Affiliates of Apollo Global Management to Acquire AURUM

Affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC APO (collectively with its subsidiaries “Apollo”) announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement to acquire AURUM Holdings Limited (“AURUM” or the “Company”), the largest prestige and luxury jewellery retailer in the United Kingdom which includes the “Watches of Switzerland”, “Mappin & Webb” and “Goldsmiths” brands within its portfolio. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013 and is subject to customary closing conditions. Sanjay Patel, Head of International Private Equity for Apollo, said, “AURUM is a leader within the luxury watch retail industry and it has established an enviable position in the United Kingdom driven by exceptional service and customer experience and strong partnerships with most of the world's major watch brands. We look forward to working closely with Justin Stead and his team to drive growth through enhancement of its leading market position in luxury watches and further development of its jewellery offering.” Don McCarthy, current Chairman of AURUM who is stepping down commented, “The acquisition by Apollo will provide AURUM with an outstanding platform for the Company's anticipated future growth and the development of compelling opportunities that exist within the business currently. Throughout the last three years AURUM has outperformed the market and this is a credit to Justin Stead, Chief Executive and the AURUM management team who have executed a robust and focused strategic plan. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to be part of the business and I would like to thank Landsbanki, AURUM's existing shareholder, for their support, Justin, and the entire AURUM team for their professionalism and dedication steering AURUM through a significant period of growth, and I am confident the business will continue to grow in the future with Apollo's support.” Justin Stead, Chief Executive of AURUM, said, “We are pleased to have outperformed our own very high standards and that of our shareholder over the past three years despite a very challenging economic environment. AURUM's success is testament to the strength of our brands, the execution of a defined vision and strategy, committed world class partnerships and the dedication of the entire AURUM team. In addition, Don McCarthy's outstanding leadership and the incredible support from our major shareholder Landsbanki fostered a productive boardroom environment. which has enabled management to perform to the best of their abilities along with the entire AURUM team. We are incredibly enthusiastic about Apollo's acquisition of AURUM and we believe their retail industry expertise and broad resources and capabilities across the leisure and commodities sectors will foster our continued growth and success.”