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    <title>WebWire | News by Industry : Banking / Financial Services</title>
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     <title>Lenovo Reports Strong Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012/13 Results</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=175076</link>
     <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 02:42:55 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Rapid PC Plus transformation and effective cost control drive 90 percent profit growth in Q4 -   -  ·            Records in annual pre-tax income of US$801 million and earnings of US$635 million -  ·       ...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Rapid PC Plus transformation and effective cost control drive 90 percent profit growth in Q4</p>

<p>·            Records in annual pre-tax income of US$801 million and earnings of US$635 million<br />·            Record annual sales of US$34 billion<br />·            Record 52.4 million PC shipments and record 15.5 percent global market share<br />·            Full year basic EPS of 6.16 US cents, or 47.78HK cents<br />·            Net cash reserves of US$3.1 billion(as of March 31, 2013)<br /> <br />HONG KONG &#8211; Lenovo Group today announced results for its fourth fiscal quarter and full-year ended March 31, 2013. With record full-year sales of US$34 billion, an increase of 15 percent year-over-year, a record full-year pre-tax income of US$801 million, up 38 percent year-over-year and record earnings of US$ 635 million, up 34 percent, Lenovo had a strong showing. While Lenovo continued to close in on the # 1 position in PCs, with a record 15.5 percent market share for the full-year, it accelerated its transformation to become a top competitor in the PC Plus era, with a 5.9 percent share of Smart Connected Devices and global #3 ranking.<br /> <br />Lenovo had record revenues for the fourth quarter of US$7.8 billion, four percent year-over-year growth. The Company achieved pre-tax income of US$166 million during the fourth fiscal quarter, a 63 percent increase over the same period last year. Compared to an overall industry decline of more than 13 percent year-over-year, Lenovo grew at a 14 point premium to the market, besting the industry for the 16th quarter in a row.<br /> <br />The Company&#39;s gross profit for the fourth fiscal quarter grew to US$963 million, an increase of 20 percent year-over-year. Gross margin was 12.3 percent. Operating profit for the fourth quarter was US$169 million, up 67 percent year-over-year, while earnings jumped 90 percent year-over-year to US$127 million. <br /> <br />Basic earnings per share in the fourth fiscal quarter are 1.22 US cents, or 9.46 HK cents. Lenovo&#39;s Board of Directors declared a final dividend of 1.81 US cents, or 14.0 HK cents per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.<br /> <br />For the 2012/13 fiscal year, Lenovo&#39;s PC shipments grew 10.2 percent year-over-year, compared to an overall industry decline of 8.1 percent during this same period. Gross profit for the full year was US$4.1 billion, an increase of 18 percent year-over-year. Gross margin was 12 percent, while operating profit for the full fiscal year was US$ 800 million, a 37 percent jump over year-over-year. Lenovo&#39;s earnings grew 34 percent year-over-year to US$635 million.<br /> <br />&#39;Despite a challenging macro-economic environment and ongoing PC industry transformation, Lenovo delivered a strong performance in the 2012/13 fiscal year.  Not only were we the fastest growing among all major PC players, with record market share, revenue and profitability, more importantly, our smartphone and tablet businesses saw dramatic growth,&#39; said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo Chairman and CEO. &#39;In fact, smartphone shipments were 3.7 times greater than last year globally and we are now number two in the China smartphone market. This has laid a solid foundation for the successful transformation of Lenovo into a PC Plus leader. Going forward, we will focus our investments on the fast-growing tablet, smartphone and enterprise hardware areas, while working to enhance the profitability of our core PC business. We are very confident in our ability to achieve success in these new areas, just as in the PC business.&#39;<br /> <br />GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW<br />·         Lenovo Chinaachieved a 4.9 percent operating margin on US$3.1 billion in consolidated sales in the fourth fiscal quarter. This was an eight percent year-over-year or US$ 228 million increase of revenue, accounting for 40 percent of the Company&#39;s worldwide sales. Lenovo&#39;s PC Plus push was strongest in China with 74 percent MIDH revenue growth and a revenue contribution in China of 21 percent. MIDH&#39;s profitability also continued to improve. Lenovo grew its number-one PC market share position in China, the world&#39;s largest PC market, to 31.7 percent, up 1.7 points year-over-year. Lenovo&#39;s PC shipments in China benefited from its deep penetration in emerging cities and the country&#39;s ongoing urbanization.   <br /> <br />·         In the Asia Pacific/Latin America region, Lenovo achieved 11.7 percent market share in the fourth fiscal quarter, up 1.1 points. With the regional PC market that was down 8.5 percent year-over-year, the Company grew its PC shipments across the region by one percent. Lenovo remained number one in Japan and increased its lead over the competition. Consolidated sales across the region totaled US$1.7 billion or 21 percent of Lenovo&#39;s worldwide sales, while operating margins were profitable.<br /> <br />·         Lenovo in Europe, Middle East &amp; Africa grew PC shipments during the fourth quarter by 11 percent and continued to strengthen its number two position in PCs across the region, with 11.8 percent market share, an increase of 3.2 share points year-over-year. This is a 30 point premium to the market that saw a 19.5 percent decline in the region. The Company had consolidated sales in the fourth quarter of US$1.8 billion, a year-over-year improvement of six percent, good for 24 percent of Lenovo&#39;s total worldwide sales. Operating profit margin was healthy at 2.3 percent, a 1.4 point increase year-over-year.<br /> <br />·         Lenovo&#39;s PC shipments in North America in the fourth fiscal quarter increased 9.8 percent year-over-year, in a market that fell by about 12 percent. In this environment, the Company gained 1.8 share points to a record high market share of 9.3 percent. Consolidated sales grew 13 percent year-over-year to US$1.2 billion in the fourth quarter, or 15 percent of Lenovo&#39;s total worldwide sales. In North America, Lenovo continues to have success in the high-end convertible consumer space, with devices like Yoga and Twist taking the number 1 position with nearly 50 percent market share.<br /> <br />PRODUCT OVERVIEW<br />·         Consolidated sales for Lenovo&#39;s laptop PC business worldwide in the fourth fiscal quarter decreased two percent year-over-year to US$4.2 billion, accounting for 53 percent of the Company&#39;s overall sales. During the same period, Lenovo&#39;s worldwide laptop PC shipments increased 0.4 percent, against the backdrop of an overall industry decrease of 14.2 percent. In the fourth quarter, Lenovo introduced several new consumer laptop PCs, led by the IdeaPad U310 and U410, mainstream thin and light Ultrabooks with 10-finger touch, and the IdeaPad Z400 and Z500 &#39;entertainment-optimized&#39; laptop PCs, featuring an immersive sound experience. For business customers, Lenovo introduced the new ThinkPad T431s, the thinnest &#39;T-series&#39; ever, the T-series being Lenovo&#39;s highest selling laptop line.<br /> <br />·         During the fourth fiscal quarter, Lenovo&#39;sdesktop PC shipments held flat worldwide year-over-year, against an industry decline of 12.2percent worldwide. Lenovo&#39;s desktop PC consolidated sales for the same period decreased two percent to US$2.4 billion, or 30 percent of the Company&#39;s overall sales worldwide. In the fourth quarter, Lenovo introduced Horizon, an all-in-one table PC and the Company&#39;s first &#39;interpersonal PC&#39;, a multi-user, multi-touch, multi-mode device for the home that allows users to turn their personal computing experience into a shared computing experience.<br /> <br />·         Lenovo held strong as China&#39;s number two smartphone maker, seeing rapid growth in all its Mobile Internet Digital Home (MIDH) product lines. The Company&#39;s smartphone shipments grew 206 percent in the fourth quarter, a significant premium to the overall market in China which grew 117 percent. This equates to a 3.5 year-over-over share point gain, or a fourth quarter market share of 13 percent. Consolidated sales of MIDH products rose 74 percent to US$736 million, nine percent of the Company&#39;s overall sales. Lenovo announced several new smartphones in the fourth quarter, led by the new K900, a premium 5.5-inch smartphone, with a super-slim 6.9 mm profile and high-performance camera; all running on an Intel Atom processor.<br /> <br /> <br />ABOUT LENOVO<br /> <br />Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$34 billion personal technology company &#8211; one of the top two PC makers in the world and an emerging PC Plus leader &#8211; serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo&#39;s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution.  Formed by Lenovo Group&#39;s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina.  For more information see <a href="http://www.lenovo.com" target="_blank">www.lenovo.com</a>.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID175076 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=HRD">Computer Hardware</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=CPR">Electronics</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/26jraTft_pc" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Minneapolis Bankruptcy Attorney Firm Bolinske Law Offers Individuals Facing Bankruptcy A Helping Hand</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=175069</link>
     <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 23:38:34 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Minneapolis, MN &#8211; Bolinske Law, a  bankruptcy law firm in Minnesota , is changing the way bankruptcy is affecting their clients and has got a lot of people talking. Michael and Chad at Bolinske Law p...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Minneapolis, MN &#8211; Bolinske Law, a <a href="http://www.bolinskelaw.com/bankruptcy-law" target="_blank"  >bankruptcy law firm in Minnesota</a>, is changing the way bankruptcy is affecting their clients and has got a lot of people talking. Michael and Chad at Bolinske Law provided some valuable insight into their strategy and why it is rapidly growing in popularity.<br /> <br />Bolinske Law&#39;s strategy for clients facing bankruptcy offers solutions that may or may not result in a bankruptcy filing. They have found the most important step for individuals or businesses facing bankruptcy is a detailed consultation to discuss alternatives to bankruptcy and long-term solutions to their fiscal problems. This has resulted in their clients being more aware of their choices, and ultimately allowing them to make more informed choices with less stress and hassle.<br /> <br />&#34;We have yet to see any <a href="http://www.bolinskelaw.com" target="_blank"  >bankruptcy attorneys in Minneapolis</a> come into the market and make such an immediate impact in their client&#39;s lives. Bolinske Law has revolutionized the entire way their clients experience the difficulty of facing a bankruptcy. We felt there needed to be more transparency and alternatives provided during bankruptcy consultation, completely exceeding our client&#39;s expectations&#39; explained firm partner, Michael Bolinske.<br /> <br />He went on to say Bolinske has also helped a lot of individuals and businesses in the areas of <a href="http://www.bolinskelaw.com/loan-workout-debt-settlement" target="_blank"  >debt settlement</a>, loan workout, and asset protection.<br /> <br />Bolinske Law provides bankruptcy consultation and advisory for both individuals and businesses in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the surrounding areas. They can be found online at <a href="http://www.bolinskelaw.com" target="_blank"  ><a href="http://www.bolinskelaw.com" target="_blank">www.bolinskelaw.com</a></a>.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID175069 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=CAL">Class Actions / Lawsuits</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=LAW">Legal Issues</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=PES">Personal Services</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/EcpgyKGW-E4" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>SoceanIQ Selected as Finalist for MIT Sloan CIO Symposium's Innovation Showcase</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=175059</link>
     <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 18:47:14 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Cambridge, MA &#8211; May 22, 2013 &#8211;  SoceanIQ, a global innovator in customer experience management systems, services and software  was selected to be one of ten finalists to be showcased at the 10th Annual MIT Sloan CIO S...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Cambridge, MA &#8211; May 22, 2013 &#8211; <strong>SoceanIQ, a global innovator in customer experience management systems, services and software</strong> was selected to be one of ten finalists to be showcased at the 10th Annual <a href="http://www.mitcio.com/" target="_blank"  >MIT Sloan CIO Symposium</a> in the 2013 Innovation Showcase.<br /> <br />SoceanIQ&#39;s <span style="font-style: italic">Contextually Responsive Experience Platform</span> represents a cutting edge B2B solution that combines strong value and innovation to enterprise IT.  <strong><span style="font-style: italic">SoceanIQ</span></strong> will receive key exposure to many of the world&#39;s most creative and influential IT executives at the Symposium on May 22, 2013.<br /> <br />After careful consideration, the Innovation Showcase Judges, (consisting of MIT faculty, entrepreneurs, and early-stage investors) chose <strong><span style="font-style: italic">SoceanIQ</span></strong> as it: <br /><br />
<ul><li>Is a start-up with less than $10 million in 2012 revenue or Series A VC funding</li><li>Is selling B2B or B2C enterprise IT solutions to CIOs or corporate departments</li><li>Shows innovation as well as potential impact on the top and bottom lines</li></ul><br />
<br />According to Adrian Amariei, CEO and Founder of SoceanIQ, current enterprise systems lack the ability to leverage context around customer interactions due to siloed marketing efforts that create complicated integration challenges.<br /> <br />&#39;Businesses need to be more flexible to deliver enhanced customer interactions beyond the indifference barrier of customers. This is the heart of SoceanIQ&#39;s customer-centric approach to business performance improvement and the means to enhancing results at a lower total cost of ownership. We are delivering a more compelling customer experience at a fraction of the cost of other solutions in the market today,&#39; said Adrian Amariei.  &#39;We are thrilled to have the opportunity to present our product to a distinguished audience at the 2013 MIT CIO Symposium.&#39;<br /> <br />&#39;We are pleased to award these top ten Innovation Showcase finalists, as their technologies represent cutting edge solutions with strategic value,&#39; said David L. Verrill, Executive Director of the MIT Center for Digital Business, and the Co-chair of the Innovation Showcase.  &#39;The Symposium provides these early-stage companies a foundation to demonstrate their solutions that are architecting the future of technology and creates an environment for valuable partnership opportunities.&#39;<br /> <br />For a full list of Innovation Showcase finalists visit <a href="http://www.mitcio.com/innovation" target="_blank">http://www.mitcio.com/innovation</a></p>

