Banking/Financial Services Newswire

Wells Fargo Statement on Appellate Court Decision to Vacate Temporary Restraining Order

SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-October 6, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) issued the following statement this evening regarding Citigroup's claimed exclusivity agreement with Wachovia Corporation: "The appellate court has entered an order vacating Judge Ramos's order of yesterday. We...

PRG-Schultz Statement on the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program Awards

ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 6, 2008 - PRG-Schultz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRGX) the world's largest recovery audit firm, today announced that the company has been notified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that it was not selected to serve as a recovery audit...

Wells Fargo Statement on Definitive Agreement With Wachovia

SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-October 5, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) issued the following statement today on its definitive agreement with Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB): "Wells Fargo and Wachovia have a firm, binding merger agreement. That agreement represents a transaction that, in...

Citi Granted Emergency Injunctive Relief Extending Exclusivity Agreement between Citi and Wachovia

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 5, 2008 - Citi (NYSE:C) tonight was granted emergency injunctive relief extending the Exclusivity Agreement between Citi and Wachovia Corp. (NYSE:WB) until further order of the court. This relief was granted over the objection of Wachovia. Justice Charles Ramos of...

Karl Rove and Senator Max Cleland to Face-Off Next Week at Annual Insurance Industry Meeting in Philadelphia

RESTON, Va.-(Business Wire)-October 4, 2008 - NAVA, Inc., the Association for Insured Retirement Solutions, today announced that its upcoming Annual Meeting will feature a no-holds-barred debate on the country's current financial, economic and political issues by two of the nation's top...

Thompson National Properties Forms Venture with Argus Realty Investors

IRVINE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 4, 2008 - Thompson National Properties, LLC announced today that it has entered into an agreement to form a venture with Argus Realty Investors, LP that will manage substantially all of Argus' existing portfolio and introduce new investment opportunities. As...

Xchanging PLC ("Xchanging") Proposed Acquisition of Cambridge Solutions Limited ("Cambridge Solutions")

LONDON-(Business Wire)-October 4, 2008 - KEY HIGHLIGHTS — Xchanging announces that it has today agreed to acquire 75% of the fully diluted share capital of Cambridge Solutions from a group of Cambridge Solutions' major shareholders (the "Acquisition"). Cambridge Solutions, with...

Neuberger Berman Announces Money Market Funds' Intention to Apply for U.S. Treasury Temporary Guarantee Program

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Neuberger Berman Management LLC announced today that the Boards of Trustees for all publicly offered Neuberger Berman and Lehman Brothers money market funds (the "Funds") have approved the participation of the Funds in the U.S. Treasury Temporary...

Fitch Places Genworth's Life Ratings on Watch Negative

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has placed Genworth Financial, Inc.'s (NYSE: GNW) primary life insurance subsidiary ratings on Rating Watch Negative. This action aligns the Rating Watch status for all Genworth ratings. The holding company and mortgage insurance companies...

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R)' Statement on Passage of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act by U.S. House of Representatives and Signature by President Bush

LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R) (C.A.R.) today released the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and its signature by President Bush, as announced today in...

Amended - Fitch Rates Bon Secours Health's (Maryland) Bank Bonds 'A'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - (This is an amendment to the release that went out earlier today. It adds the issuers also being affirmed.) Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term underlying rating of 'A' to bank bonds corresponding to variable-rate demand obligations issued on behalf of...

Fitch Rates Bon Secours Health's (Maryland) Bank Bonds 'A'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term underlying rating of 'A' to bank bonds corresponding to variable-rate demand obligations issued on behalf of Bon Secours Health System, Inc. (BSHSI) as follows: —Henrico County Economic Development Authority (VA...

Fitch Downgrades & Places Quechan Tribe (CA) Rtgs on Watch Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has downgraded and placed the following ratings of The Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation (Quechan) on Rating Watch Negative: —Issuer Rating to 'CCC' from 'B+'; —$110 million Gaming Enterprise revenue bonds series...

Fitch Affirms Barry University (Florida) 'BBB-'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings affirms the 'BBB-' rating on Barry University's (the university) $24,280,000 of outstanding Pinellas County Educational Facilities Authority revenue bonds, series 2000. The bonds are a general obligation of the university. Additional...

Credit Union Members Get Increased Federal Insurance Protection in Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, H.R. 1424

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) President Fred Becker lauded the inclusion of full parity for credit unions with other federally insured financial institutions in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that President Bush signed...

ADA-ES to Host Conference Call Regarding Joint Venture with Energy Capital Partners

LITTLETON, Colo.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - ADA-ES, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADES) announced today that it will be hosting a conference call on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the details of its recently announced transactions with Energy Capital Partners I, LP and its affiliated...

Fitch: Minimal Relief from Asset Quality, Earnings Pressure Prompts National City Downgrade

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - National City Corporation (NCC) has been battling asset quality issues in its mortgage and home equity portfolios for over a year. Fitch notes that during that time the company raised $7.0 billion in new equity capital and improved its liquidity profile and...

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. Announces 3rd Quarter 2008 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (NASDAQ: OZRK) announced it expects to report third quarter earnings at the end of business Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Management will conduct a conference call to review this information at 10:00 a.m. CDT (11:00 a.m...

Fitch Rates Veterans' Housing Assistance Program (Texas) Fund II Bank Bonds Series 2006C 'AA+'

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term underlying rating of 'AA+' to bank bonds corresponding to variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs) issued by the State of Texas (general obligation bonds) Veterans' Housing Assistance Program Fund II refunding bonds...

Fitch Rates Kentucky ALCo Bank Bonds 'AA-'; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term underlying rating of 'AA-' to bank bonds corresponding to variable-rate demand obligations (VRDO) issued by the Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission (ALCo), under its 2005 general fund second series, consisting of...

Pioneer Investments Declares Monthly Distributions for Closed-End Funds

BOSTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Pioneer Investments today announced the declaration of dividends for five closed-end funds for October 2008. The closing market price, annualized distribution rate and NAV distribution rate are based on data as of October 2, 2008. -0- *T Ex Date: October...

Zacks Releases Four Powerful ''Buy'' Stocks: Solera Holdings, McDonald's, Capitol Federal Financial and ONEOK Partners Limited

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry's leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth...

Critical Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Effectiveness of Registration Statement for the Proposed Merger with Cornerstone BioPharma Holdings, Inc.

LEXINGTON, Mass.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Critical Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRTX) announced today that the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, has declared effective its Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the previously...

Zacks Sell List Highlights: Jamba, Vail Resorts, Cadbury Plc and Internap Network Services Corp.

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Zacks.com releases details on a group of stocks that are currently members of the exclusive Zacks #5 Rank List - Stocks to Sell Now. These stocks are currently rated as a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell): Jamba Inc. (NASDAQ: JMBA) and Vail Resorts Inc. (NYSE...

Fitch Rates Bally's New Credit Facility 'BB+'

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BB+' rating to Bally Technologies, Inc.'s (Bally's) new $300 million credit facility. The credit facility rating is two notches above Bally's 'BB-' Issuer Default Rating (IDR) due to Fitch's view of strong...

