Mineral Fusion Cosmetics and Depth Bath & Body Join Forces

North Castle Partners unites with Natural Products Veterans

Mineral Fusion Natural Brands, Greenwich, CT - February 26, 2009

North Castle Partners, a private equity firm deeply rooted in the natural products industry, in partnership with gloProfessional, a North Castle portfolio company, and key former members of management from Avalon Organics, a prior North Castle portfolio company, have formed a new company representing a union between Depth Bath & Body Care and Mineral Fusion. The new entity will be called Mineral Fusion Natural Brands LLC.

Mineral Fusion, the leading all-natural mineral-based cosmetics line, features elements from the earth that create a colorful palette enhancing one's own natural beauty. The brand features ingredients that are pharmaceutical-grade, free of parabens, chemical dyes and perfumes, making them healthy and effective for all skin types.

Depth, founded by husband and wife marine biologists, offers a range of natural hair and body care products that feature the exceptional skin hydrating benefits of marine botanicals. In keeping with the founders' commitment to protecting sea life, Depth enjoys a close relationship with Camp SEA Lab, a not-for-profit camp that provides underserved children with authentic marine experiences.

The newly formed company, Mineral Fusion Natural Brands, is managed by veterans of the natural body care and cosmetics industry, including Thomas Brown as President, Tim Schaeffer as Senior VP of Marketing, Justin Miloro as National Director of Sales, Robin McGee as VP of Marketing - Mineral Fusion, Morris Shriftman as Senior Director of Vision, and Gil Pritchard as Chairman of the Board.

"The goal of Mineral Fusion Natural Brands is to provide superior natural personal care products by being an industry leader in sales, innovation, quality, and value while carrying out the principles of sustainability. We intend to amplify the great work that has been done with Mineral Fusion and Depth, and delight a growing number of our consumers by accentuating the healthful benefits of both brands." said Thomas Brown.

"North Castle is excited to once again partner with many former members of the Avalon Organics team, in conjunction with glo management, to grow a truly innovative, high quality, and ethics-driven natural products company," said Lou Marinaccio, a North Castle Managing Director.

Mineral Fusion and Depth brands are sold at Whole Foods Markets and select retailers of quality natural personal care products.

About North Castle Partners
North Castle Partners is the leading private equity firm investing in consumer-driven product and service businesses that benefit from "Healthy Living and Aging" trends. North Castle is a hands-on, value-added investor in (i) aesthetics and personal care, (ii) consumer health, (iii) fitness and recreation, (iv) home and leisure and (v) nutrition industries. North Castle’s current portfolio includes such well-known brands as Mineral Fusion, gloProfessional, Red Door Spas, Atkins Nutritionals, Performance Bicycle, Cascade Helmets, World Health Clubs and Octane Fitness. Prior portfolio companies included Equinox Fitness, EAS, CRC Health Group, Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula, Naked Juice Company and Avalon. North Castle and its operating advisors partner with management to bring a wide range of operational and investment capabilities, as well as an extensive knowledge base and network to build world-class companies. North Castle is headquartered in Greenwich, CT. For more information, visit www.northcastlepartners.com.

Contact:
Tim Schaeffer
Mineral Fusion Natural Brands
tim@depthbody.com
707-765-3364

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