Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Thursday, February 2nd 2012 [ME NewsWire]

LumenGlobal, the world’s premier AMI meeting, to be held February 9-11, 2012, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, in Dubai. http://lumenglobal.org/

Lumen Global is a determined endeavor to catapult Lumen Miami onto the world stage. After Lumen Miami’s stupendous success and celebration of its Tenth Anniversary, it appeared an opportune time to globally expand Lumen’s gospel of optimizing the D2B Process and the STEMI Procedure. Burgeoning international audience and universal acclaim for the Global STEMI Symposium at Lumen Miami meetings were the initial fodder for creating Lumen Global. Yet, the overwhelming inspiration for expanding the global reach of Lumen comes from the tremendous need to populate the world with the amazing STEMI intervention procedure that can save millions of lives world-wide, in particular, of the very young adults in Asia who succumb to the scourge of AMI.

Dubai, as a venue for Lumen Global, was an effortless choice! Dubai is an international hot spot, one of the world’s favorite destinations for international conferences and exhibitions. It is, literally, on the front row of the grid of countries positioned to take advantage of the shift in geo-political and business influence from West to East, and a fantastic venue for cardiac technologies and pharmaceuticals to reach a global audience. Dubai’s portfolio of global attractions includes its cosmopolitan credentials, fantastic accessibility, some of the world’s finest restaurants, resplendent shopping, pristine beaches and its growing stature on the contemporary art scene!

Lumen Global’s three-day program will provide a comprehensive review of thrombolysis and medical management of the AMI patient, pharmaco-invasive STEMI strategies and D2B management. Its innovative agenda will include lectures, debates, workshops, certification course and meaningful industry participation. Lumen Global is scheduled to have world-class, international faculty and co-directors, all veritable AMI experts.

“I am confident that Lumen Global will emerge as a one-stop AMI educational rendezvous for clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons, general practitioners, primary care physicians, emergency room physicians, critical care physicians, nurses, cardiovascular laboratory technologists, paramedics and hospital administrators.” Said Dr Sameer Mehta, MD, FACC, MBA, Voluntary Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Miami. and also Course Director, Lumen.

ABOUT MCI

MCI is a globally integrated Association, Communication and Event Management Company. Since 1987, MCI has created corporate events, meetings and incentives; association and governmental conventions, congresses, exhibitions; and managed and provided consulting to associations. MCI’s mission is to help companies, governments and associations bring people together to create meaningful connections and win.

MCI provides many stand-alone solutions designed for those who only need a specific service to complete their projects such as Destination Management, Sustainability Services, Technical and Creative Production, Event Hospitality, Event Furniture and Decoration and Registration Technology.

Visit the MCI websitewww.mci-group.comthe latest company information.

Contacts

Kavitha Prabhu

Manager – External Communications

+971 (4) 311 6300

www.mci-group.com/uae

Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) – Middle East 2012
“Succeeding through Change Management”
February 1-2, 2012
Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Dubai January 31 2012: Change agents’ Wendy Appel and Susan Furness are set to energise timely conversation among the region’s business sector at this week’s second upcoming ‘Succeeding through Change Management’ conference.

Organised by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) in the Middle East, regional and international experts from both the private and public sectors are poised to take the stage in Abu Dhabi to share success stories, discuss ideas, and present best practices in the field of Change Management.

Khaled Al-Mobarak, Conference Chairman, said that the forum is structured around expert panel discussions and interactive sessions over two days from February 1-2, 2012. Abu Dhabi-based Yas Island’s Radisson Blu Hotel is set to play host to the delegates from diverse business sectors.

“This year’s event is focused on advancing the discipline of Change Management. Delegates are invited to discover the latest research and trends within the field as well as deepen their knowledge and understanding through shared experiences,” he explained.

Furness, a leading PR expert is slated to lead the day one agenda which features discussions on Sustainable Energy for Success, Change Management in ERP Implementation, Guerilla Transformation, Sustainable Development, Promoting a Culture of Change through Employees, and Using Situated Learning to Enable Human Performance.

“Events like this provide a platform for Change Management professionals who lead the people-side of change, to meet, collaborate and develop industry standards to ensure a globally recognised discipline is in place,” shared Al-Mobarak.