Pioneer Investments Modifies Relationship with Montpelier Capital Advisors, Ltd.

BOSTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Pioneer Investments announced today that it has entered into a consulting relationship and research agreement with Montpelier Capital Advisors, Ltd. ("Montpelier"). Under the new consulting relationship and research agreement, Montpelier will provide research...

Oscient Pharmaceuticals Receives NASDAQ Notice

WALTHAM, Mass.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nasdaq: OSCI) today received notification from the Listings Qualifications Department of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC that, as of October 2, 2008, the Company's market value of publicly held shares ("MVPHS") had...

Dayton Superior Announces Extension of Exchange Expiration Date for Private Debt Exchange Offer

DAYTON, Ohio-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Dayton Superior Corporation (NASDAQ: DSUP), the leading North American provider of specialized products for the nonresidential concrete construction market, has extended the exchange expiration date for its previously announced private exchange offer...

Fitch Rates Boulder County, Colorado's Open Space Sales & Use Tax Bonds 'A+'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - As part of its routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings has affirmed Boulder County, Colorado's (the county) $1.5 million open space sales & use tax revenue bonds, series 2000B at 'A+'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The bonds are special, limited obligations...

Fitch: Financial Sector Support Does Not Adversely Affect U.S. 'AAA' Rating

LONDON & CHICAGO & NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The U.S. government's support for the financial sector, including the US$700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Programme (TARP), does not fundamentally alter current perspective on the United States' 'AAA' sovereign debt rating...

Fitch: Wells Fargo/Wachovia Deal a Credit Positive for Bondholders

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company's (WFC) definitive agreement to acquire Wachovia Corporation (Wachovia) and subsidiaries is a vastly improved deal for bondholders (from the Citigroup deal) that more than doubles WFC's balance sheet and branch network and offers...

Weiner Communications Provides Possible Explanation for Management Failures on Wall Street

SADDLE BROOK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - "How can all these failed financial institutions be run by such incompetent executives?" It's the question everyone's asking. One would think men who have spent many years honing their skills in the financial industry would show some capable...

Fitch Revises Merchants' Outlook to Negative; Affirms IFS Ratings

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has revised the Rating Outlook to Negative from Stable and affirmed the 'A-' Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) ratings for Merchants Mutual Insurance Company (Merchants) and its subsidiaries as follows: Merchants Mutual Insurance Company...

Macquarie Infrastructure Company to Release Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Macquarie Infrastructure Company (NYSE: MIC), a market leader in the ownership and operation of infrastructure businesses in the US, announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter of 2008 before the open of market trading on...

Fitch Affirms Markel Corporation; Outlook to Stable

CHICAGO & LONDON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed the following ratings: Markel Corporation (Markel): —Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB+'; —$250 million 6.8% senior notes due Feb. 15, 2013 at 'BBB'; —$200 million 7.35% senior notes due Aug. 15...

Fix the Bailout to Help Homeowners - An Open Letter from Thomas Peterffy, Chief Executive Officer, Interactive Brokers Group

GREENWICH, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The following Open Letter appeared in Friday's editions of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Even those political leaders that support the current bailout proposal don't like it very much. The American people like it...

Fitch Rates American Municipal Power-Ohio 'A'

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings assigns an issuer rating of 'A' to American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio). Fitch also affirms the outstanding ratings on the following AMP-Ohio power supply projects: — Joint Venture 5 project bonds at 'A'; — Joint Venture 2...

SBA's Deadline for Physical Damage Disaster Loan Applications Is November 3

ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damage caused by severe storm and flooding that occurred on August 26 - 27...

Fitch Rates Dist. of Columbia Series 2003D GOs 'A+'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term underlying rating of 'A+' to bank bonds corresponding to the District of Columbia's multimodal general obligation (GO) bonds, series 2003D. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Variable-rate debt represents approximately...

President Signs Two-Year Extension of the R&D Credit

CLEVELAND-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The Tax Projects Group, LLP ("TPG") announces the extension of the R&D Credit and applauds the White House and Congress. Today, President Bush signed into law H.R. 1424. After months of negotiations, Democrats, Republicans and the White House came together...

Fitch Revises HOVENSA's Outlook to Negative; Senior Secured Affirmed at 'BBB'

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed HOVENSA LLC's senior secured debt rating of 'BBB' and revised its Rating Outlook to Negative. The rating affirmation applies to the following debt issuances and facilities: —$400 million senior secured bank revolver due 2012...

First Savings Financial Group, Inc. Announces Anticipated Closing Date of Initial Public Offering

CLARKSVILLE, Ind.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (the "Company"), the proposed holding company for First Savings Bank, F.S.B. (the "Bank"), announced today that it has received final regulatory approval to close its initial public offering in connection with...

www.ONN.tv Options Cocktail: Pelosi's Long Nights, a Potash Struggle (POT), and Some Pirate News

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The Options Cocktail, www.ONN.tv's weekly round of options commentary and mandatory social fun, covers the events of the past week, analyzes the week ahead, and highlights the hosts' votes for the week's "Heroes and Zeroes." Today on The Options Cocktail...

FreedomWorks Blasts House Vote for $700 Billion Wall Street Bailout

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - FreedomWorks, the national grassroots organization, today sharply criticized the House of Representatives for voting to pass a $700 billion bailout of failed investment banks on Wall Street and around the world. FreedomWorks organized an aggressive...

Fitch Affirms PAE LLC's Foreign Currency IDR at 'BB'; Outlook Stable

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Foreign Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and the Local Currency IDR for Pan American Energy LLC (PAE LLC) at 'BB' and 'BB+', respectively. Also, PAE LLC's senior unsecured debt was affirmed at 'BB'. Approximately $350...

Coalition for Tax Fairness and ReformAMT Praise Congress for Passing Comprehensive Relief Legislation for Families Struggling with ISO AMT Taxes Imposed on Phantom Income

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The Coalition for Tax Fairness (CTF), an organization working to address the Incentive Stock Option Alternative Minimum Tax (ISO AMT) crisis, and ReformAMT, a grassroots tax reform organization dedicated to resolving the ISO AMT crisis, applaud Congress...

Company Profile for Gordius Consulting, LLC

-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Gordius Consulting is a firm of accounting and finance experts who provide: quantum analysis and damages reporting during the course of international arbitrations; domestic dispute consulting and expert witness testimony; business and asset valuations...

Texas Experts Form Gordius Consulting: A Litigation Consulting, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuation, and Disaster Recovery Assistance Firm in Houston, Texas

KINGWOOD, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Two prominent Houston-area litigation support experts have opened a niche litigation, forensic accounting, business valuation, and crisis management consulting firm, Gordius Consulting LLC. Credentials are available for review at...

Seligman Select Municipal Fund, Inc. Declares October Income Dividend Distribution

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Directors of Seligman Select Municipal Fund, Inc. ("Select Municipal"; NYSE: SEL) today declared an income dividend of $0.036 per common share. The dividend will be payable October 22, 2008 to stockholders of record on October 15, 2008. Common shares of...

