Ziegler Closes $38 Million Bay Area Charter Financing

   Ziegler, a specialty investment banking firm with over a 100 years of experience, is pleased to announce the successful closing of the $38 million Bay Area Charter Foundation, LLC financing. This is the first bond issue for this borrower and the third bond issue Ziegler has underwritten for schools managed by Charter Schools USA.

Bay Area Charter Foundation, LLC is a Florida 501(c)(3) that holds charters for two charter schools in the greater Tampa, Florida area. Both schools (Woodmont Charter School and Winthrop Charter School) opened in August 2011 and are managed by Charter Schools USA, a for-profit EMO based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The current financing will refinance bridge loans that funded acquisition and construction costs for the two school facilities, as well as provide funding for an expansion at the Winthrop facility. Upon completion of the Winthrop expansion in fall 2012, the two schools will have a combined capacity of approximately 2,380 students in grades K-8.

With Ziegler's expertise in charter school financing and our extensive capital markets capabilities, these combined efforts resulted in the successful placement of all bonds that met the borrower's structural and timing constraints. Michael Braun, Senior Vice President in Ziegler's Religion & Education practice, stated, "This financing fulfilled a long-term goal of Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) to open a charter school in the Hillsborough County area. These schools will benefit the community by expanding school choice options with CSUSA's viable and proven curriculum while also creating a positive learning environment for the students."

For further information on the structure and use of this issue, please see the Electronic Municipal Market Access system's Document Archive: http://emma.msrb.org/SecurityView/SecurityDetails.aspx?cusip=A0C4C11167337732398CA7ED53DE7BF0A.

For more information about Ziegler and please visit us at www.Ziegler.com.

About Ziegler: The Ziegler Companies, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ZGCO) together with its affiliates (Ziegler) is a specialty investment bank with unique expertise in complex credit structures and advisory services. Nationally, Ziegler is ranked as one of the leading investment banking firms in its specialty sectors of healthcare, senior living, religion and education finance, as well as corporate finance and FHA/HUD. Headquartered in Chicago, IL with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler creates tailored financial solutions including bond financing, advisory, private placement, seed capital, M&A, risk and asset management. Ziegler serves institutional and individual investors through its wealth management and capital markets distribution channels.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client's experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy these securities. The offering is made only by the Official Statement and through an appropriately registered representative. The Series 2011 Bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Market value and/or accrued interest will fluctuate during the period held, and, if sold prior to maturity, the yield received may be more or less than the yield calculated at the time of purchase. Discounted yields herein are gross yields to maturity. Discounted bonds may be subject to capital gains tax, rates of which will vary, so investors should consult their own tax advisor with regard to their personal tax situation. Interest on municipal bonds may be exempt from federal income tax but may be subject to tax for residents of certain states. For bonds designated AMT, taxes may exist for certain investors. Ziegler will sell these bonds on a principal basis.

The corporation or its officers, directors, stockholders, or members of their families may at times have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may make purchases or sales of these securities. Not all call or put information is identified in the description above. Please be sure to discuss any special features with your Financial Advisor before deciding whether to invest in these securities.

Christine McCarty 312 596 1617 Email Contact