Allen Systems Group Receives New Investment from GSO, KKR and Franklin Square

    NAPLES, FL, November 09, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Allen Systems Group, Inc. ("ASG"), a recognized innovator in enterprise IT software solutions, today announced that a consortium of leading global investment firms led by Blackstone's credit arm, GSO Capital Partners, its partner Franklin Square, and KKR's credit business (collectively, the "Investor Group") - which together represent the majority of ASG's second lien noteholders - has purchased all of ASG's first lien debt. Concurrent with the closing of the Investor Group's additional investment in the company, ASG and the Investor Group have entered into discussions to further deleverage ASG's capital structure and provide future growth capital.

"This further investment demonstrates our commitment to support ASG's business and will position the company for long-term success," said Brad Marshall, managing director, GSO. "We are confident that our additional support for the company will provide a foundation for ASG to execute on its long-term strategy and maintain its strong focus on providing its customers with leading and innovative IT solutions."

"The Investor Group includes some of the largest and strongest institutional investors in the world, each of which has an excellent track record of supporting the growth of companies in the technology sector," said Ernest Scheidemann, EVP & chief financial officer, ASG. "This is a very exciting time for ASG. The Investor Group's continued support and confidence in ASG empowers us to focus our efforts to deliver the exceptional products and support that our customers expect and deserve."

"We made this investment after gaining a deep understanding of ASG's people and products, and the significant value they bring to the market," said Nikhil Srivastava, principal, KKR. "We are confident that with our further support for the company, ASG can enhance its ability to deliver innovative technology at competitive prices, strengthen its relationships with its customers and achieve long-term financial success."

About ASG Software Solutions
ASG Software Solutions connects sophistication and experience with agility and technological efficiency, through its vendor-agnostic cloud, content and systems solutions. ASG helps companies solve today's most pressing business issues, including everything from reducing operating costs and enhancing workforce productivity to ensuring regulatory compliance. With customers like American Express, Coca-Cola, GE, HSBC, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Merrill Lynch, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Toyota, Verizon, and Wells Fargo, ASG can proudly say that more than 70 percent of global Fortune 500 companies trust it to optimize their existing IT investments. Founded in 1986, ASG Software Solutions is a global company headquartered in Naples, Florida, USA, with more than 1,100 employees. For more information, visit http://www.asg.com or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.

About GSO Capital Partners
Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment and advisory firms. Blackstone seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for its investors, the companies it invests in, the companies it advises and the broader global economy. The firm does this through the commitment of its extraordinary people and flexible capital. GSO Capital Partners LP is the global credit platform of Blackstone. GSO, together with its affiliates, has approximately $65 billion of assets currently under management and is one of the largest credit-focused alternative asset managers in the world and a major participant in the leveraged finance marketplace. GSO seeks to generate superior risk-adjusted returns in its credit business by investing in a broad array of strategies including mezzanine, distressed investing, leveraged loans and other special situation strategies. Blackstone's alternative asset management businesses include investment vehicles focused on private equity, hedge fund solutions, secondary funds, and multi asset class exposures falling outside of other funds' mandates. Blackstone also provides various financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Further information is available at http://www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

About Franklin Square
Franklin Square is a leading manager of alternative investment funds designed to enhance investors' portfolios by providing access to asset classes, strategies and asset managers that typically have been available to only the largest institutional investors. The firm's funds offer "endowment-style" investment strategies that help construct diversified portfolios and manage risk. Franklin Square strives not only to maximize investment returns but also to set the industry standard for best practices by focusing on transparency, investor protection and education for investment professionals and their clients.

Founded in Philadelphia in 2007, Franklin Square quickly established itself as a leader in the world of alternative investments by introducing innovative credit-based income funds, including the industry's first non-traded BDC. The firm currently manages over $12 billion in assets as of June 30, 2014.

About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR's website at http://www.kkr.com.

Press Contact
Melissa McKee
ASG
+1 239-435-2277
[email protected]

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