A.M. Best Withdraws Ratings of Two of AEGON N.V.'s U.S. Subsidiaries Due to Legal Entity Mergers

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has withdrawn the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa" of Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company (TOLIC) and Life Investors Insurance Company of America (LIICA) (both of Cedar...

BestWeek: Life, Annuity Companies Face Challenges as Government Intervention Looms, Special Report Says

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - U.S. life and annuity companies face an increasingly complex macroeconomic climate, with negative operating and net income trends and continuing adverse capital market conditions through third quarter 2008, according to a new special report featured in...

A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Penn Treaty American Corporation and Its Subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to D (Poor) from B- (Fair) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to "c" from "bb-"of Penn Treaty American Corporation's (Penn Treaty) (Allentown, PA) (NYSE:PTA) insurance subsidiaries. Penn...

The Essential 2009 U.S. Offices of Certified Public Accountants Report is Now Available - Examine Accurate Statistics, Forecasts and 5 Year Historical Trends

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Research and Markets - 2010 U.S. Metropolitan Areas - Estimated Number of Employees - Definitions and Terms For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/69f613/2009_u_s_offices

Metropolitan Health Networks Announces Share Repurchase Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. ("Metropolitan") (AMEX:MDF), a provider of high quality, comprehensive healthcare services to patients in Florida, today announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 10...

Transforma Acquisition Group Inc. Announces Transfer of Trust Funds into U.S. Treasuries

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Transforma Acquisition Group Inc. (AMEX: TAQ, TAQ.U, TAQ.WS) ("Transforma") announced today that, in light of current market uncertainties, it has transferred 100% of its trust account funds from an institutional money market fund investing in high...

New Jersey Natural Gas Base Rate and Other Adjustments Approved

WALL, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) today announced that it has received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adjust its base rates and the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) charge effective October 3, 2008. The total impact of these...

Reich & Tang to Participate in U.S. Treasury Department's Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - On October 2, 2008, the Boards of Directors and Trustees of all U.S.-registered money market funds advised by Reich & Tang Asset Management, LLC approved the participation of those funds in the U.S. Treasury Department's Temporary Guarantee Program...

Fitch Affirms Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (Florida) Revs at 'A-'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch affirms the 'A-' rating on the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority's (FPUA) $75.211 million in outstanding revenue bonds. The Rating Outlook is Stable. FPUA's solid financial management practices are reflected in the system's historically strong financial...

Clough Global Opportunities Fund Declares a Quarterly Cash Distribution of $0.28 Per Share

DENVER-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Today, the Clough Global Opportunities Fund (AMEX: GLO) declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.28 per common share for October 2008. The dividend will be payable on October 31, 2008 to shareholders of record on October 16, 2008. -0- *T Clough Global...

A Company Profile of ev3 Inc. - Examine Data on Pipeline Products, a Medical Equipment Market Share Analysis and the Financial Deals Landscape

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Research and Markets — Revenue Analysis — Financial and Operational Review — Share Holding Structure — Key Employee Biographies — Company Statement — Locations and Subsidiaries — Financial Deals...

Clough Global Equity Fund Declares a Quarterly Cash Distribution of $0.31 Per Share

DENVER-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Today, the Clough Global Equity Fund (AMEX: GLQ) declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.31 per common share for October 2008. The dividend will be payable on October 31, 2008 to shareholders of record on October 16, 2008. -0- *T Clough Global Equity...

Clough Global Allocation Fund Declares a Quarterly Cash Distribution of $0.32 Per Share

DENVER-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Today, the Clough Global Allocation Fund (AMEX: GLV) declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.32 per common share for October 2008. The dividend will be payable on October 31, 2008 to shareholders of record on October 16, 2008. Clough Global Allocation...

www.ONN.tv's "Yield Curve Update" Finds the Paulson TARP Plan Can't Reverse the Credit Crisis

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Kevin Cook, host of six programs on www.ONN.tv's Mark2Market channel, joined Joe Troccolo, former Head of Financial Markets Education for UBS Investment Bank, for the pair's latest look at the credit crisis in this morning's "Yield Curve Update" report...

Fitch U.S. Muni Surveillance: St. John (Sanitary Dist), Indiana GOs Affirmed at 'A-'; Stable Outlook

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - In the course of routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings has affirmed the rating on the Sanitary District of the Town of St. John, Indiana's approximately $450,000 of outstanding sanitary district bonds of 1996 at 'A-'. The bonds, issued in the name of the Town...

The Reaves Utility Income Fund Announces Regular Monthly Dividend of $0.115 Per Share

DENVER-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The Reaves Utility Income Fund (AMEX: UTG) today announced the next three monthly dividends at a rate of $0.115 per common share per month, unchanged from the per share rate paid for the previous quarter. The dividend represents an annualized yield of 8.2...

Eads & Heald Investment Counsel Continues to Outperform S&P 500

ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Preliminary performance results for the third quarter of 2008 through September 30 indicate that Eads & Heald Investment Counsel continues to outperform the S&P 500 (preliminary results subject to revision). Eads & Heald's average equity plus cash...

Fitch Explains Bank Bond Rating Policy

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings now assigns ratings, upon request, to bank bonds, i.e. variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs) issued by U.S. municipal entities that have been tendered but not remarketed, and are purchased by the liquidity provider in accordance with the...

Penson Worldwide, Inc. Third Quarter 2008 Conference Call on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 10 AM Eastern (9 AM Central)

DALLAS-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Penson Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: PNSN) will host a conference call on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (9:00 AM Central Time) with Philip A. Pendergraft, Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin W. McAleer, Chief Financial Officer. The call...

Wilmington Funds to Participate in New Money Market Guarantee Program

WILMINGTON, Del.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Wilmington Trust announced today that the Board of Trustees of its mutual fund family, the Wilmington Funds, authorized participation in the U.S. Treasury Department's new Temporary Money Market Guarantee Program. The voluntary program, which is...

A.M. Best Revises Year-End 2008 Projections for the U.S. P/C Industry

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has today reported a revised year-end 2008 forecast for the U.S. property/casualty industry's underwriting results, adjusting the combined ratio estimate for the overall industry in addition to the personal lines segment, commercial lines...

State Street Corporation Announces Webcast of Third-Quarter Earnings Conference Call

BOSTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) will release its third-quarter 2008 financial results followed by an Internet broadcast of its earnings conference call on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. EDT, the third Tuesday of the month, the Company's usual...

HRPT Properties Trust Announces Quarterly Common and Preferred Dividends

NEWTON, Mass.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - HRPT Properties Trust (NYSE: HRP) today announced its regular quarterly common and preferred dividends as follows: Common Dividends A regular quarterly common dividend of $0.21 per Common Share will be paid with respect to the results of operations for...

Templeton Global Income Fund ("GIM") Announces Dividend

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE:GIM) today announced its regular monthly dividend from net investment income of $0.042 per share, payable on October 31, 2008 to shareholders of record on October 16, 2008 (Ex-Dividend Date: October 14, 2008...

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Hosts Webinar on Index Options September 30, 2008

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Last month, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) - a http://www.ONN.tv partner in providing educational content for option traders - featured a webinar titled Trading Options: Short-term Trading Techniques and Tactics for Index Options. Jim Bittman...

