Thomas W. Ehardt Appointed CEO of Advogent Group

PISCATAWAY, NJ (January 30, 2008) – Thomas W. Ehardt, a senior executive with more than 25 years experience leading healthcare marketing and education businesses, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Advogent Group.

Advogent, a Platinum Equity company, provides communications and educational solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, including publication planning, healthcare communications, event management logistics, compliant data systems and strategic outsource solutions.

“Tom is an experienced professional with a strong track record for acquiring, integrating and operating medical information and publishing companies,” said Rob Archambault, the partner at Platinum Equity who oversees the Advogent investment. “His leadership will help Advogent expand its capabilities and service performance in the market.”

Mr. Ehardt said he is committed to building Advogent into the leading communications solutions provider to the healthcare industry.

“Under Platinum Equity, Advogent has developed a strong suite of communications products and services for the healthcare industry, including publication planning, strategic content development, innovative message delivery solutions and compliant promotional program management,” Mr. Ehardt said.

“The company will continue to invest in its event planning technology and innovative message delivery solutions to provide compliant and cost-effective communications alternatives for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry,” he said. “I’m very excited to lead the company in its next stage of growth and development.”

Since 2005, Mr. Ehardt has been chief executive officer of The Jobson Publishing Group, which produces information products, publications and educational programs for communicating the latest clinical findings and clinical technology developments to healthcare professionals. Between 2001 and 2005, he was senior vice president and chief operating officer of Jobson Publishing LLC.

Previously, he served in a variety of leadership roles for The Thomson Corporation, including vice president of finance for Thomson’s Scientific, Reference and Healthcare Group; and vice president and chief financial officer for Thomson’s Medical Economic Company.

Prior to that, he held executive leadership positions with Hercules Corporation, Transway Corporation and Penn Central Corporation. Mr. Ehardt has a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pace University in Pleasantville, NY, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Long Island University.

About Platinum Equity
Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has acquired more than 75 businesses with more than $23 billion in aggregate annual revenue at the time of acquisition.