The Blackstone Group Selects Bear Wagner Specialists LLC to Trade Shares on NYSE

NEW YORK — Bear Wagner Specialists LLC today announced that it was selected by The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX) to trade its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. One of the world’s largest alternative asset managers, The Blackstone Group began trading on June 22, 2007.

“We are proud to add a prestigious company like The Blackstone Group to the growing family of distinguished companies traded by Bear Wagner’s team of highly experienced specialists,” said Peter Murphy, chief executive officer of Bear Wagner Specialists. “At Bear Wagner, we strive to provide our clients with unparalleled service and trading expertise.”

“We are pleased with the choice of Bear Wagner Specialists,” said Joan Solotar, Blackstone’s Senior Managing Director, Public Markets. “We are confident that Bear Wagner will represent us well on the NYSE.”

About The Blackstone Group

The Blackstone Group is a leading global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services. The Blackstone Group is one of the largest independent alternative asset managers in the world. Its alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate opportunity funds, funds of hedge funds, mezzanine funds, senior debt funds, proprietary hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Additional information can be found on the company’s website at www.blackstone.com.

About Bear Wagner Specialists LLC

Bear Wagner Specialists LLC, a leading NYSE specialist firm, is a strategic partner and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most esteemed companies. Representing more than 380 publicly traded equities with an aggregate market cap greater than $2.8 trillion, Bear Wagner is widely recognized as the most progressive and technologically advanced firm on the Exchange. Bear Wagner Specialists has vast experience assisting companies as they navigate the NYSE listing process and establish their “best practices” investor relations programs. Bear Wagner Specialists is a subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. (NYSE:BSC). For additional information, visit the firm’s website at www.bearwagner.com. Bear Wagner Specialists LLC is a member of SIPC.