A.M. Best Maintains Under Review Negative Status on American International Group, Inc. Operations Designated For Sale

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has commented that all financial strength ratings, issuer credit ratings and debt ratings are unchanged and remain under review with negative implications for American International Group, Inc. (AIG) (New York) and its subsidiaries...

www.ONN.tv Reports: Jobless Claims, Material Stocks, and Wachovia Corp.'s (WB) Latest Suitor

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Today's "Options News," the daily options news program on www.ONN.tv . The complete report can be accessed at http://www.ONN.tv, or directly through this link. About the Options News Network: Serving a rapidly growing segment of the investment community, The...

Credit Solutions Receives First Platinum-Level Recognition in Leading Industry Association

RICHARDSON, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Credit Solutions has become the first Platinum-level member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), the industry's leading training and certification body. "We are very proud to recognize Credit Solutions...

NexTier Bank Distributes Funds to Benefit Educational Organizations in Western Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - NexTier Bank recently distributed $200,000 among seven educational organizations in western Pennsylvania through the 2008 Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) program, an initiative of the PA Department of Community and Economic...

Harbinger Capital Partners Issues Statement Following Cleveland-Cliffs' Special Meeting

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Harbinger Capital Partners(R) Funds, the largest shareholder of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (NYSE: CLF), today issued the following statement regarding today's special meeting of Cleveland-Cliffs shareholders: "Based on preliminary results, it appears that...

The Pepsi Bottling Group Declares Dividend

SOMERS, N.Y.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The Board of Directors of The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (NYSE: PBG) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share on PBG's common stock. The dividend is payable January 2, 2009 to PBG shareholders of record on December 5, 2008. The Pepsi...

Read This Share Owners' Handbook and Discover a Simple Guide to Dividends, Bonus Issues, Consolidations, Rights Issues & Takeovers

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Research and Markets - Takeovers - Spin-offs and Demergers - Return of Capital - Bonus Issues and Share Consolidations - Dividends, Scrip Dividends - Voting Your Shares - Some Other Corporate Actions - Different Kinds of Stockbroking Service and...

Colonial BancGroup to Announce Third Quarter 2008 Results on October 22, 2008

MONTGOMERY, Ala.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The Colonial BancGroup, Inc. (NYSE: CNB) announced that it plans to release the third quarter 2008 results after the market closes on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. Colonial's management will host a conference call on October 22, 2008 at 5:00 PM/ET to...

Company Profile for Sustainable Wealth Management Ltd.

-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Sustainable Wealth Management Ltd. (SWM) is an independent provider of industry specific fundamental indexes focused on the global energy sector. The firm's indexes form the basis of several exchange traded funds (ETFs) and investment certificates in North...

Scottrade Recognized for Associate Training and Development

ST. LOUIS-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Scottrade (www.scottrade.com), a leading branch-supported online investment firm, won the American Society for Training & Development's 2008 BEST Award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate enterprise-wide...

Citi Statement on Wachovia's Breach of Exclusivity Agreement

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Citi today issued the following statement: Wachovia's agreement to a transaction with Wells Fargo is in clear breach of an Exclusivity Agreement between Citi and Wachovia. In addition, Wells Fargo's conduct constitutes tortious interference with the...

Everest Re Group Provides Preliminary Estimates For Hurricanes Gustav and Ike

HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) announced today that its preliminary loss estimates, net of reinstatement premiums and taxes, for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike are expected to range between $200 million and $220 million. The Company's current...

Principal Financial Group, Inc. Schedules Earnings Release and Conference Call for Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results

DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: PFG) announced today that it will release third quarter 2008 financial and operating results at 4:00 P.M. (ET) on Monday, November 3, 2008. On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. (ET), President and Chief...

NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) at 50.2%; September Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business(R); Business Activity Index at 52.1%; New Orders Index at 50.8%; Employment Index at 44.2%

TEMPE, Ariz.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in September, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business(R). The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the...

NAPCO Security Systems, Inc. to Present at the Maxim Group Growth Conference

AMITYVILLE, N.Y.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - NAPCO Security Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: NSSC) one of the world's leading suppliers of high performance electronic security equipment for over 30 years, today announced that management will be presenting at the annual Maxim Group Growth Conference on...

Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. to Present at the Maxim Group Growth Conference

WILTON, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTC BB: DKAM), a leading owner, developer and marketer of premium beverages announced today that CEO J. Patrick Kenny will present at the Maxim Group Growth Conference in New York City on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. The...

ForeverGreen Reports Increasing Revenues

OREM, Utah-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - ForeverGreen Worldwide Corporation (OTCBB:FVRG), a manufacturer and distributor of all natural whole foods, today announced significant month-over-month revenue growth during the third quarter. The increase in sales is attributed to the introduction of...

Fitch Affirms Santa Ana Pueblo's Issuer Rating at 'BB'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed Santa Ana Pueblo's (Santa Ana or the Pueblo) credit ratings as follows: —Issuer rating at 'BB'; —$45 million enterprise revenue bonds, series 2006, at 'BB+'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Santa Ana's 'BB' issuer rating...

LTC Declares Its Monthly Common Stock Cash Dividend for the Fourth Quarter of 2008

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - LTC Properties, Inc. (NYSE:LTC) announced today that it had declared a monthly common dividend on its common stock for the fourth quarter of 2008. The Company declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.13 per common share per month for the...

Glatfelter to Report Third Quarter 2008 Earnings on November 4th

YORK, Pa.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Glatfelter (NYSE:GLT) announced today that it expects to issue financial results for the third quarter of 2008 on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will hold a conference call at 11:00 AM (EST) that...

Ciena to Webcast Financial Community Event

LINTHICUM, Md.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Ciena(R) Corporation (NASDAQ:CIEN), the network specialist, will host a live webcast of its Analyst Day event to be held in New York, N.Y. on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. The event will begin at approximately 9 a.m. Eastern and is expected to last...

William Blair & Company Initiates Coverage of Information Services Group, Inc. With Outperform Rating

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - William Blair & Company initiated research coverage of Information Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:III) ($5.00) with an Outperform rating and an Aggressive Growth company profile. Information Services Group was formed in 2006 as a special purpose...

Bank Freedom Runs 33,000 Television Spots in September for the Bank Freedom Prepaid MasterCard(R) Card

IRVINE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Merchant Processing International Inc. DBA Bank Freedom, a wholly owned subsidiary of Prepaid Card Holdings, Inc. (Pink Sheets: PPDC), announced today that it aired 33,000 spots for its Bank Freedom Prepaid MasterCard(R) on cable television over a...

While Stockbrokers/Traders Are Laid off, Bright Trading Remains Strong; Transitioning to Trading Tour

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Bob and Don Bright spent many years on the trading floors of various exchanges, and try to emulate the camaraderie of trader interaction. "It's nice to share trading ideas and other industry news with those from other Firms and Exchanges," said Don Bright...

Security Savings Bank Announces Foreclosure Investment Seminar

HENDERSON, Nev.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Security Savings Bank (www.BankPlace.com) today announced that it will host a seminar on investing in foreclosure properties. The seminar, "Make Money in the Foreclosure Epidemic," is free of charge and open to the general public. "The Las Vegas real...

