Bridge Finance Group Invests in Ridgestone Bank

September 27, 2006; 02:21 AM

Bridge Finance Group announced the closing of an investment in RAC, INC. WISCONSIN, the parent company of Ridgestone Financial Services, Inc. a Wisconsin Bank, collectively referred "the Bank".

"The closing of the investment in Ridgestone Bank allows us the flexibility to serve an expanded market place. The Bank serves as a great complement to Bridge Business Bancorp and will help drive Bridge's SBA and USDA lending business," noted Randy Abrahams, President and CEO. "The SBA component of Bridge and new relationships involving other strategic investors like Ziegler in the bank are an excellent combination."

Bruce Lammers, President of the Bank noted, "I am excited to have Bridge as a strategic investor in the Bank. Together we should be able to address the markets needs and solve problems for our collective customers."

Bridge Finance Group offers a combination of comprehensive loan products, decades of financial expertise and an unparalleled service approach unique to the lending industry. Through accounts receivable, cash flow and real estate based term loan lending products, Bridge is able to address the differing capital needs of its customers. Bridge is based in Chicago, Illinois with offices in the Northeast, Southeast, and West Coast.

Bridge Business Bancorp, LLC is the small business lending division of Bridge Finance Group. BBB will focus on providing capital in unique ways by leveraging the Bridge Finance Group platform along with both the SBA and USDA lending products.