Steve’s breakdown: Party City spent $47 million in 2011 and we suspect that will increase with this purchase.

ROCKAWAY, NJ: iParty Corp., a leading party goods retailer with a strong presence in New England, and Party City Holdings Inc., North America’s largest party supply retailer today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Party City will acquire iParty for $0.45 per share of iParty Common Stock and the greater of liquidation preference or conversion value for each share of iParty Preferred Stock, in cash. The purchase price for iParty Common Stock represents a 200% premium over the closing price of iParty Common Stock as of February 28, 2013.

“Party City is a leading player in our industry and we could not be more pleased with this outcome of the strategic review we initiated last year and the return it affords to all of our stockholders, both Common and Preferred,” said Sal Perisano, iParty’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The Party City network with their Amscan distribution platform will benefit our stores and products by significantly increasing our scale and broadening our geographic presence. We look forward to working with Party City and its management team as we integrate our companies.”

“We are excited to add iParty’s strong platform of retail stores to our vertically integrated business model,” said Gerald C. Rittenberg, Party City’s Chief Executive Officer. “By joining forces, we enhance our leadership position and accelerate our growth throughout New England, a densely populated region where we currently do not have a market presence. We have maintained a relationship with iParty for many years and have long admired their strong management team and well-recognized brand. We look forward to working together to expand our combined geographic footprint and brand presence on a national scale.”

The transaction, which is currently expected to close during the second quarter of 2013, is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by iParty’s shareholders.

Under the Merger Agreement, iParty will actively solicit superior proposals from third parties for a period of 30 days continuing through March 31, 2013. iParty does not intend to disclose developments with respect to this solicitation process unless and until its Board of Directors has made a decision regarding any superior proposals that may be made. There can be no assurances that this solicitation will result in a superior proposal. For further information regarding all items and conditions contained in the definitive merger agreement, please see iParty’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed with the SEC in connection with this transaction.

In connection with the Merger Agreement, the directors, certain executive officers and the Estate of Robert Lessin, Robert H. Lessin Venture Capital, LLC and Boston Millennia Partners, LP, each significant stockholders, have signed agreements with Party City to vote their shares in favor of the Merger.

Thomas H. Lee Partners acquired a majority stake in Party City in June 2012. Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisor to Party City on this transaction.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as financial advisor to iParty on this transaction and Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP acted as legal advisor.

About Party City

Party City Holdings Inc. designs, manufactures, contracts for manufacture and distributes party goods, including paper and plastic tableware, metallic balloons, accessories, novelties, gifts, stationery and Halloween costumes, and is North America’s No. 1 party retailer with more than 750 company-owned and franchise locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Rockaway, N.J., Party City became part of the Amscan Holdings, Inc., family in 2005. With Amscan’s worldwide facilities in Asia, Europe and Australia, as well as distribution centers in the Americas, the merger has made it possible to design, manufacture and distribute products in the United States and overseas. The vision of providing more party for less has made Party City the largest specialty party retailer and premiere Halloween destination in North America. Please visit our site at www.partycity.com.

About iParty Corp.

Headquartered in Dedham, Massachusetts, iParty Corp. is a party goods retailer that operates 54 iParty retail stores in New England and Florida and an internet site (www.iparty.com) for costume and related goods and party planning. iParty’s aim is to make throwing a successful event both stress-free and fun. With an extensive assortment of party supplies and costumes in our stores and available at our online store, iParty offers consumers a sophisticated, yet fun and easy-to-use, resource to help them customize any party, including birthday bashes, Easter get-togethers, graduation parties, summer barbecues and, of course, Halloween. In addition to the extensive assortment of costume and related merchandise available through iParty’s internet site our web site focuses on increasing customer visits to our retail stores by highlighting the ever changing store product assortment for all occasions and seasons and featuring sales flyers, enter-to-win contests, monthly coupons and ideas and themes offering consumers an easy and fun approach to any party. iParty aims to offer reliable, time-tested knowledge of party-perfect trends, and superior customer service to ensure convenient and comprehensive merchandise selections for every occasion. Please visit our site at www.iparty.com.

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