Deutsche Bank Asset Management Signs Agreement to Acquire a Minority Interest in Aldus Equity

RREEF Alternative Investments, the alternative investments business of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a minority stake in the business of Aldus Equity, an alternative asset management and advisory boutique specializing in customized private equity investing. The firms will form a strategic partnership to develop private equity fund of funds products for institutional and high net worth investors. Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division recently consolidated its alternative investments platform under RREEF Alternative Investments, which now consists of four businesses: Real Estate, Infrastructure, Absolute Return Strategies and Private Equity. In addition to fund of funds, RREEF Private Equity will include a secondary funds business. Aldus will continue to be managed by its existing principals. ”Partnering with an innovative private equity investor enables us to tap into the growing demand among our clients for sophisticated private equity offerings,” said Charles B. Leitner, Global Head of RREEF Alternative Investments. "This partnership enables us to offer our clients more comprehensive alternative investment options while also capitalizing on Aldus’ private equity experience and successful relationships with public pension funds.” "Having built Aldus Equity from scratch, we are excited to be joining forces with RREEF Alternative Investments to accelerate the growth of our business and provide greater services to our current and prospective clients,” said Saul Meyer, a Partner at Aldus Equity. "We are also pleased that our clients will gain access to the resources and global reach that RREEF provides.” "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to expand the alternative investments platform as part of our broader global growth strategy,” said Kevin Parker, Global Head of Deutsche Asset Management and Member of the Deutsche Bank Group Executive Committee. Aldus Equity manages dedicated fund of funds that invest directly in private equity funds, as well as co-investment funds that invest alongside private equity funds, on behalf of some of the largest U.S. institutional investors. As of January 2007, the firm has over $3 billion in assets1 including more than $600 million in new mandates won since October 2006. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2007. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With Euro 1,097 billion in assets and 67,474 employees in 73 countries, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people. About Deutsche Asset Management With approximately Euro 540 billion in assets under management globally (as of 9/30/06), Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division is one of the world's leading investment management organizations, not just in size, but in quality and breadth of investment products, performance and client service. The Asset Management division provides a broad range of investment management products across the risk/return spectrum. About RREEF Alternative Investments RREEF Alternative Investments is the alternative investments business of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division. RREEF Alternative Investments consists of four businesses: Real Estate, Infrastructure, Absolute Return Strategies and Private Equity. Headquartered in New York, RREEF Alternative Investments employs more than 1,400 investment professionals in 17 cities around the world to help investors meet a wide range of objectives – from diversification, to preservation of capital, to long-term performance. RREEF was named the world’s largest alternative investments manager in Watson Wyatt’s Alternative Survey, September 2006. The group has Euro 57 billion in assets under management worldwide as of September 30, 2006. www.rreef.com About Aldus Equity Aldus Equity is a boutique alternative investment management and advisory firm specializing in private equity. The firm’s expertise includes domestic private equity, mezzanine finance, European private equity, secondaries, and special situation funds. Currently, the firm manages and advises in excess of $3 billion of assets for some of the largest institutional private equity limited partners in the country. 1 Includes assets under management and advisory. Deutsche Asset Management is the marketing name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust Company.