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WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) announced today that it completed a new transaction in which it is guaranteeing $475 million of 3- year agricultural mortgage-backed Notes issued by M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank. The transaction is a part of Farmer Mac’s ongoing diversification of its marketing focus and expansion of its program offerings to meet the liquidity needs of agricultural mortgage lenders throughout the country. The offering of the sale of these Notes in the capital markets was announced by Farmer Mac this past August 14th. The transaction is part of Farmer Mac’s ongoing “AgVantage” program, in which it guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on Notes issued by an agricultural mortgage lender and secured by Farmer Mac eligible agricultural mortgages. The Notes issued today are rated Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and AAA by DBRS, Inc.
Farmer Mac President and Chief Executive Officer Henry D. Edelman commented, “This transaction further advances Farmer Mac’s congressional mission to provide greater liquidity to agricultural and rural lenders, including commercial banks, insurance companies, the Farm Credit System and other cooperative lenders. It underscores Farmer Mac’s ongoing ability to provide a sound secondary market for its customer constituencies in the U.S. agricultural sector and to achieve this business objective through large program transactions that emphasize high asset quality.”
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Farmer Mac is a stockholder-owned instrumentality of the United States chartered by Congress to establish a secondary market for agricultural real estate and rural housing mortgage loans and rural utilities loans and to facilitate capital market funding for USDA-guaranteed farm program and rural development loans. Farmer Mac’s Class C non-voting and Class A voting common stocks are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols AGM and AGM.A, respectively. Additional information about Farmer Mac is available on Farmer Mac’s website at .
Farmer Mac

