November 12, 2008

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Kelly O'Donnell
Director, Marketing and Communications
Beringea, LLC
kodonnell@beringea.com
(248) 489-9000

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Beringea Invests in EcoSynthetix

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — EcoSynthetix, a Lansing-based clean technology producer of bio-based replacements for petroleum-based chemicals, has become the first company to receive funding from Beringea through its newest fund the InvestMichigan! Growth Capital Fund (IMGCF).

The $150 million IMGCF, which was launched by Governor Jennifer Granholm in July 2008, invests in businesses in emerging sectors within the State of Michigan with the intention of retaining and attracting successful companies to the State.

"...EcoSynthetix (is) the type of company that will enhance our efforts to transform Michigan's economic future," Governor Jennifer Granholm said. "Given the economic realities facing many small and medium-sized business owners, this is an ideal time for Michigan to provide a pool of capital to help attract growing businesses and good-paying jobs to our state."

About EcoSynthetix

EcoSynthetix Inc., established in 1996, specializes in the R&D, process scale-up, manufacturing and commercialization of biobased technologies. The EcoSynthetix technology platforms are best described as clean technologies because they provide biobased products derived from renewable resources that have a positive impact on the environment. The renewable raw material feedstocks significantly reduce North America's dependence on foreign-based fossil fuels, and reduce the end-user's carbon footprint. The Company's biopolymer nanoparticle technology platform provides EcoSphere® biolatex products as replacements for petroleum-based paper and paperboard coating binders such as SB and SA Latex. At substitution levels up to 50%, the biolatex products are comparable or superior to traditional petroleum-based alternatives and can be specifically formulated to deliver previously unattainable benefits at a lower delivered cost to industrial users. In addition, the Company has developed EcoMer®, a polymerizable sugar monomer, and a line of EcoStix® sugar-acrylic PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) products for label and specialty adhesives applications. www.ecosynthetix.com

About Beringea

Beringea is an international private equity and investment banking firm with offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, London and Shanghai. Beringea's funds invest in a range of small to medium sized companies with the potential for high growth and strong returns for investors. Beringea is the manager of funds including InvestMichigan! Growth Capital Fund, InvestCare Partners and Global Rights Fund II, among others. For more information on Beringea's private equity activities, visit www.beringea.com