NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 14, 2002 - Beacon Pointe Advisors, a new independent investment advisory firm led by a team of Orange County's most experienced and respected investment professionals, began operating today.

"Garth Flint and the entire Beacon Pointe team embody the highest levels of objectivity, professionalism and trust that clients should expect from their investment counselors," said Mark Latimer, Beacon Pointe CEO. "Having already managed or advised combined assets of more than $70 billion, our team has come together to deliver on a shared vision that clients deserve investment and financial advice free of conflicts of interest."

With a strong focus on developing unbiased investment and financial strategies, Beacon Pointe has developed a stringent process for achieving client objectives, which involves the creation of investment policies, asset allocation, manager search, and performance measurement and evaluation. The assets of each Beacon Pointe client are managed by a senior advisor and a carefully selected support team.

To differentiate its services, Beacon Pointe has made significant investments in technology, including technology for researching, identifying, and monitoring money managers. "All too often, independent investment counselors do not have the ability to conduct the highest level of due diligence regarding money managers," said Flint. "We've made research a top priority at Beacon Pointe and believe it will add significant value for our clients."

About Beacon Pointe Advisors

Headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., Beacon Pointe Advisors is an independent advisory firm providing highly professional, comprehensive and objective investment and financial advice to a select group of high net worth individuals and institutions. Beacon Pointe focuses on asset preservation and enhancement by implementing sophisticated investment strategies and selecting superior investment managers. For more information, call (949)718-1600 / (866)272-1272 or email gflint@bpadvisor.com