NEW YORK, July 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — NorthStar Realty finance Corp. (”NorthStar”) today announced that its majority owned healthcare real estate venture, Wakefield Capital, LLC (”Wakefield”), has sold a $100 million convertible preferred equity interest to Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. (”Inland American”). NorthStar will receive approximately $90 million of the net proceeds from the transaction.
Prior to conversion, the convertible preferred investment will yield a dividend of 10.5%. The convertible preferred equity may be converted or redeemed, at Inland American’s option, upon the sale or recapitalization of the Wakefield venture. Wakefield may, at its option, redeem the convertible preferred interests at any time following the first anniversary of the closing, subject to payment of a call premium that declines over time. In addition, at any time after the second anniversary of the closing, Inland American may convert its preferred equity interests into common equity in Wakefield. Based on the current investment amount and capital accounts of the Wakefield members, the convertible preferred equity interests would represent, upon conversion, approximately a 42% common equity ownership interest in Wakefield. Inland American will have the option of contributing additional preferred equity and participating in new Wakefield investment opportunities in proportion to its percentage ownership interest, assuming it were to convert its interests to common equity.
David T. Hamamoto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NorthStar, commented, “We are pleased to continue our healthcare real estate investment strategy in partnership with Chain Bridge Capital LLC and with new sponsorship from Inland American. This recapitalization provides us with the significant liquidity that we were seeking to achieve in a sale of Wakefield, as well as the opportunity to continue to participate along with our partners in the value creation opportunity that we see in the healthcare real estate sector.” Mr. Hamamoto continued, “The capital raised in this transaction, together with the $80 million of convertible notes that we issued in May, further enhances our liquidity and positions NorthStar to take advantage of some of the best market opportunities that we have seen in years.”
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements; NorthStar can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthStar’s expectations include, but are not limited to changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate and bond markets specifically, legislative or regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs), availability of capital, interest rates and interest rate spreads, policies and rules applicable to REITs, the continued service of key management personnel, the effect of competition in the real estate finance industry, the costs associated with compliance and corporate governance, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations and requirements, and other risks detailed from time to time in NorthStar’s SEC reports. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. NorthStar expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
About NorthStar Realty finance Corp.
NorthStar Realty finance Corp. is an internally managed REIT that primarily originates and invests in commercial real estate debt, real estate securities and net lease properties. For more information about NorthStar Realty finance Corp., please visit .
About Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc.
Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust focused on the ownership of a diversified portfolio, including retail, office, multi-family, lodging and industrial properties within the United States and Canada. Inland American acquires assets either directly or by acquiring REITs or other real estate operating companies. As of March 31, 2008, Inland American owned, directly or indirectly through joint ventures in which it has a controlling interest, 882 properties, representing over 35 million square feet and including 14,472 rooms. Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. is sponsored by an affiliate of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. For more information about Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc., please visit .
About Wakefield Capital, LLC
Wakefield Capital, LLC is a real estate investment firm that specializes in senior housing and healthcare-related real estate throughout the United States. It is managed by an affiliate of Chain Bridge Capital LLC, whose senior management has extensive experience in the senior living industry, in structuring complex investment transactions, in managing high-growth businesses and in creating value for investors.
NorthStar Realty finance Corp.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24 /PRNewswire/ — RSM McGladrey (), a leading provider of accounting, tax and business consulting services, announces its “Who’s Behind Your Success?” nationwide essay contest, featuring LPGA star and Team McGladrey member Natalie Gulbis. Inspired in part by Gulbis’ own personal essay about her father, the “Who’s Behind Your Success?” contest launches June 24 and culminates with a grand prize package that consists of one lucky participant and a guest spending a day with Gulbis in her hometown of Las Vegas, including a morning workout and nine holes of golf, followed by a dinner with Natalie.
The “Who’s Behind Your Success?” contest, which is open to anyone over age 18, invites participants to submit essays of 200 words or less, highlighting the most influential and/or inspirational individual behind the success in their life. Essays can be submitted through Aug. 4, 2008, at the contest’s web site, , which also will feature Gulbis’ own personal essay about her father, who she calls the most influential person behind her success. One grand prize winner will be announced Oct. 21 during the National Championship rounds of The PGA McGladrey Team Championship, the first nationwide grassroots best-ball amateur championship managed by The PGA of America. Five finalists will receive the following: TaylorMade Driver, adidas golf shoes, a Canon Six PowerShot and a SkyCaddie SG-5.
The target launch date coincides with the week of the U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen Country Club outside Minneapolis, Minn. The “Who’s Behind Your Success?” contest continues McGladrey’s national golf initiatives, which include hosting The PGA McGladrey Team Championship. Along with Gulbis, other Team McGladrey members include PGA Tour Pros Zach Johnson and Chris DiMarco.
“We are excited to launch this contest with Natalie, one of the most popular LPGA golfers in the world,” McGladrey Chief Marketing Officer Mark Audino said. “This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the McGladrey brand through golf and mirrors how McGladrey is behind the success of our middle-market clients to help enhance their business performance. The ‘Who’s Behind Your Success?’ contest enables one lucky person to play golf with one of the best professional golfers in the world. We are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to that person while honoring the individual that has meant so much to them, much like Natalie’s father.”
Gulbis is one of the most well-known golfers on the LPGA. A recent Golf.com online poll showed that Gulbis beat out current No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer as the LPGA member with whom most golfers would want to play a round of golf. This contest will give one grand prize winner that chance.
“I am very proud to work with McGladrey on the ‘Who’s Behind Your Success?’ contest. I think it’s a great idea for a contest and I hope everyone will participate,” Gulbis said. “I submitted my own essay about my dad, who sacrificed a lot to help me keep my dreams alive, and I hope it encourages people across the country to participate. I’m glad to be a part of the selection process, and I’ll be eager to meet the grand prize winner in person!”
About RSM McGladrey
RSM McGladrey Inc. is a leading professional services firm providing accounting, tax and business consulting. RSM McGladrey operates in an alternative practice structure with McGladrey & Pullen LLP, a partner-owned CPA firm that delivers audit and attest services. Through separate and independent legal entities, they work together to serve clients’ business needs. Together, the companies rank as the fifth largest U.S. provider of accounting, tax and business consulting services (source: Accounting Today), with 8,000 professionals and associates in nearly 100 offices. RSM McGladrey Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen LLP are member firms of RSM International, an affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms. RSM McGladrey is the official accounting, tax and business consulting firm of The PGA of America.
“Who’s Behind Your Success?” contest rules
No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years and older and who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering the contest. Void where prohibited. Enter contest by: 8/4/08. For official rules and prize descriptions, visit . Sponsor: RSM McGladrey, Inc., 4725 Piedmont Row Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC, 28210-4280.
RSM McGladrey