Wendy Appel, a Mallorca-based leadership consultant and author who is scheduled to host an interactive panel session which brings Change Management strategies under the spotlight echoed Al-Mobarak’s sentiments. She suggested that the leaders of the new paradigm need brave hearts. “As managers and leaders we need to take action and talk in before we talk out and be brave. It is time to take time to look inside ourselves before we speak out as leaders.”

Appel and Furness will join Ahmad Al Mulla (Information Technology), Ibrahim Moosa Jamel (TECOM Investment’s Education Cluster), Tala Al Ansari (ENOC), Tom Marsicano (Interactive Learning Solutions Ltd), Mehryar Entezari (SAP), Jayme Johnson (IBM Global Business Services), Robert Ryan (IBM Global Business), Joseph Paris Jr. (XONITEK Group of Companies), Maria Sillanpaa (Sustainability Advisory Group), Emad El Maghraby (Johnson & Johnson Middle East), Dr. Alaa Garad (International Performance Excellence) and Farida Ansari (IBM Global Business Services).

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Vanessa Garcia on +971 55 531 4846, vanessa@strategicsolutionsonline.com

“The GCC will see continuous development and show above-average growth at 3.9 per cent in 2012, compared to flat lining scenarios in the USA and, perhaps worse in Europe,” highlighted Hamilton-Clark adding that TNS MENA’s recent move to new, modern open space offices was designed to support this growth trend.

Hamilton-Clark said that a key growth indicator is that the Middle East’s internet and digital market has grown by 1,800 per cent in the last ten years.

“Internet penetration in the region is showing one of highest in the world today,” he said. TNS recently concluded the second TNS Global Digital Life research series and is set to present exclusive insights of the market at this month’s TNS Executive Forum.

He went to suggest that the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and now South Africa – will also feature in the region’s economic buoyancy.

“With the rise of BRICS, the global economy has already seen significant shifts in its balance. It is now the turn of the region. The GCC States have been fast to forge alliances with the BRICS markets by increasing bi-lateral trade and investment, at the same time seeking to build stronger links with other new and emerging economies, including China, mapping a modern-day Silk Route.”

He observed that as US and European economies respond to the economic downturn with flat-line activity, many companies are looking to enter the MENA region to leverage its growth opportunities.

“We are already meeting the influx of new market entry requiring specific data and insights into the region. TNS covers the whole MENA region and our consumer connection expertise enables clients to make informed decisions in leading sectors including FMCG, Technology, Finance, Media, Healthcare and Automotive.“

TNS recently reinforced its regional presence by moving to a 2,300 square metre state-of-the-art office in the heart of Dubai to further ensure capabilities to address this increasing demand and changing client needs across all sectors.
Meanwhile, Hamilton-Clark also warned that developed economies are already facing challenges of ageing populations and an increase in the demand for government support for this age group. On the contrary, the GCC looks to have a relatively low dependency ratio of pensioners to working age population by 2020, with the high youth population needing support.

“The recent Arab Spring has highlighted the immense challenges of supporting a population with a huge youth cohort. Indeed, as much as 65 per cent of the regional population is under the age of 24 and with this challenge comes immense opportunities for growth and investment across all sectors of the economy from education to the automotive sector, to fmcg products, travel and leisure and much more.”

He said that these dynamics, and more, see the region positioned to greatly influence and even re-shape global trends.

“TNS research delves deep to find out who is engaging with brands and looks to counsel a 200+ strong client-base, working with them to craft winning brand communication strategies.

“For example, our research series such as the ‘Arab As Consumer’, ‘ARAC 2020 Women’, ‘Brands, Islam and the New Muslim Consumer’, and ‘Shabab Tek’ offers unique insight to 17 regional youth markets,” concluded Hamilton-Clark.

Every year across the MENA region the company’s consumer intelligence is shaped from over 650,000+ exclusive consumer conversations and 3,200+ focus groups conducted by over 150 research experts who use this insight to offer accurate end-to-end counsel and solutions to clients.

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About TNS MENA
A part of TNS global, the world’s largest custom market research organisation, TNS MENA was established in 1980 to cater to growing markets of the Middle East. TNS MENA shares and supports the vision of TNS Global. As the world’s leading Custom Market Research organisation, TNS operates across a vast network of over 80 countries.