SS&C Announces Two Senior Appointments

WINDSOR, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - SS&C Technologies, Inc. (www.ssctech.com), a global provider of financial services software and outsourcing solutions, today announced two senior level appointments. Sean Egan has been appointed senior vice president, real estate. During an accounting...

Existing Investors Lead Recapitalization of Imperium Renewables

SEATTLE-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Imperium Renewables today announced a recapitalization comprised exclusively of existing investors of the Company. The majority of the proceeds were used to satisfy its secured project lender, Societe Generale, lien holders and unsecured creditors...

Community Bank System Prices Stock Offering

DEWITT, N.Y.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) today announced that it has entered into an underwriting agreement for the sale of 2,200,000 shares of common stock at a price of $20.75 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $45.6 million, exclusive of...

CVS Caremark Cites Numerous Inaccuracies in Antitrust Memo Submitted to Longs Board

WOONSOCKET, R.I.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE:CVS) today took strong exception with a memorandum recently submitted to the Board of Directors of Longs Drug Stores Corporation (NYSE:LDG) by a law firm retained by CtW Investment Group, as follows: We are aware...

Altria and UST Provide Update on Potential Closing Date of Proposed Acquisition of UST

RICHMOND, Va.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) (NYSE: MO) and UST Inc. (UST) (NYSE: UST) today announced that the companies have amended the September 7, 2008 agreement pursuant to which Altria has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of UST. The amendment sets forth...

Sparton Receives Notification of Non-Compliance from the NYSE

JACKSON, Mich.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Sparton Corporation (NYSE: SPA) today announced it has been notified by the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that it is no longer in compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards. Sparton is considered below the criteria since the...

ACE Announces Preliminary Catastrophe Loss Estimates

ZURICH, Switzerland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) announced today that estimated net after-tax losses in the third quarter for the ACE Group of Companies from catastrophes, including Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, will amount to approximately $315 million, including...

Janus Capital Group to Announce Third Quarter Results Thursday, October 23, 2008

DENVER-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Janus Capital Group Inc. (NYSE: JNS) will release its third quarter financial results before the market opens Thursday, October 23, 2008. The company will discuss its results in a conference call that day at 10 a.m. EDT. The call-in number will be...

Digital Angel Announces Agreement with Lender to Restructure Credit Facility

SO. ST. PAUL, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Digital Angel (NASDAQ:DIGA), an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. to...

Lifetime Brands to Present at the William Blair Small-Cap Growth Stock Conference

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Lifetime Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: LCUT), North America's leading resource for nationally branded kitchenware, tabletop and home decor products, will present at the William Blair Small-Cap Growth Stock Conference on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at The...

Broadpoint Closes Acquisition of American Technology Research

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Broadpoint Securities Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPSG) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of American Technology Research Holdings, Inc. ("AmTech"), the parent of American Technology Research, Inc., a broker-dealer specializing in institutional...

FFastFill Announces Connectivity with BGC US Treasury Markets

CHICAGO & LONDON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - FFastFill plc, a leading provider of application services to the electronic trading community, announced today that it is the first Independent Software Vendor (ISV) to pass conformance requirements with BGC US Treasury (UST) markets via the BGC...

Wells Fargo, Wachovia Agree to Merge

SAN FRANCISCO & CHARLOTTE, N.C.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) and Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB) said today they have signed a definitive agreement for the merger of the two companies including all of Wachovia's banking operations in a whole company...

AIG to Refocus as Worldwide Property and Casualty Company with Continuing Presence in Foreign Life

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - American International Group, Inc. (AIG) today indicated its intent to refocus the company on its core property and casualty insurance businesses, generate sufficient liquidity to repay the outstanding balance of its loan from the Federal Reserve Bank of...

South Florida Business Shrugs Off Economic Crisis and Offers Cash to 20 Local Families

PLANTATION, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - NetVantage Capital Group, LLC (NCG) announced today that it will guarantee access to capital for 20 families looking to start new businesses in South Florida. Company founder John Hastie reports that he was motivated to make the offer by the bad...

Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day Highlights: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Internap Network Services, LSI Corporation, ArvinMeritor and PS Business Parks

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Zacks Equity Research highlights Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) as the Bull of the Day and Internap Network Services (Nasdaq: INAP) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on LSI Corporation (NYSE: LSI), ArvinMeritor...

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Gafisa S.A., Supertex, Inc., Motorola, Inc. and General Electric Co.

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Koninklijke Philips...

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., Primus Guaranty, Ltd., Cepheid, National Semiconductor Corp. and National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: AutoNation, Inc., Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corp., Equity Residential, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Allergan, Inc.

Zacks Analyst Interview Highlights: Exxon, Chevron, Conoco and Petrobras

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Zacks.com releases the latest Analyst Interview. Today's interview is with Director of Zacks Equity Research Dirk van Dijk, who discusses Exxon (NYSE: XOM), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), Conoco (NYSE: COP) and Petrobras (NYSE: PBR). Get the most recent insight from...

American Equity Announces Third Quarter 2008 Sales and Schedules Earnings Release, Conference Call and Webcast

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - In light of the uncertainty overhanging the U.S. and worldwide capital markets, American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE:AEL) is announcing third quarter 2008 sales and certain other information prior to its release of third...

OrgPlus Named Top HR Product of the Year

SAUSALITO, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - HumanConcepts today announced that OrgPlus Enterprise Blueprint, its new Web 2.0, collaborative workforce planning solution for HR professionals and line managers, has been named as one of the "Top 10 HR Products of the Year" by Human Resource...

General Growth Properties Announces Executive Change and Dividend Suspension

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - General Growth Properties, Inc. (NYSE:GGP) today announced the appointment of Edmund Hoyt as the Company's Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis. Mr. Hoyt succeeds Bernard Freibaum, who is no longer employed by the Company. The Company will promptly...

Research and Markets: A Prefeasibility Report on Microfinance in India Which is Expected to Grow Nearly Ten Times by 2011 to a Size of Rs250 Billion at an Annual Growth Rate of 76%

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Research and Markets for providing access to financial services to the needy people who are deprived of credit facilities. The Report on microfinance is prepared emphasizing more Key Findings & Highlights - One of the fastest growing sectors...

SBI Holdings, Inc. and Fullerton Fund Management Company Ltd Collaborate to Launch a New Fund

TOKYO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - SBI Holdings, Inc.(hereinafter "SBIH")(TOKYO:8473) announced that SBIH and Fullerton Fund Management Company Ltd (hereinafter "Fullerton"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TEMASEK Holdings, which is one of Singapore's governmental investment firms, will...

Guaranty Financial Group Inc. Completes Conversion of Preferred Stock Following Stockholder Approval

AUSTIN, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Guaranty Financial Group Inc. (NYSE: GFG) ("Guaranty" or the "Company") today announced the completion of the conversion of the Company's Series B Mandatory Convertible Perpetual Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series B Preferred Stock"), which was issued...