CANTON, Mass., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — OneBeacon insurance Group today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Entertainment Brokers International insurance Services, a California general partnership (”EBI”). EBI is a managing agency specializing in the entertainment, sports and leisure industries. The sale is expected to close early in the third quarter.
EBI provides commercial insurance products including professional liability coverages from its locations in Los Angeles and New York City. EBI also provides excess workers compensation coverages as a wholesaler from its Westlake Village, California office. They will continue to operate as a managing agency with a network of 500 independent agents and brokers. OneBeacon’s agency partners will also have access to EBI’s products. Most business produced by EBI will convert to OneBeacon upon renewal.
Kevin Rehnberg, OneBeacon’s senior vice president of specialty lines said, “We are very excited about this acquisition as EBI’s deep focus on the entertainment markets aligns perfectly with our specialization strategy. We look forward to welcoming Jack Cave, Bill Cody, Martin Ridgers and the team to OneBeacon, and promoting our newest capability.”
Added EBI managing partner Jack Cave, “We’re very excited about becoming a part of OneBeacon. For nearly 20 years, we’ve prided ourselves on serving the entertainment, sports, leisure and contingency insurance segments with superior insurance solutions and service capabilities. In OneBeacon, we’ve found a partner that shares our view that experience and expertise, along with unique product offerings are the best means to serve our specialized business segment. This is a very positive step for our agents and brokers and their clients, as well as our employees.”
About OneBeacon: OneBeacon insurance Group’s underwriting companies offer a range of specialty and segmented commercial and personal insurance products sold primarily through select independent agents. As one of the oldest property and casualty insurers in the United States, OneBeacon traces its roots to 1831 and the Potomac Fire insurance Company. Today, OneBeacon’s specialty insurance products are available countrywide, and commercial and personal lines are offered in select geographic territories.
OneBeacon’s U.S. headquarters is in Canton, Massachusetts. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OB” and is “A” rated by A.M. Best.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All 3 statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this release which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “will,”"believe,”"intend,”"expect,”"anticipate,”"project,”"estimate,”"predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to OneBeacon’s:
— growth in adjusted book value per share or return on equity;
— business strategy;
— financial and operating targets or plans;

– incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance;
– projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per share, dividends, market share or other financial forecasts;
— expansion and growth of our business and operations; and
— future capital expenditures.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by OneBeacon in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:
– claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or terrorist attacks;
– recorded loss and loss adjustment expense reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;
— the continued availability and cost of reinsurance coverage;
— the continued availability of capital and financing;
— general economic, market or business conditions;

– business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it and pursued;
– competitive forces, including the conduct of other property and casualty insurers and reinsurers;
– changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretation, applicable to OneBeacon, its competitors or its clients;
– an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting its financial position;
– other factors, most of which are beyond OneBeacon’s control; and
– the risks that are described from time to time in OneBeacon’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to OneBeacon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed February 29, 2008.
Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by OneBeacon will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, OneBeacon or its business or operations. OneBeacon assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OneBeacon insurance Group