<p>The Innovation Showcase will take place at 5 PM in the Kresge courtyard tent on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at MIT, in Cambridge, MA. The full agenda of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is available at <a href="http://www.mitcio.com/agenda" target="_blank">www.mitcio.com/agenda</a>.</p>

<p><strong>About SoceanIQ:</strong><br />The SoceanIQ &#39;Insight Out Platform&#39; enables companies to utilize the knowledge they have about customers to provide personalized services fueled through the Amazon cloud.  Our one-to-one marketing capabilities allow customers to interact in the channels they prefer with customizable, two way interactions that enhance customer satisfaction and drive results.  To learn more about the SoceanIQ platform, visit <a href="http://www.soceaniq.com" target="_blank">www.soceaniq.com</a></p>

<p><strong>About the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium</strong><br />The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is the premier global event for CIOs and senior IT executives to become better business leaders. In one day, CIOs and senior IT executives receive actionable information that enables them to meet the challenges of today&#39;s changing global economy. The annual event offers a day of interactive learning and thought-provoking discourse on the future of technology, best practices, and business that is not available anywhere else. The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is organized and developed by a team from the MIT Sloan Alumni Club of Boston and the MIT Center for Digital Business. Visit <a href="http://www.mitcio.com" target="_blank">www.mitcio.com</a> for more information and registration.<br /> <br />To stay connected to the community developing around the Symposium, please join The Global CIO &amp; Executive IT Group (An MIT Sloan CIO Group), which can be found on Linkedin.com: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=1719457" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=1719457</a>. Follow Symposium updates on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/mitciosymposium" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/mitciosymposium</a>.<br /> <br />Journalists interested in a Symposium press credential should contact Derek Beckwith ( <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;:derek&#64;warnerpr.com">derek&#64;warnerpr.com</a> 617-331-3567) or Sadie Furlong ( <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;:sadie&#64;warnerpr.com">sadie&#64;warnerpr.com</a> 717-220-1804), Warner Communications.</p>

<p><strong>Contact:</strong><br />Jan Rimmel, SoceanIQ<br /><a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;:j.rimmel&#64;soceaniq.com">j.rimmel&#64;soceaniq.com</a> <br />508-734-0714</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID175059 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=ADV">Advertising / Marketing</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=HED">Higher Education</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=INS">Insurance</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=REA">Retail</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/jbvTqQ4pPCI" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Chase Helps 126,000 Homeowners In Completing the National Mortgage Settlement</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174994</link>
     <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:47:08 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ New York, NY  &#8211; Chase has helped 126,000 homeowners as it completed its consumer relief requirements under the National Mortgage Settlement two years ahead of time, the company announced today. ...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>New York, NY</strong> &#8211; Chase has helped 126,000 homeowners as it completed its consumer relief requirements under the National Mortgage Settlement two years ahead of time, the company announced today.  Chase provided consumers $11 billion in total mortgage relief &#8211; earning $4.2 billion in credits -- in just 13 months.  </p>

<p>&#39;We worked very hard to help homeowners as quickly as possible,&#39; said Kevin Watters, Chief Executive Officer of Mortgage Banking.</p>

<p>The company&#39;s efforts from March 1, 2012 through April 15, 2013 included:</p>

<p><ul><li>    Forgiving $2.9 billion in principal on first-lien mortgages</li><li>    Refinancing $3 billion of loans to underwater borrowers who were current on their mortgage</li><li>    Reducing customers&#39; loans by an average of $121,000 in forgiving principal while modifying first mortgages</li><li>    Forgiving an average of $118,000 to facilitate a short sale for those who couldn&#39;t afford a modified payment or no longer want to stay in their homes</li><li>    Implementing all 320 servicing standards as announced in October.</li></ul><br />
 </p>

<p>&#34;We have helped nearly 1 million homeowners in the most difficult years since the Great Depression,&#39; Watters said.   &#39;We have also invested in improving our processes and systems to help families achieve and sustain the American dream of homeownership.&#39;</p>

<p>Chase launched initiatives to lower borrowers&#39; interests, extend terms, defer principal and forgive principal to make monthly payments more affordable for struggling homeowners.  Since 2009, Chase has:</p>

