New York, New York, May 8, 2002 – Communispond, Inc. ("Communispond") was acquired by the Institute for International Research, Ltd ("IIR"). Communispond was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frontline Group Operating Company, Inc., a portfolio company of GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC ("GTCR"). Communispond is a recognized leader in providing business communication skills and sales presentation training. Headquartered in New York, New York, the Company offers over 26 programs in professional development areas including presentation skills, sales skills, interpersonal skills, and management skills.

IIR is the world's largest international conference company with 120 different business units and 4,000 employees in 36 countries. IIR also has extensive performance improvement operations providing organizations with total learning and training solutions. The Communispond transaction will enable IIR to leverage its global distribution to expand IIR's sales training and communications skills offering.

Duff & Phelps, LLC, a Chicago-based investment banking and financial advisory firm, initiated the transaction, assisted in negotiations, and served as the exclusive financial advisor to GTCR and Communispond.