Portland General Electric Schedules Earnings Release and Conference Call for Thursday, October 30

PORTLAND, Ore.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR) announced today that it will host an analyst conference call and webcast at 5 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 30, to review its third-quarter 2008 financial results. The conference call will be hosted by Peggy...

Westaff Signs New Forbearance Agreement, Emphasizes Strength of Ongoing Operations

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Westaff, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTF), a leading provider of staffing services, announced today that it has reached a new forbearance agreement with U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. Westaff CEO and Chairman...

Convenience Financial Strategy Group and Cybera Partner to Deliver New Cashless Payment and Credit Processing Solutions (Cuts Processing Cost up to 50%) via Secure Managed Connectivity

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Convenience Financial Strategy Group, LLC (CFSG), a global payment processing and prepaid product solutions firm, today announced a partnership with Cybera, a leading MPLS-based managed service provider, to become the newest member in Cybera's...

2008 State Income Tax Rates Adjusted for Inflation

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today announced that the 2008 state tax brackets have been adjusted for inflation using a process called "indexing." "By indexing the tax rates, a California household with unchanged income will pay 5 percent less...

Fitch Rates Kentucky State Property & Buildings $5M Project 92 Agency Bonds 'A+'; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch has assigned an 'A+' rating to the Commonwealth of Kentucky State Property and Buildings Commission's approximately $5 million taxable agency fund revenue bonds, Project No. 92, expected for negotiation on or about Oct. 7. Fitch has also affirmed...

CORRECTING and REPLACING NRF Says 'Clock is Ticking,' Urges House to Pass Senate Version of Financial Rescue Bill

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fourth graph, first sentence of release should read: ...Minority Leader John Boehner... (sted ...Majority Leader John Boehner...) The corrected release reads: NRF SAYS 'CLOCK IS TICKING,' URGES HOUSE TO PASS SENATE VERSION OF FINANCIAL RESCUE BILL The...

Fitch Rates Kentucky State Property & Buildings $15M Project 91 Agency Bonds 'A+'; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch has assigned an 'A+' rating to the Commonwealth of Kentucky State Property and Buildings Commission's approximately $14.6 million agency fund revenue bonds, Project No. 91, expected for negotiation on or about Oct. 7. The bonds will be due April 1...

Fitch Affirms Kalkaska County, Michigan's UTGO Bonds at 'A-'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK & CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - In the course of routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'A-' rating for Kalkaska County's (the county) $4.8 million unlimited tax general obligation bonds (UTGOs), series 1998. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The rating reflects...

Fitch Rates Kentucky State Property & Buildings $325MM Project 90 Revs 'AA-'; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'AA-' rating to the Kentucky State Property and Buildings Commission's (SPBC) approximately $325.4 million revenue and revenue refunding bonds, Project No. 90. The bonds are expected to be offered through negotiation on or...

Fitch Rates Loma Linda Univ Med Center's (California) $95MM Bonds 'BBB+'; Outlook to Stable

SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BBB+' long-term rating to the $95 million City of Loma Linda, California, hospital revenue bonds (Loma Linda University Medical Center) series 2008 A&B. In addition, Fitch affirms its rating on approximately $293.1 million...

GSC Investment Corp. to Release Second Quarter 2009 Financial Results on October 14, 2008; Conference Call Scheduled for October 15, 2008

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - GSC Investment Corp. (NYSE:GNV), a business development company, will report its financial results for the quarter ended August 31, 2008, on Tuesday, October 14, 2008, after market close. A conference call to discuss the financial results will be held on...

Fitch Rates Bloomington, Minnesota's GOs 'AAA'

AUSTIN, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'AAA' rating to the City of Bloomington, Minnesota's (the city) $6.905 million general obligation (GO) permanent improvement revolving fund bonds of 2008, series 42. The bonds will sell competitively on Oct. 6th. The bonds...

TCW Chief Global Strategist Komal Sri-Kumar to Address Financial Crisis Fallout

LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The TCW Group, Inc., invites you to participate in a conference call on Friday with Chief Global Strategist Komal Sri-Kumar. He will discuss the origins of the ongoing financial crisis and explain what the federal government's rescue plan is intended...

BIO Lauds Senate Passage of Strengthened Two-Year R&D Credit

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today lauded U.S. Senate passage of a 2-year extension of the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit and urged the House to pass the package when it is considered on Friday. The R&D tax credit...

Washington Trust To Raise $50 Million In Common Stock Private Placement With Institutional Investors To Support Future Growth

WESTERLY, R.I.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: WASH), the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company, announced today that it has entered into a purchase agreement with select institutional investors pursuant to which it...

W. R. Berkley Corporation to Announce Third Quarter Earnings on October 28, 2008

GREENWICH, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) will release its third quarter 2008 earnings after the market closes on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the company's website at www.wrberkley.com. The company...

Leading Independent Proxy Advisory Firm Supports Directors of DWS Global Commodities Stock Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GCS) Against Dissident Western Investment, LLC

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - DWS Global Commodities Stock Fund, Inc., a closed-end fund (NYSE: GCS), announced today that ISS Governance Services, a division of RiskMetrics Group ("RMG") and a leading independent proxy advisory firm, has recommended that shareholders vote for the...

First Trust Announces Partial Redemption of First Trust Tax-Advantaged Preferred Income Fund Series M Auction Preferred Shares

LISLE, Ill.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announced today that First Trust Tax-Advantaged Preferred Income Fund (AMEX: FPI), a closed-end fund managed by FTA, intends to redeem $3.6 million of its $18 million outstanding Series M Auction Preferred Shares...

Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Release Date, Conference Call and Webcast

PROVIDENCE, R.I.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc. (NASDAQ: BARI) announced today that it will release its third quarter 2008 earnings on Thursday, October 23, 2008. The Company will host a conference call at 10 a.m. EDT later that morning to discuss these results. Merrill...

Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. Announces Estimated Losses from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav

STAMFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ORH) announced today that the combined after-tax effect of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav on its third quarter results is expected to range from $60 million to $90 million dollars. This estimate is net of reinstatement...

Legacy Bancorp, Inc. Third Quarter 2008 Earnings and Conference Call

PITTSFIELD, Mass.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Legacy Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ:LEGC), the holding company for Legacy Banks (the "Bank"), will announce the third quarter 2008 earnings on Wednesday October 29, 2008 at approximately 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Investors and analysts are...

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. Announces Financial Position as of August 31, 2008

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc., which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MMU", today announced the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2008. -0- *T Current Q Previous Q Prior Yr Q August 31, May 31, 2008...

Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund II Inc. Announces Financial Position as of August 31, 2008

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund II Inc., which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "EDF," today announced the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2008. -0- *T Current Qtr Previous Qtr Prior Yr Qtr August 31...

Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc. Announces Financial Position as of August 31, 2008

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc., which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "EHI," today announced the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2008. -0- *T Current Qtr Previous Qtr Prior Yr Qtr August 31, 2008 May 31...

Fitch Withdraws Rating on Wake County, North Carolina's GO Bonds

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings withdraws the 'AAA' rating assigned to Wake County, North Carolina's (the county) approximately $424 million general obligation (GO) bonds, including GO public improvement bonds, series 2008A, and GO refunding bonds, series 2008B, originally...

