2009-01-09 23:04:04 -

NuCO₂, the largest supplier in the U.S. of bulk CO₂ systems and services for carbonating fountain beverages, today announced that it has acquired the bulk CO₂ beverage carbonation business, including nearly 10,000 bulk CO₂ customer accounts and related assets, from nexAir. Upon completion, NuCO₂ will have a total of approximately 128,000 accounts. NuCO₂ expects the acquisition to add revenues of

approximately $13 million annually.


Based in Memphis, TN, nexAir's bulk CO₂ beverage carbonation business primarily spans 15 mid-south states and is complementary to NuCO₂'s existing markets. NuCO₂ currently has facilities operating in all of nexAir's service areas. The majority of nexAir's employees engaged in its beverage carbonation business are expected to join NuCO₂.


"The acquisition of nexAir's bulk CO₂ beverage carbonation business provides NuCO₂ with a sizable addition to our existing bulk CO₂ business and is an excellent fit with our market position and service capabilities in these geographies," said Michael E. DeDomenico, NuCO₂'s Chairman and CEO. "This business operates with high quality and service standards that are similar to those of NuCO₂. We expect a smooth and seamless integration of the business into NuCO₂'s existing service platform, as well as for all our customers."


Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. NuCO₂ said the acquisition would be financed primarily with additional investment provided by Aurora Capital Group and its affiliates.


About NuCO₂


NuCO₂ is the leading and only national provider of bulk CO₂ products and services to the U.S. fountain beverage industry. With service locations within reach of virtually all of the fountain beverage users in the Continental U.S., NuCO₂'s experienced professionals comprise the largest network of sales and support specialists in the industry serving national restaurant chains, convenience stores, theme parks and sports and entertainment complexes, among others. NuCO₂'s revenues are largely derived from the installation, maintenance and rental of bulk CO₂ systems and delivery of beverage grade CO₂, which are increasingly replacing high pressure CO₂, until now the traditional method for carbonating fountain beverages. The technology offers consistent quality, greater ease of operation, and heightened efficiency and safety utilizing permanently installed on-site cryogenic storage tanks. NuCO₂ provides systems and services that allow its customers to spend more time serving their customers. Visit NuCO₂'s website at www.nuco2.com.


About Aurora Capital Group


On May 28, 2008, affiliates of Aurora Capital Group ("Aurora") completed the acquisition of NuCO₂. Aurora is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm managing over $2.0 billion that utilizes two distinct investment strategies. Aurora Equity focuses principally on control-investments in middle-market industrial, manufacturing and selected service oriented businesses, each with a leading position in sustainable niches, a strong cash flow profile, and actionable opportunities for both operational and strategic enhancement. Aurora Resurgence invests in debt and equity securities of middle-market companies and targets complex situations that are created by operational or financial challenges either within a company or a broader industry. For more information about Aurora Capital Group, visit www.auroracap.com or www.aurorares.com.





NuCO₂

Michael E. DeDomenico, 772-221-1754

Chairman and CEO

www.nuco2.com

investor_relations@nuco2.com

or

For Aurora Capital Group:

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Matthew Sherman, 212-355-4449