<p><ul><li>    Reduced principal balances by $6.5 billion in first-lien modifications</li><li>    Helped nearly 1 million families avoid foreclosure</li><li>    Provided loan modifications to more than 600,000 borrowers, allowing them to stay in their homes</li></ul><br />
</p>

<p>All consumer relief credits are subject to validation by the Office of Mortgage Settlement. Even though Chase has fulfilled its consumer relief obligation under the National Mortgage Settlement, Chase continues to work with borrowers to explore reasonable alternatives to foreclosure, including principal reduction modifications where appropriate, and to help borrowers understand and access government-based homeowners&#39; assistance programs. </p>

<p><strong>About Chase</strong></p>

<p>Chase is the second-largest originator of U.S. mortgages, making $192 billion in new and refinanced mortgages in 2012. It services 7.6 million mortgages, and has modified 610,000 mortgages to help homeowners since 2008.  Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=JPM" target="_blank">NYSE: JPM</a>), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations worldwide.  Chase serves millions of consumers and small businesses through more than 5,600 bank branches, 18,600 ATMs, credit cards, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships. More information about Chase is available at <a href="http://www.chase.com" target="_blank">www.chase.com</a>.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174994 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=LAW">Legal Issues</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=PES">Personal Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=RLT">Real Estate</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/UlUpq3Lbr-Q" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Morgan Stanley Expands Partnership with Feeding America, Commits Additional $8 Million to Leading Hunger-Relief Charity</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174993</link>
     <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:43:21 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ New York  - Morgan Stanley today announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Feeding America through a new $8 million commitment to its Fill the Plate program and an expanded em...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>New York</strong> - Morgan Stanley today announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Feeding America through a new $8 million commitment to its Fill the Plate program and an expanded employee volunteer initiative with the organization. Feeding America is the nation&#39;s largest domestic hunger-relief charity and partners with Morgan Stanley on a range of programs including:</p>

<p><ul><li>    Individualized awards to local food banks over the next four years, including grants given this spring to 27 food banks, tailored to best serve the child and family nutritional health needs in each community;</li><br /><li>    Financial support of cutting-edge research to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of child hunger-relief programs;</li><br /><li>    Continuing assistance for the National Produce program that helps bring fresh produce to families in need across the United States through a network of 61,000 Feeding America partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters; and</li><br /><li>    Continuing assistance for the BackPack program that provides free backpacks with food staples so children who usually receive reduced or free lunch at school can get the nutritious meals they need over weekends or long school breaks.</li></ul><br />
</p>

<p><br />&#39;Giving back has been a cornerstone of Morgan Stanley&#39;s culture and values since our founding in 1935,&#39; said James P. Gorman, President and CEO of Morgan Stanley.  &#39;Our partnership with Feeding America has long been an important way for us to create impact, and I am proud of the innovative programs we have worked on together that give children the healthy start they need for lifelong achievement.&#39;</p>

<p>In this latest phase of Morgan Stanley&#39;s Fill the Plate initiative, awards to local food banks will total more than $1 million each year for the next four years.  The innovative design for this grant-giving allows individual food banks to select hunger-relief programs that most effectively match their local population and capabilities.  The awards provide groundbreaking flexibility to Feeding America and its hunger-relief network of over 200 food banks nationwide.</p>

<p>&#39;With more than 16 million children in the United States in danger of going hungry, we know that we can&#39;t solve this issue alone,&#39; said Bob Aiken, President and CEO of Feeding America.  &#39;This historic gift by Morgan Stanley shows the true commitment they have to help us fight hunger in all of our communities.  We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them in looking for ways to solve this problem.&#39;</p>

<p>For 50 years, the Morgan Stanley Foundation has supported employee communities and innovations in pediatric health through initiatives such as its Global Alliance for Children&#39;s Health.  Through Fill the Plate, Morgan Stanley is dedicated to addressing food insecurity.  Currently, one in five children in the U.S. does not have enough to eat, according to Feeding America&#39;s 2010 Hunger Study.</p>

<p>&#39;It is an honor for Morgan Stanley to strengthen its partnership with Feeding America in the fight against children&#39;s hunger.  At the same time, I take special pride in the efforts of individual Morgan Stanley employees who regularly spend time volunteering at Feeding America&#39;s network food banks across the country,&#39; said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley.  &#39;Morgan Stanley looks to bring intellectual capital, leadership and &#39;sweat equity&#39; to its partnership with Feeding America and with all of our community partners.&#39;</p>

<p><strong>About Morgan Stanley</strong><br />Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services.  The Firm&#39;s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries.  Through its Global Alliance for Children&#39;s Health, the Firm is dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of the world&#39;s youngest citizens.  For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit <a href="http://www.morganstanley.com" target="_blank">www.morganstanley.com</a>.  <br /> <br /><strong>About Feeding America</strong><br />Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive.  As the nation&#39;s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms.  For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit <a href="http://www.feedingamerica.org" target="_blank">www.feedingamerica.org</a>. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174993 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=COS">Commercial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=NPT">Not for profit</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/c67zOlJM1_c" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title> -  As Summer Approaches, South Florida Real Estate Market Heats Up</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174985</link>
     <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:39:08 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- According to a recent report by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors, the median price of a single family home in Broward County rose sharply by 26 percent from a year ago, while condos jumped 27 percent, a sign that the South ...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- According to a recent report by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors, the median price of a single family home in Broward County rose sharply by 26 percent from a year ago, while condos jumped 27 percent, a sign that the South Florida real estate market is finally starting to rebound. A similar trend also exists in Miami-Dade County and as a result, a South Florida real estate firm is encouraging investors and potential homeowners to take advantage of buying opportunities while they still exist.</p>

<p>&#39;We are seeing an increase in activity and the South Florida real estate market is finally coming out of the doldrums,&#39; said Cory Fritzler, founder and CEO of Investyle Real Estate, a South Florida real estate company that deals with the sale, rental and management of vacation units, condos and single family homes.</p>

<p>&#39;It&#39;s still a buyer&#39;s market, but that could change very soon if these trends continue,&#39; Fritzler added.</p>

<p>Historically-low interest rates and bargain real estate prices have also ignited activity, as well as foreign investors taking advantage of buying opportunities. Nearly 1,000 people per day are moving to Florida, many of which are coming for white collar jobs and a favorable climate &#8211; Fritzler notes that all of these individuals are in need of housing.</p>

<p>As a very active real estate agent in the Fort Lauderdale and South Florida areas, Cory Fritzler has a network of investors with inventories of homes for sale. He has an active knowledge of market trends, real estate values and deals to be purchased both as a primary residence or investment.</p>

<p>Investyle Real Estate also offers oversight and management of homes and condos for out-of-state investors. Its rental properties provide housing to vacationers and snowbirds in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and other areas of South Florida. The company weathered the recent downturn and is now positioning itself to capitalize on the current market environment.</p>

<p>&#39;South Florida is still one of the best places in the country to invest in real estate. A combination of great weather, beautiful beaches and a strong job market will continue to decrease inventory and drive up prices,&#39; says Fritzler. &#39;Buyers will see better deals sooner rather than later.&#39;</p>

