In December,1997 and July,1998, Advent invested $10 million and $8 million, respectively, in Ciraden to support the growth and success of our business model. In May of 2000, Advent invested an additional $4 million in Ciraden to help support our transition to a vertically focused application services provider. Ciraden selected Advent as a strategic financial sponsor because Advent's Health Care Group has highly experienced professionals with a combination of financial, technical and operating expertise.

Advent International is a private equity investment firm organized in 1984 to provide superior returns for its investors by:
• Identifying and investing in growth-oriented companies on global basis; and
• Providing these companies with extensive operational and development support.

Advent is one of the world's largest private equity investors, with $2 billion under management and more than 70 investment professionals representing 18 nationalities. The firm has its headquarters in Boston and 12 offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Advent's investors include public and private pension funds, endowments, industrial corporations, insurance companies, charitable organizations, and other international investment institutions.