lines of revenue. Prior to First Kernel, Rashmi headed global marketing and was part of the global business leadership team for a NASDAQ company. Earlier, she spent 15 years at Nortel, assuming increasing responsibilities, including pre-acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition integration of Nortel corporate acquisitions.

About First Kernel:

First Kernel (www.firstkernel.com) is a mid-market Business Transformation and Transaction specialist firm, bringing together Capital Access, Strategy Formulation and Hands-on Execution to businesses experiencing an 'inflection point' in their journey to success. First Kernel's involvement increases speed, quality, and returns while minimizing uncertainties and risk.

First Kernel clients are (a) enterprises seeking to regain business growth, profitability and momentum, and (b) Investor firms seeking pre-investment assessment, transaction due diligence and post-investment transformation guidance to portfolio companies, leading to successful exit. First Kernel focuses on several verticals, including Technology, Software and Technology enabled Services. It performs work world-wide, including in China and India.

First Kernel advisors are former entrepreneurs, C-level, M&A, Venture and Operations executives with 20 years of experience on average. In aggregate, the Company's advisors have led well over 30 transformation and transaction engagements impacting several billion dollars, in many industries.

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Millennium Center
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Phone: 214-452-1788
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