The News

Michael A. Wessell Joins Thorp Reed & Armstrong's Business Practice Group as Senior Counsel

Pittsburgh, PA – April 11, 2008 — Thorp Reed & Armstrong is pleased to announce that Michael A. Wessell has recently joined the firm’s Business Practice Group as senior counsel. Mr. Wessell’s practice focuses on corporate and business law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, securities, and strategic transactions.

“I am pleased to welcome Michael to the Business Practice Group at Thorp Reed & Armstrong,” said James K. Goldberg, Business Practice Group Chair of Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP. “Michael’s expertise in transactions, particularly mergers and acquisitions, is a valuable asset that will help the Business Practice Group continue to provide clients with fresh perspectives and guidance on the process of growing their businesses.”

Before joining Thorp Reed & Armstrong, Mr. Wessell was with another Pittsburgh-based law firm and served as a law clerk for the District Attorney of Allegheny County and the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Mr. Wessell has considerable experience with private equity, venture capital, international business, technology, and general corporate transactions.

Mr. Wessell is a member of the American, Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations. He received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, and his B.S. from Allegheny College. As an active member in his local community, Mr. Wessell is involved with several organizations, including the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross and the United Way of Allegheny County’s Young Leaders Group.

About Thorp Reed & Armstrong

Since 1895, Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP has been a premier Pittsburgh-based law firm, which has grown to include additional offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Princeton, New Jersey, and Wheeling, West Virginia. Earning the respect, trust and appreciation of clients, peers, and those who live in our communities, Thorp Reed & Armstrong attorneys have gained a reputation as lawyers who exemplify the profession’s best qualities. The firm supports a wide variety of clients’ needs within the practice areas of business law, litigation, and corporate finance. For more information on Thorp Reed & Armstrong, call 412-394-7711 or visit http:www.thorpreed.com