2007-05-15 23:09:34 -

CHICAGO and HAINES CITY, Fla., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Houlihan Smith & Company Inc. (Houlihan) acted as the exclusive financial advisor in arranging a credit facility for Florida Trim, Inc., it was announced today by Charles Botchway, Vice Chairman of Houlihan.

The financing was provided by Puritan Finance Corporation., Puritan Finance Corporation has a rich history as a non-bank affiliated commercial finance company. Founded in 1958, Puritan is one of the few remaining independent asset-based lenders in the nation. As such, they serve a unique role in the marketplace. Their

lending philosophy can be summed up as follows: They go beyond conventional lending to make properly structured loans to good companies with good management, that either may have suffered from a temporary setback or may need assistance getting to the next level. "In the face of a tough housing market, Florida Trim's fundamentals are still strong enough to give Puritan Finance the degree of comfort needed to make this work," Jay Rodgers the Houlihan Managing Director who headed the transaction team was quoted as saying.

Florida Trim Inc. ("Florida Trim") is a materials and installation services company that provides turn-key products and services primarily to residential homebuilders throughout the Central Florida region. The Company offers distinct advantages to homebuilders as a single point of contact. Florida Trim's excellent reputation -- with national and regional builders alike -- has been the foundation of the Company's growth. Today, Florida Trim is the largest turn-key trim provider in the Central Florida region.

Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. ("Houlihan") is a specialized investment banking firm that provides advisory, financing and valuation services to public and private businesses. Houlihan is a registered broker-dealer and NASD/SIPC Member. Houlihan is affiliated and works closely with Houlihan Valuation Advisors, a leading valuation firm with offices throughout the United States, providing Houlihan with a team of industry experts to efficiently handle complex client engagements.

Houlihan understands the time sensitivity of corporate finance and is able to respond quickly and tenaciously to opportunities. The Houlihan approach creates corporate finance transactions where both business owners and investors mutually benefit. We have the knowledge, experience and relationships to match buyers and sellers, as well as to match the appropriate financing and capitalization structure to each unique client situation. The Houlihan name is synonymous with professional financial expertise and we provide cost-effective fairness and solvency opinions, as well as valuations for tax and financial reporting to some of the largest NYSE/NASDAQ companies, as well as small, privately-held businesses.

Contact: Rebecca Carriere Houlihan Smith Advisors Direct 312.499.5903 Fax 312.499.5901

Source: Houlihan Smith & Company Inc.