Capital Partners - Investment Banking

    3rd annual M&A International Media Awards

    18 September 2008. M&A International Inc. (MAI), the world’s leading alliance of mid-market M&A advisory and investment banking firms with 41 members operating in 40 countries, announced today that the close of entry for submissions for the M&A International Media Awards 2008 has been extended to 26 September 2008. The prize money totals US$12,000 and will be divided across three categories each with a first, second and third place. Detailed conditions of entry including the electronic entry form are available on MAI’s website. MAI has established sophisticated procedures which allow journalists reporting on mergers and acquisitions around the globe to submit their original articles in any language. Hans Bethge, Vice President of M&A International Inc., said: “Last year 115 journalists from 24 countries submitted 223 articles for the M&A International Media Awards. Rewarding intelligent and incisive comment that upholds the journalistic principles of accuracy and objectivity, this unprecedented prize is the truly global reference for excellence in M&A journalism.” Award-winning articles from the last two years were published in leading publications such as the Financial Times, International Herald Tribune, Reuters, The Sunday Times, Private Equity International, Finance Asia, Berlingske Nyhedsmagasin (Denmark), Neue Zuercher Zeitung (Switzerland), Economy (Italy) and Finance (Germany). MAI awards individual journalists who have contributed in an outstanding way to the understanding and professional analysis of the global mergers and acquisitions market. The awards cover the “big ticket” deals as well as the rapidly growing mid-market M&A activities. The jury focuses on well-researched deal reports and comprehensive market analysis by regions or industries, although scoops and commentaries can also be rewarded. MAI will accept entries from journalists writing for internationally distributed print media in English as well as for leading business newspapers and magazines in their home countries in English or local languages. Articles published by news agencies or electronic trade media will also be accepted excluding broadcast reporting (television or radio). Submitted articles must have been published between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008. The number of entries is limited to three articles per journalist. The prize will be awarded in three categories by an independent specialist jury under the criteria content, quality of research and style. The categories are:
    • General print press and news agencies – English language (1st–3rd prize)
    • General print press and news agencies – other languages (1st–3rd prize)
    • Trade print and electronic media – all languages (1st–3rd prize)
    A special prize will be awarded to the best scoop article across all three media categories. The winners will be invited to join the 8th annual M&A Mid Market Forum (MMF), a leading global industry event attended by 400 M&A professionals from more than 35 countries (www.midmarketforum.com). This year, the MMF will take place in Milan on 21 November 2008. The winners will receive their prize during the event’s gala dinner. Winners of the first place for each of the three categories will be awarded US$1,500 (plus travel expenses to Milan plus accommodation). Second place awards will receive US$1,000 (plus accommodation) and US$1,000 for third place. The best scoop article across all three media categories will be awarded US$1,500 (plus travel expenses and accommodation). Senior M&A experts from all regions of the world representing business, the academic world and the media will serve on the jury. The jury members are: Dr. Hans Bethge, M&A Inter­national Inc. (Germany); Prof. Umberto Bocchino, Studio Bocchino (Italy); John Jay, New Star (UK); N.K. Misra, Tata Steel (India); Matthew Porzio, IntraLinks Inc. (USA); Raimon Segura de Lassaletta, Cuatrecasas (Spain); David Shirreff, The Economist (UK); Howard E. Steinberg, McDermott Will & Emery (USA);  Dr. Hong Zhang, Deutsche Bank Institute (China). For further information, please contact: Northoff.Com Public Relations, Frankfurt/Main,
    Karoline Lazaj, +49 (0)69 952977-00 (-40 direct), mai@northoff.com Penrose Financial, London
    Andrew Nicolls, +44 (0)20 7786 4881, andrewn@penrose.co.uk About M&A International Inc.
    M&A International Inc., established in 1985, offers the unparalleled resources of 41 M&A advisory and investment banking firms operating in 40 countries. The members are closely linked in a global alliance to advise clients on acquisitions, divestitures, funding and joint ventures. Focused on the middle market, M&A International Inc. members closed 380 deals in 2007 worth more than $21 billion. For further information, please visit www.mergers.net.