12/01/2006 - Vector Variable Annuity And Vantage Advisors, LLC Select Mesirow Financial Investment Strategies As An Investment Advisor

RALEIGH, N.C./EWORLDWIRE/Dec. 1, 2006 --- Vantage Advisors, LLC, a Boston-based registered
investment advisor, has engaged Mesirow Financial Investment Strategies to provide strategic asset allocation portfolios in Midland National Life's Vector II Variable Annuity. This appointment provides Vantage Advisors' extensive network of independent financial advisors, TPIAs and wholesalers with access to Mesirow Financial's industry-leading asset allocation methodology, the PrecisionAlpha process.

Vantage Advisors, LLC, specializes in the design of investment management vehicles in variable annuity
platforms. Through this engagement, Mesirow Financial Investment Strategies will analyze the investment
options within the annuity contracts and construct dynamic asset allocation models designed to maximize
returns over time while satisfying an investor's risk tolerance. At the core of its methodology is the
PrecisionAlpha process, which utilizes unique quantitative and qualitative measures to more precisely estimate an investment manager's probability of achieving alpha.

"In selecting Mesirow Financial Investment Strategies we have achieved our primary goal, which is to provide financial advisors with access to the best asset allocation managers available," says Tom Ashton, president of Vantage Advisors. "It has developed the most advanced and forward-looking methodology for fund selection and asset allocation in the industry today."

"Mesirow Financial's PrecisionAlpha process helps establish the Vector II Variable Annuity as an innovative
investment vehicle that will breathe new ideas into a crowded look-alike marketplace," says Elliott Shifman,
president of Outer Banks Financial, LLC, who designed the Vector II Variable Annuity in partnership with
Midland National Life. "The Vector II Variable Annuity combines the latest innovations in both product design
and investment oversight and fund selection to offer a dynamic choice for advisors and their clients."

Mesirow Financial launched its Investment Strategies business in May, 2006. The team is led by Mark
Kowalczyk and Michael Annin, managing directors, both formerly of Ibbotson Associates. "We are exited about our new relationship with Vantage Advisors, LLC and look forward to the opportunities this presents not only for our firms but also for the many investment professionals who rely on superior investment management in servicing their clients," comments James C. Tyree, chairman and CEO of Mesirow Financial.

Founded in 2002, Vantage Advisors, LLC, is a Boston-based registered investment advisor. The firm
represents some of the nation's best Third Party Investment Advisors (TPIAs) and provides access to some of the most noted money managers through its national wholesaling network. Led by its President, Tom Ashton, Vantage Advisor Group, LLC specializes in the design of investment management vehicles in variable annuity platforms. For more information about Vantage Advisor Group, LLC, visit www.thevantage.com.

Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1937, it is an
independent employee-owned firm with nearly $30 billion in assets under management, advisory and custody, and more than 1,100 employees in locations across the country and in Puerto Rico. With expertise in investment management, investment services, insurance services, investment banking, consulting and real estate, Mesirow Financial has consistently met the financial needs of investing institutions, public sector
entities, corporations and individuals. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the firm posted revenues of
$364 million and had $180 million in capital. For more information about Mesirow Financial, visit its Web site at
www.mesirowfinancial.com.

Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in the country. The company has enjoyed steady
growth, stability of leadership and industry success over the course of its history. At year end 2005, Midland National had over $110 billion in life and over $18.8 billion in assets.

Outer Banks Financial, Vantage Advisors, Midland National Life and Sammons Securities Company are not
affiliated companies. Sammons Securities distributes Midland National's variable securities products.

Back to Media Main Page