Bacchus Capital Management Appoints Mike Jaeger COO and President

NEW YORK, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Bacchus Capital Management, LLC, a San Francisco-based investment firm specializing in mezzanine and private equity wine industry investments, announced today the appointment of Mike Jaeger as President and Chief Operating Officer.

Jaeger will be responsible for sourcing and evaluating potential transactions, overseeing the performance of Bacchus portfolio wineries and managing the research, investment and marketing teams. Jaeger brings 25 years of experience in leadership positions within the wine and spirits industry. Most recently, he was the President and COO of Partida Tequila. Previously, he was President of the U.S. wine business of Vincor International and Group President of Constellation Brands, a $5 billion international beverage alcohol producer and the world's leading wine company.

At Constellation, Jaeger was responsible for its largest wine division, representing over $500 million in sales. Jaeger began his wine industry career at Joseph E. Seagram, where he first worked with Sam Bronfman, then President of Seagram Chateau and Estate Wines. Bacchus reunites the two industry leaders.

"Mike adds a tremendous breadth of talent and industry expertise. We are excited to have him join the Bacchus team," commented Sam Bronfman, CEO and founder.

Bacchus Capital Management is an investment firm established in 2007 by Sam Bronfman, as well as Peter Kaufman and Henry Owsley, the two founding partners of Gordian Group, LLC, a New York City-based investment bank specializing in the financial restructuring sector, of which they continue to be President and CEO, respectively.

"Bacchus Capital Management will play an important role in serving the capital needs of wineries today," continued Bronfman. "The support we have received from secured lenders as well as wineries is very encouraging. We all look forward to an exciting future."

Press information: Hilary Peck hps@gordiangroup.com or (212) 486-3600 x125