CHICAGO - (5/26/2008) - MFC Capital Funding (MFC) announced today that Joe Gaffigan, CEO and President, and Chris Randall, Senior Managing Director and COO, of MFC Capital Funding have been chosen as finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award in the Midwest. This group of exceptional entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic and community leaders. The winners will be revealed at a gala event on June 26, 2008 at the Hilton in Chicago.

“These finalists are the best of the best, embodying the unique spirit of entrepreneurism,” said Randall Tavierne, Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Markets Leader for the Midwest. “They positively impact our region in a major way, through jobs, community growth and development and innovation. Ernst & Young is proud to salute them.”

Since its founding in February 2005, MFC Capital Funding has committed over $600 million to over 50 different transactions nationwide. The company focuses on providing senior debt to private equity backed businesses. Financing commitments range from $5 million to $25 million with a focus on $5 million to $15 million primarily in the form of sponsor backed cash-flow multiple loans. MFC Capital Funding also provides complementary one-stop mezzanine financing as well as select equity co-investments and private equity fund investments. In just over three short years, MFC Capital Funding has become the premier leveraged lender to the lower middle market.

Regional award winners will be eligible for consideration in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 national program. Winners in numerous national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 15, 2008. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

This year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 22nd anniversary. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

About MFC Capital Funding

MFC Capital Funding is an affiliate of Marquette Financial Companies a $2.2 billion diversified financial services holding company comprised of specialty financial service businesses. Marquette Financial Companies is part of the Carl Pohlad family’s diverse business holdings, which also include significant interest in the beverage industry, real estate, and ownership in Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.