RATNER COMPANIES ANNOUNCES NEW COMPANY PRESIDENT
Virginia-based operator of Hair Cuttery, BUBBLES and Salon Cielo salon chains strengthens management team with new appointment

Vienna, VA, October, 2007 – Ratner Companies, the largest privately owned chain of hair salons in the country, operating under the Hair Cuttery, BUBBLES, Salon Cielo, ColorWorks, and Salon Plaza brands, announces its new company President, Susan Gustafson.

"Susan is an invaluable asset to our leadership team," said Dennis Ratner, Founder and CEO, Ratner Companies. "As our company matures, it is necessary to bring in strong leadership to continue our growth in the future." Located in Vienna, VA, Ratner Companies has grown to nearly 1,000 salons in 19 states, employing nearly 12,000 people, with plans for extending into new markets.

A licensed Stylist, Dennis Ratner plans to pursue new leadership opportunities in the professional salon industry. Gustafson, the first President outside of the Ratner family, will manage the day-to-day business and continue to develop strategic growth initiatives, drawing on over 25 years of marketing, merchandising and sales experience within the consumer packaged goods, retail and direct selling industries,

"This is an exciting time for Ratner Companies," said Gustafson. "We have established ourselves as a leader in the industry, elevating the client's experience and expectations among chain salons." The company is focused on further strengthening its Hair Cuttery brand and growing through company-owned and franchised salon locations, as well as continuing strategic growth of its BUBBLES and Salon Cielo salon chain in key markets.

Before joining Ratner Companies two years ago as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Gustafson held senior executive positions at The Pampered Chef, a Berkshire Hathaway company; Things Remembered, Inc.; Cap Candy, a Hasbro company; and Amurol Confections, a division of W.M. Wrigley. Also, Gustafson has nearly a decade of experience with Pillsbury and The Kellogg Company.

"I am proud to lead the talented and creative beauty professionals that help us realize our goals and remind us that we are a company where it is all about the people," said Gustafson. "Dennis, Ann and the entire Ratner family have created a caring culture that makes Ratner Companies unique - we are truly the people company of the beauty industry."

About Ratner Companies
Ratner Companies is a family-owned, family-oriented company operating Hair Cuttery (company-owned and franchised), BUBBLES, Salon Cielo and Spa, ColorWorks and Salon Plaza, each designed to meet the varied needs and personalities of an ever increasing client base. Co-founded in 1974 by Dennis Ratner, a licensed stylist who grew up working in his father's Washington, DC salon, and fellow stylist Ann Ratner, the company has more than 12,000 stylists in nearly 1,000 salons across 19 states.