HOUSTON, June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Torch Energy Royalty Trust (”Trust”) ()
As previously disclosed by the Trust in various filings that it has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee of the Trust (the “Trustee”), is assisting in the orderly winding up, liquidating, and distributing of the assets held by the Trust in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement of the Trust dated October 1, 1993 (”Trust Agreement”). Such activities by the Trustee will be carried out pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement.
As previously reported in the Trust’s SEC filings, although there can be no assurances, the Trust may have additional distributions to Unitholders of the Trust from production from the certain oil and gas properties of the Trust (”Underlying Properties”) for the interim period from January 1, 2008 to January 29, 2008 (the “Interim Period”), with January 29, 2008 being the date on which holders of more than 66-2/3% of the outstanding Units affirmatively voted to terminate the Trust in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement (the “Termination Date”), and after the Termination Date as set forth below.
The quarterly record date for the second quarter 2008 distribution attributable to first quarter 2008 production prior to the Termination Date is June 2, 2008. The net overriding royalty conveyances dated as of November 22, 1993 (”Conveyances”) require that the Torch Royalty Company (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “TRC”) and Velasco Gas Company Ltd. (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “Velasco”) pay to the Trust the cash attributable to production from the Net Profits Interests during the Interim Period on or before the quarterly record date for the second quarter 2008 distribution (June 2, 2008). As of the close of business on June 2, 2008, the Trustee has not received a payment with respect to the Interim Period and the Trust will not be making a distribution to the Unitholders relating to the Interim Period at this time. There can be no assurances that any distribution will be made in the future to the Unitholders with respect to this Interim Period.
With respect to any potential future distributions to the Unitholders (if any) attributable to production after the Termination Date, TRC, Velasco or the owners of the Underlying Properties are required to deposit all proceeds of production following the Termination Date payable to the Trust or the Louisiana Trust attributable to the Conveyances into a non-interest bearing account (the “Deposit Account”) and, upon closing of the sale of the Remaining Net Profits Interests, will pay all deposited amounts to the buyer of the Remaining Net Profits Interests. In the event that all Remaining Net Profits Interests are not, for any reason, sold or a definitive agreement for sale thereof is not entered into prior to the 150th day following the Termination Date (i.e., June 27, 2008), the owners of the Underlying Properties are required to pay all amounts deposited in the Deposit Account to the Trust and all amounts attributable to the Conveyances thereafter payable to the Trust are required to be paid to the Trust and the Louisiana Trust in accordance with the terms of such Conveyances, and such amounts, if any, are required to be distributed to the Unitholders in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement and the Louisiana Trust Agreement.
The Trustee may accept any offer (including offers, if any, made by the current majority unitholder, working interest owners of the properties, any other unitholder or any affiliate thereof) for all or any part of the Remaining Net Profits Interests as it deems to be in the best interest of the Trust and the Unitholders and may continue for up to one calendar year after the Termination Date (i.e., January 29, 2009) to seek a buyer or buyers of any remaining assets and properties of the Trust, in an orderly fashion not involving a public auction. If any assets or property of the Trust have not been sold, or no definitive agreement for their sale has been entered into, by the end of one calendar year following the Termination Date, the Trustee will cause the property to be sold at public auction to the highest cash bidder (the current majority unitholder, working interest owners of the properties, any other unitholder or any affiliate thereof). Notice of such auction must be mailed to each Unitholder at least 30 calendar days prior to the auction. The proceeds from any sale of the Remaining Net Profits Interests will be distributed to the Unitholders in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement. No assurances can be given that the Trustee will be able to sell the Remaining Net Profits Interests. Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to the amount that will be ultimately distributed to Unitholders following such a sale or if such distribution from the sale will exceed the current market price of the Units.
Cautionary Statement on Risks Associated with the Trust’s Forward-Looking Statements.
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “believe,”"expect,”"anticipate,”"intend,”"plan,”"estimate,”"may,”"should,”"could,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are to be interpreted only as of the date on which they are made. The Trust undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement except as required by law.
Torch Energy Royalty Trust

CHICAGO, May 2 /PRNewswire/ — Seven Summits Research issues PriceWatch Alerts for key stocks.
Seven Summits Strategic Investments’ PriceWatch Alerts are available at
(Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
Today’s PriceWatch Alerts cover the following stocks: Microsoft Corporation , Schlumberger Limited , Texas Instruments Inc. , Franklin Resources Inc. , and Whole Foods Market Inc. .
Along with our PriceWatch Alerts, these brief reports contain a concise market overview, economic calendar and Dynamic Market Opportunities. PriceWatch Alerts include hedged trade ideas designed to potentially protect investors from unexpected market shifts. While other market reports only provide stock news, we offer strategies that hedge investments against uncertainty. Hedged trades increase your chances of making a profit, even if a stock goes down.
“Our PriceWatch Alerts go beyond other market reports. Along with a brief concise market overview, each PriceWatch Alert provides useful strategies, which ensure potential investments are protected with basic hedging techniques,” says Reid Stratton, Seven Summits Senior Analyst. “This brief report contains information that can benefit expert and novice investors who want to stay ahead of the market.”
For essential information on stocks poised to move go to:
for Seven Summits Strategic Investments’ PriceWatch Alerts.
Seven Summits investment Research is an independent investment research group, which focuses on the U.S. equities and options markets. Our analytical tools, screening techniques, rigorous research methods and committed staff provide solid information to help our clients make the best possible investment decisions. For more information go to
. CRD# 137114
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All stocks and options shown are examples only — not recommendations to buy or sell. Our picks do not represent a positive or negative outlook on any security. Potential returns do not take into account your trade size, brokerage commissions or taxes — expenses that will affect actual investment returns. Stocks and options involve risk, thus they are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling options, a person should request a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options available from Catherine at 800-698-9101 or at
. Privacy policy available upon request.
Seven Summits investment Research

