M&A International is a global alliance of 44 mergers and acquisitions advisory and investment banking firms operating in 39 countries. Its affiliates are closely linked in an international partnership to advise clients on acquisitions, divestitures, funding and joint ventures. In 2008, its members completed 258 transactions worth $16.9 billion.

"I am very pleased and proud to serve M&A international as its Vice President of the Americas," said James Cassel. "This organization brings together and coordinates the efforts of some of the finest M&A talent around the world. As a member of M&A International, Ladenburg, and its other affiliates, have the ability to call upon our worldwide partners and benefit from their local expertise while gaining access to international companies, company reputations, and pricing in local markets. It provides our clients with the decided advantage of expanding their M&A opportunities far beyond their domestic markets."

Along with his positions at Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., Inc. and M&A International, Inc., Mr. Cassel is a member of the New York and Florida Bars, and a director of Equity One, Inc. (NYSE:EQY), a real estate investment trust. He is the former President of the South Florida Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth and a former member of the American Association of Arbitrators and the FINRA Board of Arbitrators.

About M&A International Inc.

M&A International Inc. offers the unparalleled resources of over 600 professionals in 44 M&A advisory and investment banking firms operating in 39 countries. All our members are closely linked in a global alliance to advise clients on acquisitions, divestitures, funding and joint ventures. In 2008, our members closed 258 transactions worth $16.9 billion. www.mergers.net

About Ladenburg Thalmann

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services, included in the Russell 3000® indices, is engaged in investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, independent brokerage and advisory services and asset management services through its principal subsidiaries, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., Inc. Investacorp, Inc. and Triad Advisors, Inc. Founded in 1876 and a New York stock Exchange member since 1879, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is a full service investment banking and brokerage firm providing services principally for middle market and emerging growth companies and high net worth individuals. Investacorp, Inc., a leading independent broker-dealer headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, has been serving the independent registered community since 1978 and has approximately 500 independent financial associates nationwide. Founded in 1998, Triad Advisors, Inc. is a leading independent broker-dealer and registered investment advisor headquartered in Norcross, Georgia that has a broad menu of products services and total wealth solutions to approximately 400 independent financial advisors nationwide. Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services is based in Miami, Florida. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is based in New York City, with regional offices in Miami and Boca Raton, Florida; Melville, New York; Lincolnshire, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and Princeton, New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.ladenburg.com.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.