With the acquisition of a majority stake in RMS, announced in December 2010, TNS now has the widest footprint of any agency across the African continent and Middle East region. Today TNS MENA is the largest full-service agency in MENA region with 150 research experts delivering accurate business insight and counsel to its 200 plus client base.

In MENA region TNS focuses on creating valuable market research in the leading sectors including: FMCG; Technology; Finance; Media; Healthcare; Automotive.

TNS MENA has pioneered Consumer understanding studies in regional markets with three main studies; Arab as a Consumer, Digital Life and Mobile Life and Consumer Sentiment & Confidence. The Arab as a Consumer study is a syndicated study organised by TNS MENA since 1987. ARAC 2020 Women study and Brands, Islam and the New Muslim Consumer are some of the niche extensions of the consumer studies with Shabab Tek, a youth study offers unique insight in GCC youth markets.

Over last few years, TNS MENA has achieved a volume of over 650,000 quantitative surveys and 3,200 focus groups per year in the region, thus being the number one market research and intelligence company in region.

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Axioma, a leading provider of decision support, risk analysis and portfolio rebalancing and performance attribution tools, announced today the appointment of Melissa Brown as Senior Director of Marketing. Brown was previously a Managing Director and head of the institutional business at Wintrust Capital Management. Before that she spent 10 years at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, most recently as a Partner in the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group.

“Melissa brings a wealth of research, marketplace and client-management experience to Axioma, and she is a most welcome addition to our team,” said Sebastian Ceria, Chief Executive Officer of Axioma. “She will lead our efforts to deliver more value and insights to our clients by enhancing the flow of timely research reports and publications based on Axioma’s analysis, data and tools.”

Added Brown, “Axioma is at the forefront as a leading provider of investment analytics to both portfolio managers and asset owners. This is an exciting opportunity for me to use my diversified experience to provide our clients with analysis and insights that capitalize on Axioma’s innovative products, services and research capabilities.”

At Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Brown worked closely with clients as the senior portfolio manager for GSAM’s US Equity Strategy, before becoming co-head of Client Portfolio Management in the Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS) Group. She was previously Director of Quantitative Research at Prudential Securities. Brown is a Chartered Financial Analyst. She holds a BS in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and an MBA in finance from New York University.

About Axioma

Axioma, Inc. develops and markets innovative risk analysis, portfolio rebalancing and performance attribution products for the financial services industry. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in New York with offices in Atlanta, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, San Francisco, Singapore and Sydney, Axioma helps leading financial firms manage risk, increase returns and improve operational efficiency. For more information about Axioma, please contact Topher Wurts at 212.991.4506, or visit the company’s website at www.axiomainc.com.

Contacts

Kwittken & Company

Cindy Stoller, 646-747-0143

cstoller@kwitco.com

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Upsolar, a leading international provider of solar PV modules, today announced that the company’s products earned “Made in EU” certification from the Institute of Industrial Certification for Mechanics (ICIM). This approval immediately qualifies systems including Upsolar’s modules for a 10 percent higher rate through Italy’s updated Conto Energia IV feed-in tariff (FiT) policy.

The conditions to obtain the 10 percent premium mandate that non-labor costs from EU-made components constitute at least 60 percent of the total cost of the PV system. Upsolar’s polycrystalline silicon modules qualify for “Made in EU” certification through the incorporation of polysilicon wafers from a reputable German manufacturer.

To achieve official recognition, both Upsolar’s manufacturing platforms and its German supplier were subjected to rigorous factory and process inspection. All certified modules will now display “Made in EU” insignias.

“We are especially proud to receive our certification from the ICIM,” said Giuseppe D’Elia, Italy Country Manager of Upsolar. “Validation from this prestigious body goes above and beyond in demonstrating to our Italian customers and financial partners that Upsolar’s modules offer exceptional value.”

Upsolar guarantees exceptional module quality through its award-winning, vertically integrated “Excellence at Each Step” approach. From the R&D stages through commercial-scale production, Upsolar’s team of design, manufacturing and quality control experts continually work to optimize the company’s processes to ensure premium safety, reliability and performance for its customers around the world.

This announcement marks the latest initiative in Upsolar’s commitment in the European market. In addition to building strong relationships through regional solar organizations including the Italian PV Industry Association (GIFI), Upsolar recently commissioned a 30 MW production platform in Braga, Portugal, where the local economy now gains significant economic benefits from the new facility.