Fitch Places Chelsea Community Hospital (Michigan) on Rating Watch Positive

NEW YORK & CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has placed the underlying 'BBB' rating on approximately $37.6 million Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority revenue bonds, series 2005 and 1998, issued on behalf of Chelsea Community Hospital (CCH), on Rating Watch...

AXIS Capital to Host Teleconference to Discuss Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results

PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE: AXS) today announced that it expects to release financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, on Monday, October 27, 2008, after the close of the financial markets. John...

Parallel Petroleum to Present at IPAA Oil & Gas Investment Symposium

MIDLAND, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Parallel Petroleum Corporation (NASDAQ: PLLL) announced today that its President & CEO, Larry Oldham, is scheduled to present at the Oil & Gas Investment Symposium (OGIS), hosted by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), on...

ProShares to Transfer Securities from American Stock Exchange to NYSE Arca in Connection with NYSE Euronext's Acquisition of Amex

BETHESDA, Md.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - ProShares announced today that the listing of the following 64 ProShares exchange-traded funds currently listed on the American Stock Exchange (Amex) will be transferred to NYSE Arca in the fourth quarter following the recent close of NYSE Euronext's...

What You Should Know if Your Bank is in Trouble: FAQ's from Executive Coaching Organization, Vistage International

SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Here are some frequently asked questions about what happens to business deposits in FDIC-insured banks that fail. The answers are provided by veteran financial consultant, Edmond P. Freiermuth. What does it mean if a bank is on the FDIC's watch list...

M&F Bancorp, Inc. Declares Dividend for 3rd Quarter

DURHAM, N.C.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - M&F Bancorp, Inc. (OTCBB: MFBP) today announced that its Board of Directors approved a five-cent ($0.05) per share quarterly dividend. Each shareholder of record as of the close of business on October 2, 2008 is entitled to receive $0.05 for each...

Alamo Group Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend

SEGUIN, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE: ALG) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable October 31, 2008, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 16, 2008. Alamo Group is a leader in...

Penn National Gaming Revises Third Quarter Financial Guidance

WYOMISSING, Pa.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN: Nasdaq) announced today that it is reducing its guidance targets for financial results for the 2008 third quarter based on a greater than anticipated impact on gaming revenue related to economic conditions...

MRV Announces Revised Third Quarter Revenue Guidance

CHATSWORTH, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Nasdaq:MRVC), a leading provider of products and services for WDM and optical transport, metro Ethernet, fiber optic components, 10GE, out-of-band networking and other optical networking products, today announced that...

Zacks.com featured expert Kevin Matras highlights: Hewlett-Packard, ManTech Int'l, Collective Brands, Steris and Sykes Enterprises

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Kevin Matras looks at how to use Return on Equity (ROE) to find winning stocks. Stocks in this week's article are Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ), ManTech International Corp. (NASDAQ: MANT), Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), Steris Corp. (NYSE: STE) and Sykes...

Response Genetics, Inc. to Present at the Maxim Group Growth Conference

LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a company focused on the development and sales of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, today announced that its management will present at the Maxim Group Growth Conference in New York on Oct. 7. The conference...

Fitch Affirms Centegra Health's (Illinois) Bonds at 'A-'

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings affirms the approximately $120 million Illinois Health Facilities Authority series 1998 and 2002 revenue bonds issued on behalf of Centegra Health System (Centegra) at 'A-'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The affirmation reflects Centegra's...

Franklin Templeton Limited Duration Income Trust Reports Asset Allocation

SAN MATEO, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Franklin Templeton Limited Duration Income Trust (AMEX:FTF), a closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., today reported its portfolio composition, certain portfolio characteristics and AMEX closing price as of August 31...

Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. Reports Initial Loss Estimates from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike

HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:MRH) ("Montpelier") today announced a preliminary estimate of the combined net financial impact from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike of approximately $130 million, based on a $15 billion estimated total industry loss...

Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union Selects Open Solutions' TCCUS Relational Core Technology to Deepen Member Relationships

GLASTONBURY, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Open Solutions Inc.(R), a leading provider of integrated, enterprise-wide data processing technologies for banks and credit unions throughout the United States, Canada and other international markets, announced Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union...

Lazard Asset Management Launches New Emerging Markets Mutual Fund

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Lazard Asset Management (LAM) today announced the U.S. launch of the Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio (NASDAQ: LDMIX, LDMOX). The new emerging markets mutual fund, available to both institutional and individual investors, uses a bottom up stock...

Zacks' Discount Fundamental Strength strategy highlights: Tyco International, AK Steel Holding, Medifast and Diamond Foods.

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Combining strong underlying fundamentals with low valuations can lower risk and increase portfolio returns. Zacks' Discounted Fundamental Strength Profit Track strategy has generated double-digit returns for six consecutive years, including a 34% gain in...

Fitch Affirms GMAC Mortgage Corp. 2003-J9 Prime Pre-2005 Transaction

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has taken rating actions on the GAMC Mortgage Corp. Prime RMBS transaction listed below: GMAC Mortgage Corp. 2003-J9 —Class A-1-2 affirmed at 'AAA'; —Class A-2 affirmed at 'AAA'; —Class A-3 affirmed at 'AAA'; —Class...

HSNO Launches Financial Sector Crisis Support Service

HOUSTON-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Hagen, Streiff, Newton & Oshiro (HSNO), an internationally recognized leader in forensic accounting and electronic data services, today announced they have launched a financial sector crisis support service. Their new service offers specialized expert...

The Phoenix Companies, Inc. Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call

HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE: PNX) announced today it will hold a conference call with the investment community on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at noon, Eastern time. The call will cover Phoenix's third quarter 2008 financial results, scheduled...

Zacks Releases Four Powerful ''Buy'' Stocks: Fuel Systems, General Dynamics, Casey's General Stores and Fossil

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry's leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth...

CreditCards.com: Weekly Credit Card Rate Report

AUSTIN, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Annual percentage rates for new credit card offers lacked a clear direction this week, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report, as HSBC and Capital One tweaked some of their card offers. Of the nine credit card categories...

Does Wall Street Have a Heart? Good Business International Takes a Walk Down the New Wall Street

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Good Business International (GoodB) the hip and savvy New York based "Better World Business" think-tank issues its not-to-be-missed fall journal on the changing world of investment banking. The innovative Wall Street Walk pages reveal a unique...

Fitch Affirms Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency, Texas, Rev Bonds at 'BBB-'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings affirms its 'BBB-' rating on the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency's (SRMPA, or the system), Texas, outstanding $166 million power supply system revenue refunding bonds, series 2002. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The 'BBB-' rating reflects...

PBN Releases Quarterly Review of Russian & CIS IPOs

LONDON & MOSCOW & KYIV, Ukraine & ALMATY, Kazakhstan-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - In Q3 2008 capital raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) by companies from Russia and other nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) fell to the lowest level since 2004...

A.M. Best Places Debt Rating of Tailwind Holdings, LLC Under Review

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has placed the debt rating of "a" on $130 million of Series A floating rate senior secured notes due 2036 (notes) issued by Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary...

