NEWS Newstar Financial, Inc. (MM)

NewStar Business Credit, a division of NewStar Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq:NEWS), announced today that it has hired Mike Williams as a Senior Vice President in its Chicago office. Mr. Williams will lead the division's regional marketing and origination efforts with responsibility for generating new asset-based financing opportunities with middle market companies in the Midwest.

Mr. Williams has more than 15 years of experience in structuring, originating and managing debt financings for middle market firms. Prior to joining NewStar, he was a Director with Gordon Brothers Group in Chicago. Previously, he worked for UPS Capital and PNC Business Credit. 

"I am excited to join NewStar Business Credit's team of experienced commercial finance professionals and to lead its regional marketing efforts from the Chicago office," commented Mr. Williams. "I also look forward to working with the NewStar team to originate and structure creative and flexible financing solutions for my clients in the middle market," he added.

"Mike is well known throughout the marketplace and will be a great addition to our origination efforts in the Midwest region," said Milton Iskra, EVP and National Marketing Manager for NewStar. "He adds strong marketing and credit skills as well as valuable execution experience to the NewStar team."

NewStar Business Credit provides asset-based loans to mid-sized companies operating across a variety of industries nationwide. Deals typically range in size from $5 million to $25 million and are structured to meet the unique needs of each client through a combination of revolving lines of credit and term loans.

About NewStar Financial, Inc.:

NewStar Financial (Nasdaq:NEWS) is a specialized commercial finance company focused on meeting the complex financing needs of companies and private investors in the middle markets. The Company specializes in providing a range of senior secured debt financing options to mid-sized companies to fund working capital, growth strategies, acquisitions and recapitalizations, as well as, equipment purchases. NewStar originates loans and leases directly through teams of experienced, senior bankers and marketing officers organized around key industry and market segments. The Company targets hold positions of up to $30 million and will selectively underwrite or arrange larger transactions for syndication to other lenders. NewStar is headquartered in Boston MA and has regional offices in Darien CT, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, Los Angeles CA and Philadelphia PA. For more detailed information about our product capabilities, as well as, recent transaction and contact information, please visit our website at www.newstarfin.com.

The NewStar Financial, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4044

CONTACT: Mike Williams
         Senior Vice President
         NewStar Business Credit
         101 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 607
         Chicago, IL 60606
         P 312.780.7397
         C 312.953.1459
         mwilliams@newstarfin.com
         
         For Media Inquiries:
         NewStar Financial, Inc.
         Robert K. Brown
         617.848.2558
         rbrown@newstarfin.com