“The success Upsolar continues to yield in both emerging and established global solar markets is the result of our commitment to meeting the varying needs of regional customers through diligent local support,” said Zhe Jiang, CEO of Upsolar. “Achieving ‘Made in EU’ status is a vital component to earning the lasting trust of customers in Italy and throughout Europe, enabling them to take advantage of the feed-in tariff rates with quality products.”

To view Upsolar’s ICIM certificate, please visit: http://upsolar.com/it/products/certifications.aspx

About Upsolar

Upsolar is a leading international solar module developer and producer, offering the solar industry’s best quality / price ratio in the global PV market. With vertically integrated, diversified manufacturing platforms, as well as an R&D-supported quality control management system, Upsolar produces high quality, reliable solar modules backed by a world-class warranty, at competitive prices. Headquartered in Shanghai, Upsolar has offices throughout Asia, Europe and North America to support an international customer-base, providing on-site technical support, customer service and product development teams. For more information, visit www.upsolar.com.

Contacts

Upsolar

Lucy Chen, +33 1 83 62 02 00

PR and Communication Specialist

lucy.chen@upsolar.com

Antenna Group for Upsolar

Kimberly Setliff, +1 415-977-1942

upsolar@antennagroup.com

Raids across globe lead to arrests and prosecutions
Monthly savings for operators estimated to be millions of dollars
Millions in illegal hardware seized

GITEX 2011

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Raids on illegal fraudsters have revealed the size and volume of SIM box fraud being perpetrated against mobile network operators. There have been recent publicised raids in Mauritius, Haiti, Senegal, Jamaica, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Ghana and El Salvador. These raids, often prompted by information provided by fraud specialist consultancy Revector, have led to arrests, prosecutions and the seizure of millions of dollars worth of illegal equipment.

‘SIM box’ fraud takes place when individuals or organisations buy thousands of SIM cards offering free or low cost calls to mobile numbers. The SIM cards are used to channel national or international calls away from mobile network operators and deliver them as local calls, costing operators’ millions in revenue loss.

Andy Gent, CEO of Revector commented: “From our knowledge of working in more than 60 countries, we estimated $150 million per year was being lost by mobile network operators to illegal fraudsters. With the recent spate of raids, we believe that was a conservative estimate – the real cost could peak at more than quarter of a billion dollars in annual lost revenues.”

One raid in Haiti halted an illegal racket costing a mobile network operator more than $750,000 per month in lost revenues. Another in Ghana seized equipment worth more than $200,000 and with the capability to hold more than 300 SIM cards concurrently.

“The fraudsters involved can set up this practice for a little as a few thousand dollars but some are investing hundreds of thousands in equipment,” continued Gent. “This ‘investment’ can be paid back in days by deploying it for illegal termination of international calls.”

Illegal SIM cards can generate 10 cents per minute for more than 20 days per month, costing an operator up to $3000 per SIM card, per month in lost revenue. The equipment seized in Ghana could generate almost one million dollars per month in fraudulent transactions. Revector has knowledge of networks where 300,000 illegal SIM cards are operating concurrently.

Revector recently launched a new service that enables mobile operators to geo-locate fraudulent SIM cards, alert the authorities to seize equipment and make arrests. Recent raids demonstrate a strengthening of resolve by mobile operators.

“These raids are good news for operators but they demonstrate the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive to reduce fraud,” commented Gent. “With our new service, operators don’t just remove the illegal cards from circulation; they can make arrests and deter others.”

Revector offers mobile network operators, regulators and governments a quick and cost-effective way to identify SIM box fraud, removing millions of dollars’ worth of fraudulent activity from their networks.

Revector will be demonstrating its new services for mobile network operators at Gitex-Gulfcomms, Dubai, 9th – 14th October.

Contacts

XL Communications

Chris Bignell

Chris@xl-comms.com

Tel: +44 7834 020460

In recent months, the Artillery UAE team have been working on a number of key projects in the region, in particular they have two projects for leading corporate companies who are moving into Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi. These projects will be some of the very first to be completed in this prestigious development. A project in the award-winning Aldar HQ is similarly underway.

Artillery provides a range of design consultancy services and they specialise in bespoke commercial interiors. With offices in the UAE, London, Melbourne and partnerships and joint ventures across the globe, they offer a design service which meets the demands of both new clients and a loyal clientele base who have an international presence. By taking a genuine interest in their clients’ business operations, Artillery’s directors and designers seek to articulate core values and brand identity to create practical yet meaningful interiors which represent good value for money.