PASADENA, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — General <a href=’http://finance Corporation (the “Company”) , and Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Ltd (”Royal Wolf” or “RWA”), an 86.2%-owned subsidiary that is the largest marketer and lessor of storage containers in Australia, yesterday announced the acquisition of RWNZ Acquisition Co. Limited (”RWAC”) and its wholly owned subsidiary RoyalWolf Trading New Zealand (”RWNZ”), believed to be the largest marketer and lessor of storage containers in New Zealand, for approximately USD $18.6 million. The acquisition is expected to be accretive this fiscal year.
Through this acquisition Royal Wolf acquired more than 5,800 storage containers, of which approximately 5,000 storage containers are in the leasing fleet at approximate 86% utilization rates, that are primarily delivered through five branches or customer service centers.
RWNZ has an unaudited adjusted trailing twelve month EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization) as of the closing of approximately USD $3.4 million. RWNZ’s employees joined Royal Wolf, which will also assume several depot and agency contracts. The transaction will be primarily financed by bank financing under the existing Australian and New Zealand Banking Group Limited credit facilities to Royal Wolf.
Bob Allan, Royal Wolf’s CEO, noted that the acquisition of RWNZ was a natural fit as both RWNZ and Royal Wolf were formerly subsidiaries of Triton Corporation and share similar branding and systems. Further, the RWNZ storage container business will also provide greater balance towards leasing revenues as it has historically derived approximately 60% of its revenues from leasing.
About General finance Corporation
The Company’s 86.2%-owned indirect subsidiary Royal Wolf, a privately held Australian company acquired in September 2007, is engaged in the sale and leasing of portable storage containers, portable container buildings and freight containers to a broad cross section of industrial, commercial, educational and government customers throughout Australia.
Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the acquisition of the stock and certain assets of RWAC and RWNZ and the future prospects of Royal Wolf. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including those contained in the Company’s revised definitive proxy statement with respect to the Company’s acquisition of Royal Wolf filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2007, the Transition Report on Form 10-K for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and the post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration statement dated March 20, 2008. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any information contained in any forward-looking statement.
Contact:
For General finance Corporation
John Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
(626) 584-9722 x1009

General finance Corporation

SHANGHAI, May 26 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Xinhua Finance Limited , a China-based financial information and media services provider, today announced that it has commenced a consent solicitation (the ”Consent Solicitation”) relating to its outstanding US$100,000,000 10% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2011, ISIN: XS0275685641 and Common Code: 027568564 (the ”Senior Notes”). The Consent Solicitation will expire at 3:00 p.m., London time, on June 9, 2008, unless extended (such date, as it may be extended, the ”Expiration Date”).
The primary purpose of the consent solicitation is to seek consents from noteholders of record as of May 26, 2008 to amend the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Notes were issued (the ”Indenture”) so as to remove the requirement that each of Mergent, Inc., Stone & McCarthy Research Associates, Inc., Market News International, Inc., G-7 Group, Inc., Washington Analysis Corporation and Taylor Rafferty Associates, Inc. (together, the ”Identified Restricted Subsidiaries”) shall always be restricted subsidiaries for the purpose of the Senior Notes (the ”Proposed Amendment”). The Proposed Amendment will require the consent of noteholders representing a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes. If the Proposed Amendment becomes effective, then all the Senior Notes will be subject to the Proposed Amendment.
In consideration for the consent of the noteholders to the Proposed Amendment, and subject to the execution of a supplemental indenture implementing such Proposed Amendment, Xinhua Finance will pay a cash payment of US$2.50 for each US$1,000 in principal amount of Senior Notes to noteholders of record as of May 26, 2008 who have properly delivered valid consents with respect to the Senior Notes, and have not revoked such consents prior to the Expiration Date. As further inducement for the noteholders to consent to the Proposed Amendment, Xinhua Finance would agree to set aside a certain portion of the proceeds from the sale of capital stock of any of the Identified Restricted Subsidiaries and use such portion of the proceeds to make an offer to purchase Senior Notes at par, plus accrued interest, within 45 days from receipt of any such proceeds.
The complete terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitation are set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement that is being sent noteholders. Noteholders are urged to read the Consent Solicitation Statement carefully before making any decision with respect to the Consent Solicitation.
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. has been appointed as the Solicitation Agent for the Consent Solicitation. Questions regarding the Consent Solicitation and the procedures for consenting should be directed to the Solicitation Agent at:
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