<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.investylerealestate.com" target="_blank">http://www.investylerealestate.com</a> or call 1-305-978-3715.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174985 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MFD">Financial Markets</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MAV">Media Advisory</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=RLT">Real Estate</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/lalVSoeZ2ww" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Buying vs. Leasing a New Car: Which Option is Best for You?</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174978</link>
     <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:02:07 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[It seems that everyone in the market for a new car goes through the same debate:  buying vs. leasing . Which option is best, and when should consumers consider choosing one o...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It seems that everyone in the market for a new car goes through the same debate: <a href="http://www.bfgfcu.org/home/loans/consumer/auto_loans/new_car_loans" target="_blank"  >buying vs. leasing</a>. Which option is best, and when should consumers consider choosing one over the other? It&#39;s important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each, so that a smart decision can be made based upon each person&#39;s best interests.<br /> <br />First, let&#39;s take a quick minute to review what happens when cars are purchased, versus when they are leased. When buying a new or used car and financing with an auto loan, after all of the monthly payments are made, the buyer owns the vehicle outright. When leasing a vehicle, after the agreed upon payments and lease term runs its course, the individual either needs to buy that car, or buy or lease a new vehicle.<br /> <br />The upsides to leasing a vehicle are that it provides consumers with the ability to always be driving a new vehicle. After a two or three year lease, they can get the latest model and all of the new features, and enjoy making use of a brand new car once again. Lease payments can be lower on a month-to-month basis, but that payment will never go away or decrease because once the lease term is up, another payment takes its place.<br /> <br />The upside to buying a vehicle with <a href="http://www.bfgfcu.org/home/loans/consumer/auto_loans/new_car_loans" target="_blank"  >new car loans</a> is that consumers end up actually owning the vehicle; it&#39;s an investment that can be kept long after payments are finished. This means, as long as the car continues to be in good working order, consumers can go years without needing to make that monthly car payment.<br /> <br />Another benefit of using an auto loan to buy a car is that there aren&#39;t restrictions on mileage and wear and tear constraints, as there are with leases, which can cost drivers in a major way. Additionally, insurance coverage is more affordable for individuals who buy a car, than those who lease a car.<br /> <br />When consumers can find favorable new <a href="http://www.bfgfcu.org/home/loans/consumer/auto_loans" target="_blank"  >car loan rates</a>, it&#39;s almost always a better financial decision to buy. Additionally, by seeking out an auto loan from outside of the car dealer itself, consumers are typically able to receive even lower rates, along with reduced or eliminated down payments, take advantage of full manufacturer rebates, and a variety of other benefits.<br /> <br />If the vehicle is used for business purposes, both leasing and purchasing have beneficial tax advantages.  Consult your tax advisor to determine which is best for your specific situation.<br /> <br />Although many dealers promote lease options through advertising, it&#39;s a fact that roughly 80% of consumers end up buying their cars, as opposed to leasing. Each person may have his or her own circumstances and preferences, but most find that with reasonable <a href="http://www.bfgfcu.org/home/loans/consumer/rates" target="_blank"  >new car loan rates</a>, buying is the way to go.<br /> <br />BFG Federal Credit Union provides fantastic, low new car loan rates that make buying a new car a wise financial decision and investment. A credit union with locations in Akron, Hudson and Twinsburg, BFG provides its services to all individuals who live, work and worship in Summit County, Ohio.<br /> <br />BFG also provides a wealth of resources for its members, including loan calculators, informative guides and comparisons, and more, ensuring that each person knows the ins and outs of what they are getting involved with when it comes to an auto loan, as well as all other financial commitments. Visit them online at BFGFCU.org or call 800.336.4400 to speak with a representative directly and ask any questions pertaining to new car loans.<br /> <br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174978 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=AUT">Automotive</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/Ma5jgzFThtg" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>BroadGroup Consulting advises GMT Communications Partners in recent IT-Ernity transaction</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174954</link>
     <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 09:08:43 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ BroadGroup Consulting advises GMT Communications Partners in recent IT-Ernity transaction  -    -  International consulting firm BroadGroup (www.broad-group.com) is pleased to announce that it has conducted the commercial due diligence for GMT Comm...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>BroadGroup Consulting advises GMT Communications Partners in recent IT-Ernity transaction</strong><br /> <br />International consulting firm BroadGroup (<a href="http://www.broad-group.com" target="_blank">www.broad-group.com</a>) is pleased to announce that it has conducted the commercial due diligence for GMT Communications Partners and Veronis Suhler Stevenson in a recent transaction providing growth capital to IT-Ernity in connection with the acquisition of a majority shareholding.<br /> <br />IT-Ernity is a leading provider of business critical managed hosting services for SMBs in the Netherlands.<br /> <br />Founded in 2002 by its Managing Director, Sebastiaan de Koning, and R&amp;D Manager, Tom Pfeifer, IT-Ernity offers a comprehensive catalogue of standardised fully managed hosting solutions, including system administration, protection, security, application management and other services. Through the shared services and connectivity categories, the company offers shared hosting, domain registration and secure infrastructure connectivity through xDSL and fibre. Since 2008, the Company has increased in scale through fourteen acquisitions, strengthening its existing customer base and services portfolio.<br /> <br />BroadGroup has acquired a leading reputation as a provider of specialist consulting services in the datacentre, hosting and cloud services space. Over the past five years it has conducted commercial due diligence, management consulting, demand studies and business model evaluation for private equity, investor and banking clients.<br /> <br />Steve Wallage, managing director of BroadGroup Consulting will be providing the annual state of the market address at Datacentres Europe 2013 which takes place 29-30 May in Nice, France (<a href="http://www.datacentreseurope.com/" target="_blank"  ><a href="http://www.datacentreseurope.com" target="_blank">www.datacentreseurope.com</a></a>). The event also includes a Finance and Investment for Datacenters panel discussion.<br /> <br />Enquiries: <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;:enquiries&#64;broad-group.com">enquiries&#64;broad-group.com</a><br />Telephone + 44 (0) 20 1995 732<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174954 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=NET">Computer Networks</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MFD">Financial Markets</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=ITE">Internet Technology</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=TLS">Telecommunications</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/67jnZiAGkTg" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Agreement provides for LevelUp to Integrate via Cloud Connect to NCR Restaurant POS Systems</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174895</link>
     <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 12:44:19 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ DULUTH, Ga.  &#8211; NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today announced an agreement for LevelUp to integrate their mobile payment and loyalty solution into NCR&#39;s restaurant POS systems, giving restaurants a...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>DULUTH, Ga.</strong> &#8211; NCR Corporation (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NCR" target="_blank">NYSE: NCR</a>) today announced an agreement for LevelUp to integrate their mobile payment and loyalty solution into NCR&#39;s restaurant POS systems, giving restaurants another way to accept mobile payments and market to their customers. The integration will provide restaurants with an easy-to-use digital payment method and offer consumers a seamless experience when paying for their meal with the LevelUp application.</p>

<p>LevelUp will initially interface with the industry-leading NCR Aloha POS using a site-based integration, while in parallel developing its solution for deployment via NCR Cloud Connect expected later this year. LevelUp will be one of the first companies to integrate into Cloud Connect, a new hosted infrastructure that will allow leading third parties to integrate, maintain and deploy their solution across NCR&#39;s install base of more than 100,000 locations on the Aloha, Radiant POS and Advanced Restaurant System platforms.</p>

<p>Today&#39;s restaurant operator wants to leverage technology in an integrated way to make their everyday life easier. Gartner estimates mobile payments worldwide will have 448 million users and account for $617 billion in transaction value by 2016*.</p>

<p>&#39;LevelUp has always known that in order for mobile payments to become a standard for merchants, we need to provide a solution that seamlessly fits into their existing systems. The NCR relationship is significant because it makes using LevelUp simple for the tens of thousands of restaurants who already run Aloha,&#39; said Seth Priebatsch, chief ninja at LevelUp. &#39;NCR understands what it takes to help restaurants keep pace with technology, and by integrating LevelUp, we are helping them get the great tools they need to run their businesses better.&#39;</p>

<p>NCR&#39;s open API software enables integration to the Aloha POS by approved third-party applications. With this integration, restaurants using Aloha POS will be able to accept LevelUp transactions faster and easier than ever before. First, LevelUp transactions will be seamlessly logged with all other cash and credit card transactions, making reconciling the day&#39;s receipts simple. Second, data from LevelUp campaigns will be automatically integrated into a restaurant&#39;s existing Aloha POS system.  </p>

<p>&#39;As the leading provider of technology to the restaurant industry in the U.S., NCR is committed to bringing a wide variety of in-house and third-party mobile and digital wallet technologies to our customers, adding more value to their businesses,&#39; said Kim Eaton, SVP and GM of NCR Hospitality. &#39;Using this new integration platform, our customers can choose the technology that is the best fit for their operations and for delivering exceptional experiences to their guests.&#39;</p>

<p>&#39;As the Managing Partner of a restaurant chain that uses NCR Aloha POS and is soon to launch a white-labeled LevelUp application, I was really excited to hear about this integration,&#39; said Brett Schulman, CEO and co-founder of Cava Mezze Grill. &#39;In the restaurant space, having all payment transaction and marketing campaign data seamlessly filter into one system will ultimately allow us to make smarter business decisions and forge deeper connections with our customers.&#39;</p>

<p>*Forecast: Mobile Payment, Worldwide, 2009-2016.&#34; The report is available on Gartner&#39;s website at <a href="http://www.gartner.com/resId=2010515" target="_blank">http://www.gartner.com/resId=2010515</a></p>

<p><strong>About LevelUp</strong><br />LevelUp is a revolutionary new way to pay. Users pay with their phone, saving time and money. Businesses pay 0% payment processing fees and re-invest those savings into growing their businesses by attracting new customers and bringing them back. LevelUp is a part of SCVNGR, which is backed by Google Ventures, Balderton Capital, Continental Advisors, Highland Capital, Transmedia Capital and T-Venture, the venture arm of Deutsche-Telekom.</p>

<p><strong>About NCR Corporation</strong><br />NCR Corporation (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NCR" target="_blank">NYSE: NCR</a>) is the global leader in consumer transaction technologies, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of services, NCR enables more than 300 million transactions daily across the retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology industries. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier.</p>

<p>NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with over 26,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174895 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=STW">Computer Software</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=ECM">Electronic / Internet Commerce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=RST">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/kK7RWQuVj4g" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>VASCO Announces Acquisition of Cronto (United Kingdom)</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174892</link>
     <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 12:36:22 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., and ZURICH, Switzerland  - VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (NASDAQ: VDSI), (www.vasco.com ),  a leading software security company specializing in authentication p...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., and ZURICH, Switzerland</strong> - VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VDSI" target="_blank">NASDAQ: VDSI</a>), (<a href="http://www.vasco.com" target="_blank">www.vasco.com</a> ),  a leading software security company specializing in authentication products and services, today announced its acquisition of Cronto,  of Cambridge (UK), a provider of secure visual transaction authentication solutions for online banking (<a href="http://www.cronto.com" target="_blank">www.cronto.com</a> ). VASCO acquired all of the stock of Cronto in exchange for an initial cash consideration of Euro 15 million and contingent cash consideration in the form of an earn-out of up to a maximum of Euro 2 million (combined, approximately $21.9 million using the exchange rate of 1.29). </p>

