GTCR Announces Partnership With Jefferson Gregory, Former CEO Of King Pharmaceuticals®, Inc., To Form Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CHICAGO, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC (GTCR), one of the nation's leading private equity firms, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Jefferson J. Gregory to form Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Graceway).

The new company, headquartered in Bristol, Tennessee, will focus on acquiring, in-licensing and developing branded prescription pharmaceutical products. GTCR plans to invest up to $200 million of equity capital to support management's strategy to build a leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Gregory will serve as chairman and CEO of Graceway.

"We are enthusiastic about working with Jeff to identify acquisition opportunities and create value as we build Graceway together," said GTCR principal Ned Jannotta, Jr. "Our relationship with Jeff is another good example of GTCR partnering with outstanding managers to build valuable companies."

"We continue to find a number of compelling investment opportunities in the specialty pharmaceutical industry," added Dean Mihas, vice president at GTCR. "By partnering with one of the industry's most accomplished executives, we hope to build a leading company in this attractive sector."

Gregory is the former chairman and CEO of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (King), an NYSE-listed company. Gregory was an instrumental member of the management team who grew King from a small contract manufacturing operation with approximately $10 million in annual revenues and 100 employees to a Fortune 500 branded pharmaceutical company. King generated approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenues; employed approximately 3,000 people; operated seven separate manufacturing, operational and research and development sites across the U.S.; and supported its products with approximately 1,000 sales representatives. Prior to serving as CEO, Gregory served as president and COO of King since the company's inception in 1993.

"Having spent my entire career in the pharmaceutical industry, I am excited by the prospect of building a significant new player," Gregory said. "GTCR has a strong track record in the pharmaceutical sector, making them an ideal partner with whom to form Graceway."

The relationship with Gregory highlights GTCR's broader strategy of identifying and partnering with exceptional executives to build new companies in growing industries, a strategy that it pioneered and has implemented successfully for over 25 years.

About Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Based in Bristol, Tennessee, Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company primarily focused on acquiring, in-licensing and developing prescription pharmaceutical products.

About GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC

Founded in 1980, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC is a leading private equity investment firm and long-term strategic partner for outstanding management teams. The Chicago-based firm pioneered the investment strategy of identifying and partnering with exceptional executives to acquire and build companies through a combination of acquisitions and strong internal growth. GTCR currently manages more than $6 billion of equity capital invested in a wide range of companies and industries. More information about GTCR can be found at http://www.gtcr.com .

GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC

CONTACT: Edgar D. Jannotta, Jr., +1-312-382-2228, or Constantine S. Mihas,+1-312-382-2204, both of GTCR Golder Rauner; Gregory C. Jones of GracewayPharmaceuticals, +1-423-968-4500; or Jim Holland of Weber Shandwick,+1-312-988-2037

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