OptionsHouse Announces AutoTrading Partnership with Ascent Options Spread

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - OptionsHouse, LLC ("OptionsHouse"), an online retail and institutional brokerage firm, today announced Ascent Options Spread ("Ascent Options") as its latest autotrading partner. Autotrading gives stock and option investors the ability to charge their...

Fitch Ratings Affirms Kennametal's IDR at 'BBB'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch has affirmed its ratings for Kennametal Inc. (KMT) as follows: —Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB'; —Senior unsecured bank facilities at 'BBB'; —Senior unsecured debt at 'BBB'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Kennametal had...

Fitch Comments on Metrofinanciera's Structured Finance Transactions

MONTERREY, Mexico-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - This press release provides a follow-up to the comment made by Fitch Ratings in its quarterly report 'Mexican RMBS Performance' published on Sept. 2, 2008. The report indicated that Fitch detected inconsistencies in the disclosure of the...

Zacks Announces Constituent Change to Lifecycle Indices

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Zacks Investment Research announces the following constituent change to the Zacks Indices: -0- *T Zacks Lifecycle Index CUSIP Shares Reason...

Fitch Downgrades Willis on Close of Acquisition; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has downgraded its ratings on Willis North America Inc. (WNA) and Willis Group Holdings Ltd. (Willis) by one notch (see rating list below). The Rating Outlook is Negative. Fitch's rating actions follows yesterday's close of Willis' acquisition...

Fitch Affirms 3 Classes from 1 LABS HEL Trust Transaction

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has taken the following rating actions on Lehman ABS (LABS) Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust 2005-1: LABS HEL Trust 2005-1 —Class A-1 affirmed at 'AA'; —Class M1 affirmed at 'BBB-'; —Class M2 rated 'BB+' is placed on Rating...

Somera Capital Acquires Eight-Acre Site in Goleta

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Somera Capital Management, a private equity fund manager, headquartered in Santa Barbara, has acquired an eight-acre site in Goleta, California, from Verizon California, Inc. There are three buildings on the property, a 25,000-square-foot...

www.ONN.tv's Kevin Cook: Will the Euro Find Support Where Buffett Invested in 2004?

CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Kevin Cook, host of programming on www.ONN.tv's Mark2Market channel, reported this morning from the CME trading floor on technical developments in the euro currency as it has swung wildly in the last two weeks from $1.39 to $1.48 and back in the past three...

CORRECTING and REPLACING Morgan Stanley Frontier Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. to Host Conference Call

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - First graph, first sentence of release dated September 30, 2008 should read: Morgan Stanley Frontier Emerging Markets Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FFD), will host one of a ongoing series of...

Hospitality Properties Trust Announces Quarterly Common Dividend

NEWTON, Mass.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Hospitality Properties Trust (NYSE: HPT) today announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.77 per common share ($3.08 per share per year). This regular quarterly dividend will be paid to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on...

Fitch Takes Various Rating Actions on 1 Irwin Home Equity Loan Trust Transaction

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has taken the following rating actions on one Irwin HELOC transaction. Unless stated otherwise, any bonds that were previously placed on Rating Watch Negative are now removed. Irwin Home Equity Loan Trust 2003-B —Class I-A affirmed at...

Seyfarth Shaw Adds Group of Nine Business Services Attorneys to LA Office

LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Seyfarth Shaw LLP, one of America's leading full-service law firms, today announced that the firm's Los Angeles office has significantly deepened its Business Services Group with the addition of a team of nine real estate and corporate and finance...

Convenience Financial Strategy Group (CFSG) partners with Cybera

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. & NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Convenience Financial Strategy Group (CFSG) today announced a partnership with Cybera, a leading MPLS-based managed service provider, to become the newest member in Cybera's growing channel partner program. The partnership...

Does Your Financial Portfolio Need A Second Opinion?

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - For many Americans, when the doctor recommends surgery, most will seek a second opinion. But when it comes to their financial portfolio, they tend to leave it in the hands of their long-time investment banker. With all the turmoil in the...

Cedar Valley Business Executive and Philanthropist Offers Scholarships in Hopes of Building Local Workforce

WATERLOO, Iowa-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Cedar Valley businessman and philanthropist, Russell R. Wasendorf, Sr., has awarded one year, full-ride scholarships to two students at Hawkeye Community College - an investment he knows could pay big dividends in the future. The scholarships were...

W&A Publishing Taps Entertaining Side of Personal Trading with "The Stock Market Philosopher: Insights of a Soviet-Born, New York-Bred Hedge Fund Trader"

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - W&A Publishing announces that "The Stock Market Philosopher: Insights of a Soviet-Born, New York-Bred Hedge Fund Trader" is now available for sale. The cover price is U.S. $19.95 and orders can be placed online at www.w-apublishing.com. Author...

Research and Markets: An Essential Guide to the Bolivian Oil and Gas Markets - Providing Data on Investment Opportunities, Forecasts to 2020 and the Financial Deals Landscape

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Research and Markets pertaining the geography is also provided. A sample calculation detailing how fiscal terms apply to a typical asset in the regime is included. - Information on the top companies in the Bolivia including business description...

Fitch: SAG Strike Would Have No Immediate Credit Impact on Media & Entertainment Sector

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch Ratings believes a strike by the Screen Actors Guild of America (SAG) would have limited impact on the credit profile of the media and entertainment sector over the short-term of six to nine months. However, a prolonged strike could impact specific...

DTCC Appraised as a CMMI Level 3 Organization

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) announced today that it has been appraised at a Capability Maturity Model(R) Integration (CMMI(R)) Level 3, the only U.S. financial services organization to have achieved this rating across its entire...

The Association of Settlement Companies Announces New Officers for Executive Board

MADISON, Wis.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC), a non-profit organization that promotes fair business practices, consumer protection and high industry standards for the debt-settlement industry, announced today new officers for its executive board...

Fitch Assigns Ratings to PNM Resources and Subsidiaries; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Fitch has assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) of 'BB' for PNM Resources (PNMR) and its primary operating utility subsidiary, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM). Fitch has also assigned an IDR of 'BB+' to Texas New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) and...

Fitch Downgrades Two Gas Prepays in Line with Project Participants

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Following a review of two prepaid natural gas projects where MBIA acts a surety bond provider for the projects' participants, Fitch has taken the following rating actions on two separately financed projects: Northern California Gas Authority No 1 (NCGA...

BDO Consulting Appoints Ralph Fatigate, Former Director of Investigations for NYS Banking Department, to Lead Mortgage Lending Investigative Unit

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - BDO Consulting, a division of BDO Seidman, LLP, one of the nation's leading professional services organizations, today announced that Managing Director Ralph Fatigate, who was formerly Director of Investigations at the New York State Banking Department...

Trigild Lender Conference to Examine Impact of Rescue Plan on Commercial Real Estate Defaults

SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - With the meltdown of the capital markets, lawmakers are scrambling to negotiate a financial rescue plan — and industry experts are busy analyzing how the fallout will impact the escalating rate of commercial loan defaults. As the crisis...

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