<p>The acquisition was financed from VASCO&#39;s existing cash balances.  The acquisition is expected to be dilutive in 2013, due in large part to the amortization of purchased intangible assets.  The acquisition is expected to be accretive in 2014.</p>

<p>Cronto was founded in 2005 as a University of Cambridge spin-out and is the market leader in the field of secure visual transaction authentication and signature solutions for online banking applications. The CrontoSign solution (also known as photoTAN) has been chosen to secure transactions of customers of leading German and Swiss banks such as Commerzbank AG and Raiffeisen Switzerland.</p>

<p>Cronto&#39;s patented CrontoSign technology is a simple, user friendly and effective way to withstand even very sophisticated attacks by Trojan malware, targeting online banking services.  CrontoSign protects against such attacks as it allows the bank to establish a secure optical communication channel with the client. Account holders can simply &#39;scan&#39; a CrontoSign image displayed on their bank&#39;s website and verify the details of the payment on a trusted display. They can choose between the CrontoSign mobile application or a dedicated CrontoSign hardware device.</p>

<p>VASCO will add the patented CrontoSign products to its offerings for the global banking market.<br />In a later phase, VASCO anticipates that Cronto&#39;s products will be integrated into MYDIGIPASS.COM, VASCO&#39;s strong authentication platform to secure the consumers&#39; online applications/accounts.</p>

<p>VASCO expects that Cronto will contribute greatly to VASCO&#39;s future innovation efforts, due to its knowledge and expertise in advanced statistical data analysis and machine learning algorithms that underpins high speed and reliability of image based transactions and due to its close ties with the University of Cambridge.</p>

<p> &#39;The acquisition of Cronto is a strong example of VASCO investing in its future growth,&#39; states T. Kendall Hunt, VASCO&#39;s Chairman and CEO. &#39;Through our make-or-buy strategy for new technologies, we will keep scanning the market for suitable companies to join VASCO. Today, we would like to welcome Cronto&#39;s management and staff into the VASCO family.&#39;</p>

<p>&#39;Our objectives are to reinforce our leadership position in the banking authentication market and to become a successful business-to-consumer authentication services provider. The acquisition of Cronto is a significant step forward in helping us achieve both objectives,&#39; says Jan Valcke, VASCO&#39;s President and COO. &#39;Cronto adds important innovative authentication technology to VASCO&#39;s technology portfolio, traditionally a point of attention for a market driven company like VASCO.&#39;</p>

<p>&#39;CrontoSign helps to bring trust in the online environment and to protect against Man-in-the-Browser and social engineering attacks. It is also highly accepted by the end users due to the simplicity of its operations, delivering the secure &#39;What you see is what you sign (WYSIWYS)&#39; experience at one touch of a button.&#39; said Igor Drokov, CEO and co-founder of Cronto. &#39;Joining forces with VASCO will allow us to leverage their leading position in the global authentication &amp; security market bringing this and future products to new customers and new applications worldwide.&#39;</p>

<p>Dr. Elena Punskaya, Cronto&#39;s co-founder and CTO added: &#39;The combination of the experience and R&amp;D capacity will allow Cronto and VASCO to continue to identify new opportunities and implement the market vision, taking advantage of Cronto&#39;s position in Cambridge, UK &#8211; an undisputed centre in the global innovation landscape.&#39;</p>

<p><br /><strong>About VASCO</strong><br />VASCO is a leading supplier of strong authentication and e-signature solutions and services specializing in Internet Security applications and transactions. VASCO has positioned itself as global software company for Internet Security serving a customer base of approximately 10,000 companies in more than 100 countries, including approximately 1,700 international financial institutions. VASCO&#39;s prime markets are the financial sector, enterprise security, e-commerce and e-government.</p>

<p><span style="font-style: italic">Forward Looking Statements:</span><br />This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include, among other things, our expectations regarding the DigiNotar bankruptcy process and our ability to recover related amounts held in escrow, as well as the prospects of, and developments and business strategies for VASCO and our operations, including the development and marketing of certain new products and the anticipated future growth in certain markets in which we currently market and sell our products or anticipate selling and marketing our products in the future. These forward-looking statements (1) are identified by use of terms and phrases such as &#39;expect&#39;, &#39;believe&#39;, &#39;will&#39;, &#39;anticipate&#39;, &#39;emerging&#39;, &#39;intend&#39;, &#39;plan&#39;, &#39;could&#39;, &#39;may&#39;, &#39;estimate&#39;, &#39;should&#39;, &#39;objective&#39;, &#39;goal&#39;, &#39;possible&#39;, &#39;potential&#39; and similar words and expressions, but such words and phrases are not the exclusive means of identifying them, and (2) are subject to risks and uncertainties and represent our present expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Although VASCO believes that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct.  VASCO cautions that the forward-looking statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, unanticipated costs associated with DigiNotar&#39;s bankruptcy or potential claims that may arise in connection with the hacking incidents at DigiNotar.  Additional risks, uncertainties and other factors have been described in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and include, but are not limited to, (a) risks of general market conditions, including currency fluctuations and the uncertainties resulting from turmoil in world economic and financial markets, (b) risks inherent to the computer and network security industry, including rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, increasingly sophisticated hacking attempts, increasing numbers of patent infringement claims, changes in customer requirements, price competitive bidding, and changing government regulations, and (c) risks specific to VASCO, including, demand for our products and services, competition from more established firms and others, pressures on price levels and our historical dependence on relatively few products, certain suppliers and certain key customers. Thus, the results that we actually achieve may differ materially from any anticipated results included in, or implied by these statements. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the U.S. federal securities laws, we do not have any obligations or intention to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.</p>

<p>This document may contain trademarks of VASCO Data Security International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including VASCO, the VASCO &#39;V&#39; design, DIGIPASS, VACMAN, aXsGUARD and IDENTIKEY.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174892 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=ECM">Electronic / Internet Commerce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=HTS">High Tech Security</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=ITE">Internet Technology</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/Et4YLKjaNM4" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>HiLITE Business Park &#x2013;Unveiling the most prestigious workspace at HiLITE City</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174857</link>
     <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 01:58:25 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ Calicut, 20th May 2013:  HiLITE Business Park, a part of the 32,00,000 sq. ft. HiLITE City at Calicut is one-of-a-kind office complex with world-class infrastructure set amid 16 acres of lush and verdant surroundings. HiLITE City, located on th...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Calicut, 20th May 2013: </strong>HiLITE Business Park, a part of the 32,00,000 sq. ft. HiLITE City at Calicut is one-of-a-kind office complex with world-class infrastructure set amid 16 acres of lush and verdant surroundings. HiLITE City, located on the NH 17 Bypass, is one HiLITE Builders&#39; most ambitious undertaking yet. Convenience and luxury meet at HiLITE Business Park. It is the perfect workplace with more than hundred plush office spaces. We are the first in Kerala to provide a business park that accommodates both IT and non IT sectors. Gone are the days when futuristic office spaces and state-of-the-art facilities are seen only in IT parks and their offices. With HiLITE Business Park, business takes on a new definition.<br /> <br />The Business Park boasts of thirteen-storied towers with more than hundred office spaces ranging from 1125 sq. ft. to 19,000 sq. ft along with facility management and coffee shops. The towers are aesthetically designed in an &#39;S&#39; shape that provides an excellent view from all angles. Its spectacular architecture and breathtaking interior features will leave you spell-bound from the moment you step in. With an impressive five tiered car park and a redefined workplace that ensures maximum ventilation, HiLITE Business Park is the most desirable address for any business.<br /> <br />Taking full advantage of its location, HiLite Business Park offers unlimited facilities and features.From being fully centralized air conditioned to having a business centre, 250+ seats multipurpose hall and board rooms, HiLITE Business Park has it all. It is an all encompassing destination for all businesses and offices. With swank new office spaces, HiLITE Business Park is now ready to fit out.<br /> <br />As a part of HiLITE Group&#39;s Expansion plan, we have forayed into the education sector by starting a chain of schools called- &#39;The White School&#39; in Kerala. We have also started an Interior design Company called HiLITE Interiors at Calicut. New shopping malls at Trichur &amp; Kannur and two residential projects in Calicut are in the offing.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><strong>HiLITE &#8211; The success story </strong><br /> <br />HiLITE Builders Private Limited has been developing property since 2003 with our headquarters in Calicut, and over a short span of a decade has matured enough to become one of the most trusted builders in the region. From towering up of some of Kerala&#39;s finest residential apartments to giving life to world-class shopping malls, HiLITE Builders has come a long way up in the Kerala real estate scenario. The builder has by now completed many landmark projects like HiLITE Metromax, the first CRISIL rated project in North Kerala and The Focus Mall - Kerala&#39;s first shopping Mall, which brought about nothing short of a revolution in the shopping landscape of the state. The ongoing and upcoming project line is even more breathtaking with some of the finest plans the state has ever seen.<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Press release issued on behalf of HiLITE Builders- Mr. Vinod Paul, Sr. Marketing Manager, Mob.8606007878</strong><br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174857 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=INS">Insurance</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=RLT">Real Estate</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=REA">Retail</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/XcPDtspzsr4" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Accenture Selected by Tokyo Metropolitan Government to Recruit Foreign Companies to Locate Their Asian Regional Headquarters in City's Special Zone</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174858</link>
     <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 01:29:09 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Companies receive tax and deregulation benefits, financial assistance and consulting services -    -  TOKYO &#8211; Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) to recruit ...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Companies receive tax and deregulation benefits, financial assistance and consulting services<br /> <br />TOKYO &#8211; Accenture (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=ACN" target="_blank">NYSE: ACN</a>) has been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) to recruit 10 or more foreign companies to establish their Asian regional headquarters or research and development (R&amp;D) centers in Tokyo&#39;s Special Zone for Asian Headquarters by March 2014. The TMG plans to recruit 500 foreign companies, with an initial target of establishing 50 regional headquarters, in the Special Zone by 2016.<br /> <br />Leveraging its management consulting skills and capabilities, Accenture will develop a list of promising foreign companies, targeting industries with the potential to enhance the region&#39;s international competitiveness. The company also will promote the attractiveness of Tokyo as an ideal region for business expansion.<br /> <br />&#39;Accenture will encourage exceptional companies, with superior technologies and services, to establish their regional headquarters in the Special Zone and take advantage of all that Tokyo has to offer as one of the best cities in Asia for doing business,&#39; said Hiroshi Goto, who leads Accenture&#39;s Health &amp; Public Service business in Japan. &#39;At the same time, we will advise the TMG on actions to consider to improve the business, government and living environments to help strengthen both Tokyo&#39;s and Japan&#39;s global competitive positioning.&#39;<br /> <br />Foreign companies that locate their Asian regional headquarters in the Special Zone will benefit from preferential tax treatment, bold deregulation and a generous package of financial assistance from the TMG, as well as management consulting services from Accenture to help them through the decision-making process.<br /> <br />The following are some of the specific benefits for which companies in the Special Zone will be eligible:</p>

