IMAP Continues to Increase Number of Completed Cross Border Transactions

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - March 31, 2009) - IMAP, an exclusive global organization of leading merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory firms, announced today that it closed 75 cross border M&A transactions in 2008, solidifying its position as the authority in global middle-market M&A. In 2008, IMAP increased its completed cross border transactions by 11, a 17 percent increase from 2007.

"At IMAP, our collaborative approach to working on M&A projects between member firms is key to our cross border success," said Mark Esbeck, IMAP President. "IMAP's ability to support all of its offices with strong fundamental research and local connections allows clients to access buyers and sellers most efficiently all around the world."

By leveraging the capabilities of its nearly 60 member firms across the globe, IMAP has been successful in completing dozens of cross border transactions, which accounted for nearly 30 percent of its 252 completed transactions in 2008. Additionally, buyers and sellers from 36 countries were involved in IMAP completed cross border transactions last year.

"Our ability to best serve our clients is absolutely dependent upon our IMAP connection," said Karl Fesenmeyer, President of IMAP Germany. "In 2008 alone, cross border transactions represented more than 70 percent of IMAP Germany's M&A closings. At IMAP, cooperation between member offices creates stronger bonds between our advisors and results in better performance in connecting buyers and sellers on a global scale."

IMAP will host its 2009 Global M&A Symposium on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, Calif. The agenda will focus on closing M&A transactions in the current economic climate, while providing an opportunity to develop relationships with industry professionals. As part of the symposium, a press conference will be held on Thursday, April 2, during which time IMAP will announce the results of its annual global transaction and pricing survey. More information on the symposium and the press conference is available at www.imapLA2009.com.

About IMAP

IMAP is an exclusive global organization of leading merger and acquisition advisory firms. Formed in 1973, IMAP is composed of nearly 60 firms with more than 100 offices in over 35 countries throughout North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Australia and Asia. In 2008, IMAP advisors completed 252 transactions, with an aggregate transaction value of more than $13 billion. IMAP advisors provide strategic merger, acquisition, divestiture and related corporate finance services. Sellers of mid-size companies and corporate acquirers alike rely upon IMAP for essential local market knowledge and industry expertise delivered with unparalleled global reach. Every business day, somewhere in the world, an IMAP advisor is completing an M&A transaction. More information is available via the Internet at www.imap.com.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: For IMAP: David Gutierrez (312) 780-7204 dgutierrez@dresnerco.com For IMAP: Jennifer Jameson (312) 780-7241 jjameson@dresnerco.com For IMAP: Sara DeNio (312) 780-7223 sdenio@dresnerco.com