The KPS Special Situations Funds ("KPS") are private equity funds with committed capital exceeding $600 million. KPS seeks to realize significant appreciation of its committed capital by making controlling equity investments in companies challenged by special situations including turnarounds, restructurings, bankruptcies, corporate divestitures, and employee buyouts. The firm is headquartered in New York City.

In the Spring of 2003, KPS was evaluating a potential controlling investment in Wire Rope Corporation of America, Inc. ("Wireco"). Although impressed by the Company's new management team and it's recent turnaround efforts, KPS was concerned about several key strategic and competitive issues facing the Company.

KPS engaged Ameridan to provide strategic & competitive due-diligence services. Dr. Mulick assembled and led a project team which included a competitive intelligence professional located in Asia.

The Ameridan team assessed several key strategic and competitive issues including Wireco's competitive position relative to domestic and international competitors; relationships with key customers; the outlook for demand conditions in end-use markets; channel relationships and strategies; and threats from substitute products/technologies.

The engagement was successfully completed in April, 2003.