<p>    &#8226; Preferential Tax Treatment: If newly established Japanese corporations locate their Asian headquarters or R&amp;D centers in Tokyo, and satisfy certain requirements, they will be eligible to receive either a reduced effective corporate tax rate, competitive with other Asian cities, or special depreciation rates (e.g. 50 percent of machinery acquisition costs, 25 percent of building acquisition costs) or an investment tax credit (e.g.15 percent of machinery acquisition costs, 8 percent of building acquisition costs).<br />     <br />    &#8226; Subsidy programs: Subsidies, through the TMG, will be provided for up to 50 percent of recruiting costs, the cost of establishing offices in Tokyo and various notification costs, etc., when locating an office in the Special Zone.<br />     <br />    &#8226; Consulting services: Accenture will provide management consulting services to foreign companies in the process of examining entry or expansion into the Japanese market until their final decision to locate their Asian regional headquarters or R&amp;D centers in Tokyo. Accenture&#39;s services will include the formulation of growth strategies, market research and analysis and the identification of business partners.<br />     <br />    &#8226; Use of business development center: Companies are able to make full use of the Business Development Center Tokyo, which provides one-stop services by full-time bilingual staff, mainly supporting sales channel development, including responding to overall business inquiries, such as incorporation of enterprise and helping expatriates adjust to life in Tokyo. The services are provided through Mitsubishi Estate, commissioned by the TMG.</p>

<p> <br />Learn more about the Special Zone for Asian Headquarters  and Accenture&#39;s work in Operations &amp; Management and its global program Delivering Public Service for the Future.<br /> <br />About Accenture<br />Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with 261,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world&#39;s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US $27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is <a href="http://www.accenture.com" target="_blank">www.accenture.com</a>.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174858 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=GOV">Government</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=POL">Politics</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/sVtZVXeP7tM" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>IFC Helps Mongolian Bank Improve Corporate Governance</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174838</link>
     <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 13:45:52 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia &#8212; IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with Capital Bank LLC to improve its corporate governance practices, which will help boost its operational effici...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia &#8212; IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with Capital Bank LLC to improve its corporate governance practices, which will help boost its operational efficiency.</p>

<p>IFC will assess the bank&#39;s existing corporate governance practices and help align them with international best practices. IFC will also advise and train directors, managers, and major shareholders in the key areas of board functions, internal control and disclosure.</p>

<p>&#39;Good governance will increase Capital Bank&#39;s operational efficacy and transparency,&#39; said Ariunbold Agvaanjamba, the bank&#39;s executive director. &#39;As a member of Bishrelt Holding Co., one of Mongolia&#39;s largest trading and services companies, we are committed to bringing our corporate governance practices to the next level to support Bishrelt&#39;s and our future growth.&#39;</p>

<p>Driven by its natural resources sector, Mongolia grew 12.5 percent last year and is one of the world&#39;s fastest-growing economies. Mongolian businesses are eager to strengthen their institutional capacity in order to cope with the rapidly changing market.</p>

<p>Capital Bank, the first commercial bank in Mongolia with 61 branches, is the third bank to join IFC&#39;s Mongolia Corporate Governance Program, following XacBank and Khan Bank.</p>

<p>&#39;Improving corporate governance is one of IFC&#39;s global priorities in emerging markets like Mongolia,&#39; said Ian Crosby, IFC&#39;s manager for sustainable business advisory in East Asia and the Pacific. &#39;Mongolia&#39;s banking industry plays an important role in the economy and has set sustainable business models for more local businesses to follow.&#39;</p>

<p>In partnership with Japan and the Netherlands, IFC has organized training and consultations for more than 300 Mongolian companies and banks since 2009.</p>

<p>About IFC<br />IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, mobilizing capital in international financial markets, and providing advisory services to businesses and governments. In FY12, our investments reached an all-time high of more than $20 billion, leveraging the power of the private sector to create jobs, spark innovation, and tackle the world&#39;s most pressing development challenges. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.ifc.org" target="_blank">www.ifc.org</a>.</p>

<p>Stay Connected<br /><a href="http://www.ifc.org/eastasia" target="_blank">www.ifc.org/eastasia</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/IFC_EAP" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/IFC_EAP</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/IFCindonesia" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/IFCindonesia</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/IFCwbg" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/IFCwbg</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/IFCvideocasts" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/IFCvideocasts</a>  </p>

<p><a href="http://www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex" target="_blank">www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex</a></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174838 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=GOV">Government</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/NLRg69fX7Cc" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>ICE Clear Europe Named 2013 Clearing House of the Year by Energy Risk Magazine</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174832</link>
     <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 12:49:04 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ LONDON  -- IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading operator of global markets and clearing houses, announced today that ICE Clear Europe has been named Clearing House of the Year for 201...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>LONDON</strong> -- IntercontinentalExchange (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=ICE" target="_blank">NYSE: ICE</a>), a leading operator of global markets and clearing houses, announced today that ICE Clear Europe has been named Clearing House of the Year for 2013 by Energy Risk magazine.</p>

<p>An editorial panel at Energy Risk, a leading energy and financial risk management magazine, selected ICE Clear Europe as part of its annual awards. Among the factors considered were strengths in innovation, infrastructure, systems and organization, client service and risk management in the energy sector.</p>

<p>Paul Swann, ICE Clear Europe President and Managing Director, said: &#34;ICE Clear Europe is delighted to receive this award for 2013 which was a significant year in terms of responding to ongoing changes in the regulatory landscape. We take great pride in our innovation and in our ability to respond quickly to meet our customers&#39; needs.&#34;</p>

<p>ICE Clear Europe was established in 2008 as the first new clearing house in the UK for over 100 years and at launch, transitioned more than US $16 billion initial margin and 26 million energy contracts from LCH.Clearnet to ICE Clear Europe.</p>

<p>Today, ICE Clear Europe has 69 members and provides multi-asset clearing services for energy and credit derivatives. In connection with the execution of the Clearing Services Agreement with LIFFE Administration and Management and subject to regulatory no-objection, ICE Clear Europe will extend its clearing services to include interest rate, fixed income, foreign exchange, equity and agricultural commodity derivatives. For more information on ICE Clear Europe, please visit <a href="https://www.theice.com/clear_europe.jhtml" target="_blank">https://www.theice.com/clear_europe.jhtml</a>.</p>

