Spire Capital Partners (www.spirecapital.com), a leading small market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Anthony Cassano to Partner and the recruitment of Benjamin Benita as an Associate.

Anthony has been a senior investment professional at Spire, serving as a Vice President and Principal since joining the firm in February 2009. Anthony plays an active role in sourcing and executing transactions in several of Spire's key investment verticals including business services, information services, education and media. Most recently, Anthony played a key role in sourcing and executing our current Fund III investments in Vector Media, Inc., On Campus Marketing, Inc. and Surgent Professional Education. Anthony was also heavily involved in a number of Fund II investments including Performance Assessment Network, Inc., Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc., and Certiport, Inc. Anthony joined Spire from the mergers and acquisitions department of Citigroup where he advised clients across numerous industries. Prior to Citigroup, Anthony completed his MBA at Duke University and worked as a CPA with Ernst & Young.

"Anthony is a talented individual and has earned his Partner role through his demonstrated investment judgement, high integrity and key contributions at the firm and as a team member in underlying portfolio company investments," said Andy Armstrong, one of Spire Capital's Founding Partners.

Also, recently joining the Spire Capital Partners team is Benjamin Benita. Ben is focused on deal sourcing, execution and portfolio company management. Prior to joining Spire, Ben served as an Analyst in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Investment Banking Group at Barclays. Ben holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University.

Spire Capital Partners

Founded in 2000, Spire Capital is an active and experienced private equity firm with an investment focus on lead and control investments in companies within the business services, information services, media, education and communications sectors. Spire Capital leads buyout investments in its areas of expertise and believes its deep industry experience and network of relationships are invaluable in helping its portfolio companies to grow and create value. Spire Capital is investing out of its third fund and has managed over $900 million in private equity commitments since its founding. Since inception, Spire has invested in 26 platform companies and consummated over 80 add-on acquisitions. For more information please visit www.spirecapital.com.