(The Carlyle Group) March 29, 2012 – Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group today announced that its South America investment team has established The Carlyle Brazil Institute, a non-profit organization partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the education system in Brazil. Carlyle’s global Corporate Citizenship program also includes a global partnership with education NGO Junior Achievement, as well as environmental, sustainability and workplace diversity programs.

Juan Carlos Felix, Carlyle Managing Director said, “Education is the foundation of a healthy society, economy and country. As people who live and work here, we believe that supporting education in Brazil by contributing our skills, time and knowhow is good for our fellow citizens. A talented and well-educated work force will also benefit Carlyle and our portfolio companies over the long-term.”

The Carlyle Brazil Institute will raise capital from various sources, including Carlyle employees, their network of contacts and other collaborators. The Institute will work with established education NGOs that have demonstrated success and the potential to grow more efficient and larger, ultimately taking them to the next level in terms of impact, reputation and visibility.

Fernando Borges, Managing Director and head of the South America Buyout team, said, “I commend Juan Carlos and the team for this remarkable initiative, which is an important commitment by Carlyle to the future of our community. As investors, we work to invest wisely and as citizens our goal is to give back by making a lasting and positive impact.”

William E. Conway, Jr., Carlyle Managing Director and Co-founder, said, “A quality education is critical to long-term success and happiness. The need for reform is pressing and the opportunity for our team to make a difference in Brazil is great.”

Partners
Numerous companies and individuals have agreed to support, audit and collaborate on this effort, including: Mattos Filho and Pinhero Neto (law firms), McKinsey (management consulting firm), Ernst & Young Terco (tax and accounting auditors), Publicis and Asia Branding (advertising agency), Andreoli MSL (corporate affairs firm), and José Maria Rodriguez Ramos (education expert).

Scope of the Challenge
Though Brazil is the 6th largest economy in the world it ranks 55th in overall quality of education according to (PISA 2009). Brazilian students perform about 20% below the OECD average in reading, math and science. The nation has one of the largest illiteracy levels in the world reaching 16.5% of the population, and one of the highest dropout rates with only 30% of Brazilians completing high school. The quality of education is also a critical problem: nearly 85% of high school students have attained only a 5th grade education level.

For more information on Carlyle’s Corporate Citizenship program, please visit: www.carlyle.com.

About The Carlyle Group
The Carlyle Group is a global alternative asset manager with $147 billion of assets under management in 89 active funds and 49 fund of fund vehicles as of December 31, 2011. Carlyle invests across four segments – Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Fund of Funds Solutions – in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has developed expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,200 people in 33 offices across six continents.