<p>Editor&#39;s Notes</p>

<p><strong>About IntercontinentalExchange</strong><br />IntercontinentalExchange (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=ICE" target="_blank">NYSE: ICE</a>) is a leading operator of regulated exchanges and clearing houses serving the risk management needs of global markets for agricultural, credit, currency, emissions, energy and equity index products. <a href="http://www.theice.com" target="_blank">www.theice.com</a>. The following are trademarks of IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. and/or its affiliated companies: IntercontinentalExchange, ICE, ICE and block design, ICE Futures Europe, ICE Clear Europe, ICE Clear Canada, ICE Clear US, ICE Clear Credit, ICE Futures U.S., and ICE OTC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information regarding registered trademarks owned by IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. and/or its affiliated companies, see <a href="https://www.theice.com/terms.jhtml" target="_blank">https://www.theice.com/terms.jhtml</a></p>

<p><strong>Safe Harbor Statement</strong><br />Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - Statements in this press release regarding IntercontinentalExchange&#39;s business that are not historical facts are &#34;forward-looking statements&#34; that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE&#39;s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE&#39;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on February 6, 2013.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174832 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MFD">Financial Markets</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MAG">Magazines</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=OTC">OTC / SmallCap</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/lptJKLqdAwM" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>BNP Paribas Wealth Management Wins Best International Clients Team and UHNW Team for Europe-based Private Bank by WealthBriefing</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174827</link>
     <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 11:50:46 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[BNP Paribas Wealth Management wins the Best International Clients Team and UHNW Team awards for Europe-based Private Bank by WealthBriefing, a premier news and information source for the global privat...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>BNP Paribas Wealth Management wins the Best International Clients Team and UHNW Team awards for Europe-based Private Bank by WealthBriefing, a premier news and information source for the global private banking industry.</p>

<p>The awards were designed to recognise companies, teams and individuals deemed to have &#39;demonstrated innovation and excellence during 2012&#39;.</p>

<p>Commenting on the awards, WealthBriefing said, &#39;These awards recognise the very best operators in the private client industry, with &#39;independence&#39;, &#39;integrity&#39; and &#39;genuine insight&#39; the watchwords of the judging process - such that the awards truly reflect excellence in wealth management.&#39;</p>

<p>UHNWI individuals demand a suite of products and services which are different from those provided by a typical financial advisor. BNP Paribas Wealth Management has therefore created a dedicated structure and offering - Key Client Group - for its most strategic clients which balances a close personal approach with extensive financial expertise.</p>

<p>Vincent Lecomte and Sofia Merlo, Co-CEOs of BNP Paribas Wealth Management, commented on the results, &#39;Our teams are particularly proud to have been recognised for serving our clients&#39; expectations with the highest degree of expertise. We strive daily to meet those expectations&#39;.</p>

<p>These awards add to BNP Paribas Wealth Management&#39;s luminous industry recognitions:</p>

<p><strong>Private Banker International 2012</strong><br />No.1 « Outstanding Private Bank in Europe »<br />No.2 « Equal Outstanding Global Private Bank »<br />Best Foreign Private Bank in Hong Kong</p>

<p><br /><strong>PWM/The Banker Global Private Banking Awards 2012</strong><br />Best Private Bank in France<br />Best Private Bank for Philanthropy Services</p>

<p><br /><strong>Asian Private Banker 2012</strong><br />Best Private Bank in Taiwan<br />Best Private Bank - Alternative Investments</p>

<p><br /><strong>About BNP Paribas Wealth</strong><br />Management(<a href="http://www.wealthmanagement.bnpparibas.com" target="_blank">www.wealthmanagement.bnpparibas.com</a>)<br />BNP Paribas Wealth Management is the world&#39;s 7th largest private bank, present in some 30 countries. Over 6,000 professionals, based in every major financial centre, provide a private investor clientele with solutions for optimising and managing their assets. The bank has &#8364;277 billion worth of assets under management (as at end of March 2013)<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174827 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=COS">Commercial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MFD">Financial Markets</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=PES">Personal Services</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/_NzNPVsSr9Y" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>GGP and TIAA-CREF Enter Partnership to Own The Grand Canal Shoppes</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174824</link>
     <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 11:36:56 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[CHICAGO and NEW YORK, &#8211; General Growth Properties, Inc. (NYSE: GGP) and TIAA-CREF announced today they have formed a partnership to own and operate The Grand Canal Shoppes, including The Shoppes at th...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>CHICAGO and NEW YORK, &#8211; General Growth Properties, Inc. (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=GGP" target="_blank">NYSE: GGP</a>) and TIAA-CREF announced today they have formed a partnership to own and operate The Grand Canal Shoppes, including The Shoppes at the Palazzo, located in Las Vegas, Nev.</p>

<p>The Grand Canal Shoppes is located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip within The Venetian and The Palazzo hotel, casino and resort complex. The property is 99 percent leased and comprises approximately 774,000 square feet of gross leasable area occupied by upscale retailers and restaurants. The Grand Canal Shoppes generates more than $1,000 of sales per square foot.</p>

<p>Effective with the partnership formation, GGP and TIAA-CREF will each own approximately 50 percent of The Grand Canal Shoppes. The partnership is limited to the retail portion of the property. Prior to the formation of the partnership, GGP owned 100 percent of the property. The transaction generated approximately $410 million of net proceeds, and GGP will continue to provide management and leasing services.</p>

<p>TIAA-CREF continues to seek opportunities in regional retail properties with strong income streams as part of a well-diversified real estate portfolio. The company has $33 billioni in private real estate investments in the office, retail, industrial and multifamily sectors across the United States, Canada and Western Europe.</p>

<p>About GGP<br />General Growth Properties is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping high quality retail properties throughout the United States. GGP&#39;s portfolio is comprised of 124 malls in the United States comprising approximately 124 million square feet. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.</p>

<p>About TIAA-CREF<br />TIAA-CREF (<a href="http://www.tiaa-cref.org" target="_blank">www.tiaa-cref.org</a>) is a national financial services organization with $520 billion in assets under management (as of March 31, 2013) and is the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields.</p>

<p><br />-----<br />TIAA-CREF Individual &amp; Institutional Services, LLC and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., members FINRA, distribute securities products.</p>

