FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COURT APPROVES ACTOR PATRICK DEMPSEY AS SUCCESSFUL BIDDER

FOR TULLY’S COFFEE; REJECTS OBJECTIONS OF RIVAL STARBUCKS

LOS ANGELES (January 11, 2013) – For the second time in eight days, Actor Patrick Dempsey has prevailed over coffee giant Starbucks Coffee in his bid to acquire Seattle-based Tully’s Coffee and save over 500 jobs. Dempsey, of the hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy, announced earlier today that Judge Karen Overstreet of the United States Bankruptcy Court in Seattle has officially approved the sale of Tully’s Coffee to his company Global Baristas, LLC, for $9.15 million. The decision by the court comes after an auction last Thursday, where in an effort to save hundreds of jobs, Dempsey successfully out-bid six other suitors, including Starbucks. Almost all of the other bidders would have purchased Tully’s only to then close most, if not all, of the company’s U.S.-based stores, thus laying-off hundreds of employees. Rival Starbucks unsuccessfully sought to convince the court that Dempsey’s bid should be rejected in favor of Starbucks’ bid, which would have resulted in store closures, job loses and less competition. “Today was a big day for us, and I’m thrilled that we prevailed,” Dempsey said. “From day one, we have been focused on saving jobs, keeping Tully’s independent and infusing new life and enthusiasm into the company. I’ve been deeply humbled by the outpouring of support from the City of Seattle and am very proud to be a new business owner in this amazing city. We have a lot to accomplish over the next few months and years and I am excited to now call Seattle my second home.” Tully’s, a 20-year old Seattle institution with more than 500 employees, filed for bankruptcy late last year, placing the company’s employees at risk for being laid off after the New Year. The company presently operates 47 locations in Washington and California with numerous other franchises across the country. “We are anxious to get started and will immediately begin the process of putting our vision to revive the company into place,” said Dempsey. “I can’t wait to spend more time at the stores getting to know our employees and customers, and hearing what they have to say,” added Dempsey.

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