Tel: 65 6518 8618
Email:
The Bank of New York, London Branch has been appointed as the Information and Tabulation Agent for the Consent Solicitation. Requests for documentation should be directed to The Bank of New York, London Branch at:
Fax: 44 207 964 6152.
This announcement is not a solicitation of consents with respect to the Senior Notes. The Consent Solicitation is being made solely by the Consent Solicitation Statement and the related consent form. In any jurisdiction where the laws require solicitations to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Consent Solicitation will be deemed to be made on behalf of the Company by the Solicitation Agent, or one or more registered broker dealers under the laws of such jurisdiction.
Notes to Editors

About Xinhua Finance Limited

Xinhua Finance Limited (”XFL”) is China’s premier financial information and media service provider and is listed on the Mothers Board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399) (OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China’s financial markets and the world, Xinhua Finance’s proprietary content platform, comprising Indices, Ratings, Financial News, and Investor Relations, serves financial institutions, corporations and re-distributors worldwide. Through its subsidiary Xinhua Finance Media Limited , XFL leverages its content across multiple distribution channels in China including television, radio, newspaper, magazine and outdoor media. Founded in November 1999, XFL is headquartered in Shanghai, with offices and news bureaus spanning 12 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit .
For more information, please contact:

Media Contact:
Ms. Joy Tsang
Tel: 86-21-6113-5999 or 86-136-2179-1577
Email:

IR Contact:
Ms Jennifer Chan Lyman
Tel: 86-21-6113-5960
Email:
This press release is not for transmission or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States (including its territories and possessions, any State of the United States and the District of Columbia). This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. No securities of Xinhua Finance may be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Xinhua Finance does not intend to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.
Xinhua Finance Limited

NEW YORK, May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (”NorthStar”) today announced that NRFC NNN Holdings, LLC (”Triple Net Holdings”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NorthStar that owns all of NorthStar’s non-healthcare net lease properties, has commenced a private offering, subject to market conditions, of up to $75 million aggregate principal amount of Triple Net Holdings’ exchangeable senior notes due 2013 (the “Notes”).
The Notes will be an unsecured obligation of Triple Net Holdings, except that Triple Net Holdings’ obligations under the Notes will be secured by an amount equal to one semi-annual interest payment, which will be held in a lockbox for the benefit of the investors. The Notes will be exchangeable for cash, shares of NorthStar’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of NorthStar’s common stock, at Triple Net Holdings’ option. Each of NorthStar, NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and NRFC Sub-REIT Corp. has guaranteed the payment of amounts due on the Notes.
Triple Net Holdings and the guarantors expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to make investments relating to their businesses and for general corporate purposes, as well as to fund the lockbox with an initial amount equal to one semi-annual interest payment on the Notes.
The Notes will be offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes and any shares of NorthStar’s common stock that may be issued upon exchange of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.
This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward- looking statements; NorthStar can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthStar’s expectations include, but are not limited to changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate and bond markets specifically, legislative or regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs), availability of capital, interest rates and interest rate spreads, policies and rules applicable to REITs, the continued service of key management personnel, the effect of competition in the real estate finance industry, the costs associated with compliance and corporate governance, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations and requirements, and other risks detailed from time to time in NorthStar’s SEC reports. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the NorthStar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Such forward- looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. NorthStar expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
About NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. is an internally managed REIT that primarily originates and invests in commercial real estate debt, real estate securities and net lease properties. For more information about NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., please visit .
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.

