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Bear Stearns Introduces Best Markets™, a New Platform for U.S. Private Placements

J.G. Wentworth Is First to Offer Securities Using Best Markets

New York, New York — August 14, 2007 — Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. today announced that it has launched Best Markets™ in the United States — a new private placement platform for common equity offerings by private companies under Rule 144A of the US Securities Act. Offerings under Rule 144A provide private companies seeking to raise capital with an alternative to a public listing. These offerings can often be accomplished more quickly than a registered public offering in the United States. Bear Stearns debuted the platform in connection with its role as initial purchaser in a $140 million private placement under Rule 144A by J.G. Wentworth, the leading direct-to-consumer purchaser of illiquid insurance products issued by highly rated financial institutions in the United States. J.G. Wentworth is a portfolio company of JLL Partners, Inc.

"Best Markets is designed to be accommodative to issuers and market friendly to potential qualified investors," said James Kern, who is Head of FIG Strategic Finance. "Best Markets provides investors with easy access to information and deal documentation regarding Rule 144A equity offerings in which Bear Stearns is involved." Additional features are expected to include historical secondary market trading data and indicative bid/ask pricing information from Bear Stearns and other broker-dealers designated by the issuer of the securities, which may provide investors with greater transparency than traditional 144A equity offerings.

Best Markets is accessible only to "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the US Securities Act of 1933) on a password protected website, and the securities included in Best Markets under the heading 144A Private Equity Offerings can only be offered and sold to such investors. Best Markets was launched earlier this year in connection with the firm's certificates platform in Europe and Asia.

Bear Stearns
Founded in 1923, The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC) is a leading financial services firm serving governments, corporations, institutions and individuals worldwide. The Company's core business lines include institutional equities, fixed income, investment banking, global clearing services, asset management, and private client services. Headquartered in New York City, the company has approximately 15,000 employees worldwide.

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