The Dubai office operates under the directorship of Mr Stuart Allen. Mr Allen joined Artillery in October 2010 and his past international experience includes positions at Artillery London, Kramer Design Group New York and Stephen Miller Siegel Architects New York. The design team which consists of qualified interior designers and RIBA architects with local knowledge is led by Artillery’s Design Director, Ms Deborah Allen.  Ms Allen joined Artillery London some 14 years ago and moved to the UAE last month to spearhead and oversee sustainable design initiatives.

Artillery’s socially conscious designers continue to propose innovative designs which uphold its’ ethical and green credentials. Ms Allen is a licensed BREAAM assessor. Completed projects include offices for Pfizer and Noble Denton and a showroom for Harley-Davidson. In recent news, the team are delighted to announce their appointment on projects for the British Council in Abu Dhabi, New York University Labs, Torishima and Willis.

Contacts:

Stuart Allen – Director

Tel:      +971 567478355 / +971 445 04 115

Email: stuart.allen@artillery.ae

Deborah Allen – Design Director

Tel:  +971 509 148 232

Email: deborah.allen@artillery.ae

Robyn Booy – International and UK Public Relations

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7489 7900

Email: robyn.booy@artillery.co.uk

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Chartis today announced that it will enter into a contractual agreement with NYA International Limited (NYA), one of the world’s leading specialist kidnap and extortion response consultancies. Beginning December 1, 2011, NYA will be responsible for providing kidnap, extortion, malicious product tampering and maritime piracy consultancy services to the Chartis insurers’ crisis management policyholders.

“As we continue to focus on the ever-increasing kidnap, extortion, malicious product tampering and maritime piracy risks, it is critical to collaborate with a consultancy firm that can provide our clients with the necessary specialization and insights to reduce their exposure to these risks. NYA has an unmatched record of innovation and response techniques that can adapt to meet the challenges presented by these risks,” said Tracie Thompson, Vice President in the Worldwide Liabilities Group at Chartis.

NYA provides crisis management response and advice to clients facing incidents of kidnap and extortion, piracy and international emergency problems. NYA’s team of consultants have managed over 350 response cases in many parts of the world including, but not limited to, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

For more information about Chartis’ relationship with NYA, please contact Tracie Thompson at 212-458- 3472 or send an e-mail to tracie.thompson@chartisinsurance.com.

About Chartis

Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 70 million clients around the world. With one of the industry’s most extensive ranges of products and services, deep claims expertise and excellent financial strength, Chartis enables its commercial and personal insurance clients alike to manage virtually any risk with confidence.

Chartis is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty and general insurance operations of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.chartisinsurance.com. All products are written by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of Chartis Inc. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain coverage may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.

Contacts

Chartis Inc.

Marie Ali, 212-458-2536

WALTHAM, Mass. – Friday, August 12th 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)– While most auto suppliers traveled a bumpy road during the last two years, European and North American auto suppliers increased EBITDA from 2009 to 2010 by 76% and 68%, respectively, and North American suppliers emerged as the most likely global consolidators in 2011. These findings are part of global management consulting firm PRTM’s annual auto supply study: “Consolidation in the Global Automotive Supply Industry 2011”. The study analyzes 565 suppliers, including the top 100 global players, with combined revenues of $2.24 trillion from Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, China, Brazil, and India.

After undergoing the biggest downturn in history, worldwide automobile sales will likely hit a new record in 2011, driven by China’s relentless growth and the US recovery. According to the PRTM study, North American suppliers, in particular, have been significantly increasing acquisitions. Accounting for 36% of all deals so far in 2011, North American suppliers now comprise 11 of the 19 most likely global consolidators. These include ITW, Cummins, Magna, PPG, Lear, DuPont, JCI, Eaton, Timken, Dow and Tyco. The most distressed companies, meanwhile, have been smaller European suppliers; as of May, 44% of all auto supplier acquisition targets have been European. Seven of the top 10 acquisition targets in the last 12 months have been German.

