Economist Laurence Boone Addresses the Eurozone Crisis at FIABCI International Business Meeting

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM and NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Dec 11, 2012) - Internationally recognized economist Laurence Boone addressed the topic of the "Eurozone Crisis" as part of FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation's Business Meetings which took place in Brussels, Belgium, between 28 November and 2 December 2012. Laurence Boone is Managing Director and Head of Developed Europe Economics at BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research where she is responsible for the developed Europe economics team.

Laurence Boone discussed several aspects related to the EuroZone crisis including how the crisis began, the European response and short- and long-term implications as they pertain to the international real estate market. She outlined several options to both address the crisis and develop a realistic strategy for coming out of the crisis successfully. Laurence Boone sees the euro area crisis as both a financial, sovereign and currency predicament that requires sound policies and practices to reduce public debt and to develop public support for financial institutions. Her presentation included a review of the current data as outlined in descriptive charts tracing the path of the euro crisis and offering key recommendations which need to be considered long range to recover from an economy on the brink of disaster. "We are honored to have Laurence Boone participate in our FIABCI Business Meetings," said Judy Shenefield, FIABCI World President. "Laurence Boone is an effective leader and an authoritative force in the forefront of the European economy. We felt her participation and input would be critical in addressing the greatest challenges and opportunities facing the future of the global markets," she continued.

Prior to joining BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research, Laurence Boone was a Managing Director at Barclays Capital responsible for analysis and projection of EMU countries fiscal and structural policies. She holds a PhD in Applied Econometrics from the London Business School; a Master's Degree in Economics and a D.E.A (postgraduate research degree) in Modeling and Quantitative Analysis from the University of Paris-X Nanterre. In addition, she has a Master's Degree in Econometrics and Macro econometric Forecasting from Reading University.

Each year FIABCI hosts its Business Meetings in a different country. Delegates in attendance have an opportunity to hear from some of the world's leading experts and participate in a host of informative and productive global real estate programs and meetings focusing on important topics within the real estate and real estate-related industries. The agenda also allows the opportunity for FIABCI committees to hold their formal meetings to advance their work on a global basis. In addition to the committee meetings, attendees participate in working sessions as well as marketing and networking opportunities to showcase properties and services.

About The International Real Estate Federation: The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) is a business organization of real estate professionals in 65 countries which represents approximately 100 national real estate associations and holds a special "consultative" status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organization (ECOSOC). FIABCI is a non-political entity whose objective is to help its members add an international dimension to their businesses and helps members acquire knowledge, develop networks and optimize business opportunities throughout the world. For information, visit www.FIABCI.org or contact Alyssa Nightingale (631) 367-8599.