CHICAGO — Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC ("CHS") announced today that it has made a majority equity investment in LVI Services Inc. (“LVI”), the nation’s largest and fastest growing remediation and facilities services firm.

Through 27 branch locations in 19 states, LVI provides the most complete array of facility services available in the industry, including asbestos abatement, soft and structural demolition, mold remediation, emergency response, fireproofing, decontamination and decommissioning, lead-based paint abatement and infection control. The company provides an integrated service offering nationwide to a diverse array of end markets, including commercial, industrial, retail, government, healthcare and education. In 2004, the company completed 4,800 projects for over 2,100 customers. The fastest growing segment of LVI’s integrated service offering is currently emergency response services, where the company provides a rapid and mobile response to natural disasters including hurricanes and offers an on-demand, facilities-based service.

"CHS brings to LVI deep experience with branch-based and construction services businesses," said Burton Fried, President and CEO of LVI. “With CHS’ support, we will accelerate the development of a broad offering of recurring-facility based services and expand the range of integrated services we can offer our diverse and growing customer base.”

CHS Partner Brian Simmons said, “LVI operates in specialized markets where fragmentation and rapid growth present consolidation opportunities for industry leaders. Burton Fried and his management group have demonstrated LVI’s ability to extend the company’s capabilities and market reach organically and through acquisitions while providing innovation, value and service to blue-chip customers. LVI is an excellent platform to lead an industry consolidation.”

For more information on LVI, please visit the company’s website at www.lviservices.com.

CHS is a Chicago-based private equity firm specializing in private equity investments and recapitalizations of middle market companies in partnership with management. CHS has formed five private equity funds and currently manages over $2.5 billion of capital. Funds for CHS’ investment in LVI will come from CHS Private Equity V LP, a $1.3 billion investment fund formed in 2005.