EVERETT, Wash., May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — MD Johnson, Inc. announces that Becci Stupey, dealer principal of Harbour Pointe Lincoln Mercury Mitsubishi has entered into an agreement with Ford motor Company to acquire the companies Lincoln Mercury sales and service agreement as well as all associated assets. In addition Rock Peterson of Brien Ford has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Mitsubishi franchise and all associated assets, and the announcement that the Mitsubishi franchise will be relocated to the Brien Ford facility in Everett, Washington Ford motor Company has acquired the Lincoln Mercury Franchise as part of Ford motor Company’s overall plan to reduce dealership outlets throughout the US. The Mitsubishi dealership will be renamed Brien Mitsubishi. In addition to purchasing the Mitsubishi dealership, Harbour Pointe Lincoln Mercury will be referring their Lincoln Mercury customers to Brien Ford for service.
MD Johnson, Inc. was engaged to advise Stupey on the consolidation process and to negotiate the sale of the franchises with the respective buyers. Peter Christopher and Todd Farabee from the Ford motor Company NW Regional Sales Office structured and approved the Lincoln Mercury acquisition on behalf of Ford motor Company. Mark Johnson, President of MD Johnson Inc. stated that “Ford was aggressive and professional in executing their plan to consolidate the market and acted swiftly in accommodating the transaction.” Stupey is the daughter of Dick Ollinger, a long time Ford dealer and previous owner of Harris Ford in Lynnwood, Washington. Ollinger sold the dealership in 2000 to Jamie Pierre, Dealer Principal of Pierre Auto Group.
Becci Stupey worked in her father’s dealership for 17 years, carrying out numerous positions and then later acquired her own dealership, “Harbour Pointe Lincoln Mercury” in 2001. Rock Peterson, the dealer principal of Brien Ford in Everett, WA sold the dealership to Stupey. Now that Ford has closed the LM point, Peterson will once again be servicing LM customers in the Everett market. Peterson bought into Brien Motors in 1980 from Brien Medler, who owned the dealership since 1970. Peterson bought out Medler in 1986 and has been the dealer operator since. Peterson commented that “our state of the art service center will be a great place for Lincoln Mercury customers to continue experiencing the excellent service they have enjoyed at Harbour Pointe.” Peterson also commented that “Mitsubishi will be a great fit in our Everett location and will complement a business that we have been growing since 1986.” Bill Sommerville and Robert Lawhead of Mitsubishi facilitated the Mitsubishi franchise sale and relocation to the Peterson site. Jeffery Capeloto of Anderson Hunter Law Firm P.S. provided legal advisory services to Peterson relative to the Mitsubishi transaction.
Mark Johnson further stated that “consolidation efforts take a multitude of forms and require many pieces of a puzzle to be assembled. One of those pieces was Steve Klein at Klein Honda.” Johnson commented that “given Honda’s tremendous growth and requirements to expand, it was fortuitous that Klein Honda is directly across from Harbour Pointe and in need of additional space. It turned out to be a great fit and a great opportunity for everyone involved.” Steve Klein, dealer principal of Klein Honda commented that “given Honda’s unprecedented and continuous growth and the subsequent increase of Klein Honda’s customer base, it was a great opportunity and a wonderful fit for us to expand into the Lincoln Mercury facility.” Along with numerous acquisition and divestiture engagements, MD Johnson, Inc., on behalf of the firm’s clients, is currently involved in numerous consolidations and realignment engagements throughout the US relative to Ford, GM and Chrysler.
James Aiken, Esq. of the law firm of Aiken & Fine, PS was legal advisor to Becci Stupey and the Company. Randy Howard of Clothier & Head was Compliance and Tax counsel to Stupey and Company.
MD Johnson, Inc. is a mergers/acquisitions and financial advisory services firm specializing in Advisory Services to automobile dealers, dealership management companies and dealership lawyers and CPA’s. In addition to standard M and A services, the firm provides detailed Valuation, Consolidation, Succession, Strategic Planning, Fairness Opinion, Litigation Support and Transaction Management Services for its clients. The firm’s clients include public and private groups and individual owners located throughout the US. Previous press releases are archived at WWW.MDJOHNSONINC.COM
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MD Johnson Inc.