<p>i As of Dec. 31, 2012</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174824 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=RLT">Real Estate</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=REA">Retail</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/4G-Ti8Ra4eU" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>AMI Research Initiates Analyst Coverage On Diagnostic Imaging International Corp.</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174695</link>
     <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK, May 16, 2013  -- AMI Research, a leading provider of equity research reports and a subsidiary of Hawk Associates Inc., announced today that it has initiated equity research coverage on Diagnostic Imaging International Corp. OTC: DIIG)...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>NEW YORK, May 16, 2013</strong> -- AMI Research, a leading provider of equity research reports and a subsidiary of Hawk Associates Inc., announced today that it has initiated equity research coverage on Diagnostic Imaging International Corp. <a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=DIIG" target="_blank">OTC: DIIG</a>).<br /> <br />AMI president Peter J. D&#39;Agostino said, &#39;We think DIIG is poised for substantial growth with the completion of its first, stand-alone MRI diagnostic facility. Operating MRI facilities offers significant sources of revenue for healthcare providers as the facilities are generally supported by favorable reimbursement rates from insurers and government programs. We contend that DIIG&#39;s diagnostic business unit will be the catalyst for the company&#39;s significant revenue expansion. In addition, we cannot ignore DIIG&#39;s teleradiology business, which yields positive cash-flow.&#39;<br /> <br />AMI Research provides an institutional-quality, equity research initiation report detailing DIIG&#39;s key statistics, management, growth catalysts, financial outlook, price target, and valuation. The complete eight-page report is available to download for free at the AMI Research website, <a href="http://www.amistockreports.com/DIIG_Initiation.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.amistockreports.com/DIIG_Initiation.pdf</a><br /> <br /><strong>About Diagnostic Imaging International Corp.</strong><br /> <br />Headquartered in Las Vegas, NV Diagnostic Imaging International Corp. was incorporated in 2000. In 2005, the DIIG developed a business plan for private healthcare opportunities in Canada with the objective of owning and operating private diagnostic imaging clinics. In 2009, the DIIG purchased Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc. (CTS), a company that provides remote reading of diagnostic imaging scans for rural hospitals and clinics. In early 2010, the Company modified its business plan to grow its subsidiary while commencing the acquisition of existing full service imaging clinics located in the United States and exploring the development of new diagnostic imaging technology. In 2012, the Company purchased Schuylkill Open MRI, Inc. an independent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility located in Pottsville, PA. For additional information about DIIG, visit <a href="http://www.diig.biz" target="_blank">http://www.diig.biz</a>.<br /> <br /><strong>About AMI Research</strong><br /> <br />AMI Research provides equity research coverage for promising companies that do not have traditional Wall Street analyst coverage. Coverage by AMI ensures an objective explanation of all facets of a business and increased exposure to numerous institutional and retail investors seeking reputable investment ideas. AMI combines in-depth, insightful research and customized graphics into detailed analyst reports to create an investment thesis with a four tier rating system and 12-month price target. These reports detail the company&#39;s industry, strategic position, core business model, financial history, future growth catalysts and projected financials. Please visit <a href="http://www.amistockreports.com" target="_blank">http://www.amistockreports.com</a>. For more information, contact Peter J. D&#39;Agostino, president at 212.541.2465, email to: <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;:p.dagostino&#64;amistockreports.com">p.dagostino&#64;amistockreports.com</a> .</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174695 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MFD">Financial Markets</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=HEA">Health Care / Hospitals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=OTC">OTC / SmallCap</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/vw_cgwnz-D4" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Gehrlicher Solar receives &#x20ac;85 million group financing for another two years and adds new board members</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174734</link>
     <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 04:28:35 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Photovoltaic company receives financial commitment of another &#8364;85 million and appoints Stefan Parhofer and Richard von Hehn to the Board of Directors. -   -    -   -  Dornach n. Munich. An international group...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Photovoltaic company receives financial commitment of another &#8364;85 million and appoints Stefan Parhofer and Richard von Hehn to the Board of Directors.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Dornach n. Munich. An international group of banks led by BayernLB has provided a financing framework totaling &#8364;85 million to Gehrlicher Solar AG, including &#8364;30 million for avals (guarantees), for another two years. The mezzanine capital of &#8364;6 million was also extended by Bayern Mezzaninekapital GmbH &amp; Co. KG for the same period.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>The consortium agreement was signed on April 11, 2013 with an unchanged banking syndicate, securing finance for the international solar project developer and system integrator until February 28, 2015. &#34;In spite of a very tough industry environment, we believe more than ever in the long-term potential of photovoltaic and that ultimately convinced our finance partners too,&#34; says founder and CEO Klaus Gehrlicher.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>In 2012 the U.S. business was especially successful, making a significant contribution to group turnover and earnings. To further expand the international project business, on May 2, 2013 Stefan Parhofer was appointed to the Board of Directors as Chief Strategy/Sales Officer (CSO). He has spent the last two years building up the U.S. business as CEO of the American subsidiary, a position he will continue to hold in addition to his new role.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Richard von Hehn has also been appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer (COO), and will concentrate on the European business. Since joining the company in 2009 he has held various executive positions, including Head of Corporate Strategy and Development and most recently Head of Purchasing and Wholesale.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174734 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=OIL">Oil / Energy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=UTI">Utilities</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/vEGm37h_ZhA" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Asia, the fastest growing corridor</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174715</link>
     <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 17:07:31 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[The Asian remittance market is worth over US$260 billion, more than 60 million migrant workers originate from Asia, representing one-third of all emigrants from developing countries. The fourth Global Remittances Forum will take place this May in Ban...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Asian remittance market is worth over US$260 billion, more than 60 million migrant workers originate from Asia, representing one-third of all emigrants from developing countries. The fourth Global Remittances Forum will take place this May in Bangkok, and focus on both the global, and the Asian remittance market. The Global Forum 2013 (GFR) is jointly organized by IFAD and the World Bank in collaboration with the International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN). This offer a unique opportunity to network with key players, both within and across sectors.</p>

<p><br />Sebastian Plubins, Managing Director of EMEASA (Ria Financial Services) will address the latest trends in the Asia-Pacific remittance market from the perspective of Ria Financial Services, one of the world largest remittance service providers. &#39;I&#39;m delighted to participate in the Global Forum of Remittances. For Ria, the Asian market is the fastest growing corridor, we are planning to invest heavily to unlock the untapped potential. We want to export our model of &#39;Low Cost Remittances&#39; to the Asian market, as we are already successfully doing in the rest of the world&#39; said Mr. Sebastian Plubins.</p>

<p><br />Mr. Plubins oversees the sales, financials, operations and expansion of Ria Financial in Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia. He has been an integral part of the Ria organization since 2005. Mr. Plubins has more than 12 years of experience in the money transfer industry. He began his career at Cambios Inter, a sub agent of Western Union, in Chile and later he worked in London at Chequepoint, the Foreign Exchange powerhouse of Europe.</p>

<p><strong>About Ria Financial Services</strong><br />Ria Financial Services is a member of the International Association of Money Transfer Networks &#8211; IAMTN.Ria Financial Services was founded in 1987 and it is today the third largest money transfer company in the world, with a global agent network of more than 200,000 locations in more than 130 countries. In addition to money transfer services, Ria oers Bill Payment, Mobile Top Ups, PrePaid Debit Cards, Check Cashing and Money Orders.</p>

<p>Ria&#39;s mission is to be the most progressive money transfer company in the world, oering service excellence and the most competitive and reliable remittance payment services to its customers.</p>

<p><br />Ria is also committed to best-in-class business relationships with its global agent and correspondent network, based on the principles of mutual respect, fairness and generally accepted business practices.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174715 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=ADV">Advertising / Marketing</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MFD">Financial Markets</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=GOV">Government</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/JpGCGeq67ss" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Kalimantano GmbH Board Reviewed Progress in Court Proceedings It Has Pursued against Motion in Time, Inc., Shamayevs and Others in Federal Courts in New York and Washington, D.C.</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=174696</link>
     <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 12:24:32 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Frankfurt, Germany, May 15, 2013 -   -   Topic: Kalimantano GmbH Pursues Legal Claims in U.S. Federal Courts against Watches&#39; Seller Motion in Time, Inc. Located in New York.  -   -  The Board and management of Kalimantano GmbH convened a meeting, held ...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Frankfurt, Germany, May 15, 2013</p>

<p><strong>Topic: Kalimantano GmbH Pursues Legal Claims in U.S. Federal Courts against Watches&#39; Seller Motion in Time, Inc. Located in New York.</strong></p>

<p>The Board and management of Kalimantano GmbH convened a meeting, held in Frankfurt, Germany. Among the issues on the agenda was the legal action pursued by Kalimantano GmbH and its principals Tofik Davidoff, Konstantine Felde, and Jonannes Schwegler.  The legal action in the USA was triggered by the malicious defamation campaign staged by the operators of the jewelry and watches shop, located in New York, Motion in Time, Inc. Namely, the operators of that jewelry and watches shop had made the false allegations against Mr. Davidoff, accusing him of larceny of some watch in New York. In fact, Mr. Davidoff has never even traveled to New York or to the United States.</p>

<p>In the course of the court proceedings, the Board and the management of Kalimantano GmbH categorically denied and deny all the false allegations made by defendant Motion in Time, Inc. and its principals, Eddie Shamayev, Michael Shamayevs, Boris Shamayev and David Shamayev.</p>

<p>Restating Kalimantano&#39;s pleadings in the U.S. District Courts, incorporated by reference, neither Kalimantano GmbH nor its principal Mr. Davidoff has ever committed any unlawful acts. On the contrary, the pleadings allege that Kalimantano GmbH wire transferred $120,000 to the bank account of Motion in Time, Inc., located at: 56 W 47th Street, New York, NY. However, instead of receiving the merchandise from Motion in Time, Inc. ordered with that advance payment, Kalimantano GmbH received promises and later the treats to the good reputation and safety of Mr. Davidoff and his family. Considering the situation, Kalimantano GmbH and Mr. Davidoff had no choice but to seek the protection of the law enforcement in Germany and in the United States.</p>

<p>The management of Kalimantano GmbH had previously authorized the filing of the civil case Kalimantano GmbH, Tofik Davidov, Konstantin Felde, et al. against Motion in Time, Inc., Eddie Shamayev, Michael Shamayev et al. The case was filed in September of 2012 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Docket 12cv6969. Kalimantano GmbH incorporates by reference the allegations contained in its complaints filed in that action, without repeating the court documents.</p>

<p>In response to the attempts by defendants Motion in Time Inc. and the Shamayevs to dismiss the case on various grounds, the U.S. District Court has refused to dismiss the case and ruled that the matter may proceed on three alternative grounds.  The court documents in that matter are in the federal courts and are in the public domain.</p>

<p>Additionally, Kalimantano GmbH and its principals filed a case against the Internet providers that were used by the perpetrators for the defamation campaign. That second case is also pending in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., Docket 12cv2005. Likewise, the court documents in that other matter are in the public domain.  Furthermore, Kalimantano GmbH and others filed acase against New York-based parties in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.  By way of negotiations, most of the claims in these cases have been resolved by way of settlement.</p>

<p>Kalimantano GmbH intends to vigorously assert its claims and to defend its good reputation, as well as the integrity of its principals, by all legal means allowed by the law, in the Courts of law.</p>

<p>The Board of Kalimantano GmbH has also complimented the work of its attorneys in the USA, namely Peter A. Joseph, Esq., of New York City, and George Lambert, of Washington, D.C.</p>

<p>Kalimantano GmbH is in the business of wholesale of foodstuffs in Germany, including but not limited meat and fish products, in a great variety.  Reference is made to its website, providing the description of its current range of the products.<br /></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID174696 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BUA">Business Announcements</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=PUB">Publishing / Information Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=REA">Retail</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Banking-Financial-Services/~4/s54VriYX6c8" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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