Three of the Global 100 suppliers are now Chinese, and Chinese Supplier’s EBITDA grew 40% CAGR during the past five years. Since 2008, China’s auto industry has almost doubled and should continue to grow 12% to 15% yearly. Sales in Western Europe, however, remain depressed. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan not only impacted Japanese automakers – Japanese OEM output fell 20% to 40% over the past six months – but also Japanese suppliers.

Shift from Surviving to Thriving Requires New Supplier Business Models

With the continued recovery, auto suppliers worldwide must adapt to a changing market. New requirements include dealing with OEM’s increasingly global platforms; learning how to compete in China for business with global joint venture OEMs as well as consolidating domestic Chinese vehicle manufacturers; and defending territory against an increasingly more capable and highly profitable Chinese auto supply base eager to penetrate Western markets.

“There’s no room anymore for a $100 million supplier,” says Dietmar Ostermann, PRTM partner and one of the study’s authors. “You must be able to supply a Toyota Camry or Ford Focus platform that spans five continents.” He continued, “As vehicle demand and production rise rapidly in China, Brazil, India, and Russia, auto suppliers will have to adapt—by modifying product offerings to meet customers’ needs, right-sizing capacity in high cost countries, and expanding product development capabilities and production in these future markets.”

With only two Chapter 11 cases in 2011, U.S. bankruptcies have slowed significantly. Meanwhile, PRTM expects up to 250 auto supplier M&A deals in 2011-near the 2007 high of 276, despite the recent US credit downgrade.

About PRTM

Since 1976, PRTM has created a competitive advantage for its clients by changing the way companies operate. PRTM management consultants work with senior executives to develop and implement innovative operational strategies that deliver breakthrough results. The firm is a leader in operational strategy, supply chain, product development, and customer value management. PRTM has 18 offices worldwide and serves major industry and global public sectors. For more information, visit www.prtm.com.

Contacts

PRTM

Katherine Waite, +1 617-821-2282

kwaite@prtm.com

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Ernst & Young is delighted to announce a landmark three-year sponsorship with Endeavor, a not-for-profit organization that works with high-impact entrepreneurs in emerging markets to improve and grow their businesses with the goal of transforming emerging economies and establishing entrepreneurship as a leading force for sustainable economic development.

Endeavor is already present in eleven emerging economies (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Uruguay) and has created over 100,000 jobs; contributed billions of dollars back into local economies and assisted in the creation of hundreds of role models for people to pursue the path of entrepreneurship.

The sponsorship is part of Ernst & Young’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurial companies in emerging economies around the world.

Maria Pinelli, Global Vice Chair Strategic Growth Markets for Ernst & Young explains, “In emerging markets, entrepreneurship plays an important role in fueling growth, adding jobs and building communities. Endeavor has proven itself to be highly effective at unleashing the power of the entrepreneurial spirit in these markets.”

Ernst & Young will be making available a bespoke course entitled “finance for exceptional enterprises” to all Endeavor entrepreneurs. This will provide them with access to Ernst & Young resources and give them knowledge and technical insight to help drive and accelerate their growth.

Endeavor co-founder and CEO Linda Rottenberg says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Ernst & Young. There’s an incredibly strong alignment between our two organizations’ commitments to promoting high-impact entrepreneurs throughout the world.”

Ernst & Young will continue to actively support Endeavor’s International Selection Panels, held throughout the year, where the organization screens and selects a group of extraordinary emerging market entrepreneurs who have the potential to transform industries, communities, and even countries.

Linda adds, “Endeavor is excited to become a designated supporter of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) program in emerging markets. The linkages are so powerful: earlier this year the Jordan EOY winner was an Endeavor entrepreneur.”

Last week Ernst & Young was pleased to be a sponsor of the 2011 Endeavor Entrepreneur Summit in San Francisco, California. With over 300 attendees the Summit included three days of inspirational keynote speakers, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and breakout discussions that addressed high-impact entrepreneurs’ most pressing needs and challenges.

Ernst & Young is also the key sponsor of the Endeavor Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report to be released on 15 July 2011.

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About Ernst & Young’s Strategic Growth Markets Network

Ernst & Young’s worldwide Strategic Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of rapid-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped many of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business achieve its potential. It’s how Ernst & Young makes a difference.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 141,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

Contacts

Ernst & Young

Will White

Global Media Relations

+44 (0)20 7980 0146 / +44 (0)777 155 247

wwhite@uk.ey.com