ePartners and EYT Merge

Two Gold Microsoft® Business Solution Partners merge and accelerate position as premier mid-market enterprise consulting and services organization

(Seattle, WA – July 7, 2004) Two of the world’s leading Microsoft Business Solutions providers – ePartners and EYT – announced today that they are merging, creating the dominant provider of Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) in North America.

ePartners, the largest North American Microsoft Business Solutions technology company and EYT, formerly Ernst and Young Technologies, one of the top five North American Microsoft Business Solutions companies combine with an operational footprint of 28 offices from coast to coast. The merger accelerates both organizations’ go-to-market strategies including Client Service Delivery Excellence and vertical market offerings.

The combined company will operate as ePartners. Dan Duffy, CEO of ePartners, will continue as CEO. Howard S. Diamond, CEO and Chairman of EYT, will assume responsibility as Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board for ePartners.

"This is truly an exciting time for ePartners,” said Dan Duffy, CEO of ePartners. “The merger of these two outstanding organizations is great for our employees, clients and Microsoft. The new organization has wider geographic reach, a greater IP offering and enhanced vertical market expertise. The combined companies extend our reach into the Microsoft organization bringing our clients unprecedented expertise and access to the Microsoft solutions offering."

ePartners will employ over 400 staff, including 220 solution consultants. The company will be headquartered in Seattle, WA, with 29 total offices, including one in London.

"This is yet another great step for both organizations,” said Howard Diamond, Executive Chairman of ePartners, “We are creating a new force in the industry with the capital, size, scope and talent to impact the market in a massive way. The quality and breadth of our combined teams will allow us to deliver unmatched value to our clients and Microsoft.”

“The combination of ePartners and EYT will expand the delivery and support of business applications for customers throughout North America and Europe,” said Dan English, General Manager, US Microsoft Business Solutions. "This experienced team, offering Microsoft Business Solutions will help companies realize new opportunities, while enabling them to increase efficiency and improve customer service. We congratulate the new ePartners on its success.”

For more information about ePartners, visit www.epartnersolutions.com
or call 888-883-9797.

About ePartners, Inc.

ePartners is the largest global partner for Microsoft Business Solutions (Great Plains, Solomon, Axapta, Microsoft CRM) in North America. The company implements, deploys, develops and manages the leading Microsoft-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP/Accounting), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Professional Services Automation (PSA), Business Analytics, eBusiness Integration and Infrastructure technologies on the market. Backed by Texas Growth Fund, Austin Ventures, Capital Resource Partners and Liberty Mutual, the company has assisted more than 8,800 customers in 50 industries and 45 countries. ePartners celebrated its 11th anniversary in 2003. www.epartnersolutions.com.

About EYT

EYT is a Gold Certified Partner for both Microsoft® Business Solutions and Microsoft Technology Solutions. The company delivers technology and business solutions to mid-market enterprises in the manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, government contracting, public housing and not-for profit markets. EYT was founded in 1996 as Ernst and Young Technologies and merged in 2004 with Microsoft Business Solutions Partner In2Gr8. Backed by Mobius Venture Capital, Madrona Venture Group, Rustic Canyon Partners and Charterhouse Group, EYT is focused on meeting the unique challenges of mid-market enterprise clients with complete solutions and industry knowledge that provide a competitive advantage for its clients.

www.eyt.com

All products mentioned in this release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

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