Atlanta, GA (February 3, 2009) - MSouth Equity Partners, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announces the final closing of its new fund. MSouth Equity Partners, LP has been formed with $266 million of committed equity capital.

"We are pleased with this show of support from our investor base, particularly in this difficult economic environment" said Bart McLean, an MSouth Partner. "This new fund will enable us to continue with the investment strategy that has worked so well for us over the years. While this current climate is challenging, we believe that the next couple of years will be a good time to be investing."

MSouth Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm that provides equity capital and expertise to support management teams in acquisitions and recapitalizations of lower middle market companies typically valued $25 - $125 million. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, MSouth invests primarily in the South with a consistent focus on management buyouts of business services, distribution and specialty manufacturing companies. MSouth is a successor to Cravey, Green & Wahlen, Inc. which was founded in 1984. Total capital under management exceeds $1.0 billion.