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Press Release
Nutrition

North Castle Partners Completes Sale of Naked Juice Company

North Castle Partners, Greenwich, CT - January 5, 2007

North Castle Partners, L.L.C., a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on consumer businesses that benefit from "Healthy Living and Aging" trends, today said that it has closed its previously announced sale of portfolio company Naked Juice Company, a leader in the fast growing super premium juice category, to PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP).

The Naked Juice transaction was one of four announced investment exits for North Castle Partners in 2006. During the year, North Castle also completed the sale of CRC Health Group, the nation's largest provider of drug and alcohol treatment services, to Bain Capital in a transaction valued at $720 million. In addition, North Castle closed on the sale of Equinox Fitness, a leading operator of upscale fitness clubs, to The Related Companies for $505 million. On December 18, 2006, North Castle announced a definitive agreement to sell Avalon Natural Products, Inc., a leader in the natural products category in the areas of skin care, hair care, bath and body and sun care, to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAIN) for $120 million.

Charles F. Baird Jr., Managing Director of North Castle Partners, said, "As we commence a new year, we are pleased to achieve a series of important milestones, including the completion of the sale of Naked Juice to PepsiCo and the agreement to sell Avalon Natural Products to Hain Celestial, culminating successful partnerships with the management teams to build both companies and position them for the next phase of their growth."

About North Castle Partners
North Castle Partners is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on investments 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 high-growth, middle market companies in the (i) aesthetics & personal care, (ii) consumer health, (iii) fitness & recreation, (iv) home & leisure and (v) nutrition industries.

North Castle has built several world-class companies. The firm's current portfolio includes such well-known brands as Avalon Organics, GloMinerals, Red Door Spas, Doctor's Dermatologic Formula, Enzymatic Therapy and Leiner Health Products. Prior portfolio company holdings include Equinox Fitness, EAS, CRC Health Group, Grand Expeditions and Naked Juice Company.

North Castle is led by a seasoned group of five partners and supported by eight additional private equity professionals. The North Castle team is further enhanced by eleven proactive operating advisors who bring a wide range of operational and investment capabilities as well as an extensive knowledge base and network. The strength of the North Castle team, combined with our focus and network, is creating significant competitive advantages in building world-class companies. North Castle is headquartered in Greenwich, CT. For more information, visit www.northcastlepartners.com.

Contact:
Todd Fogarty
Kekst and Company, on behalf of Naked Juice Company and North Castle Partners
todd-fogarty@kekst.com
212-521-4854


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The information on these pages is intended solely for the benefit of persons who might be aware of investment opportunities that would interest North Castle Partners. North Castle's services are provided only to a limited number of private investment funds; North Castle does not make its services available to the public.