IMAP to Host 2009 Global M&A Symposium in Los Angeles, April 2 - 3

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 18, 2009) - IMAP, an exclusive global organization of leading merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory firms, announced today that its 2009 Global M&A Symposium will be held Thursday, April 2, through Friday, April 3, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, Calif. In addition to IMAP advisors, the symposium will cater to private equity groups, corporate development personnel and global M&A attorneys. The agenda will focus on closing M&A transactions in the current economic climate, while providing an opportunity to develop relationships with industry professionals. To register for the symposium, visit www.imapLA2009.com.

The symposium kicks off on Thursday, April 2, at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception and networking event. The excitement continues on Friday, April 3, with top-notch speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. The day will be highlighted by presentations from:

--  David Smick, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson Smick
    International, an advisory firm based in Washington, D.C. and author of the
    best-selling book "The World is Curved:  Hidden Dangers of Global Economy"
--  David Kean, an experienced, top-line consultant and author of the
    international best seller "How Not To Come in Second - The Art of Winning
    Business Pitches"
--  John Sorte, president and chief executive officer of the newest IMAP
    member firm, Morgan Joseph
    

"Our first-ever Global M&A Symposium is designed to initiate valuable interaction between IMAP advisors and our colleagues from private equity groups, corporate development firms and M&A transaction attorneys," said Mark Esbeck, IMAP president. "In the current global economic climate, it is more important than ever to develop the knowledge, strategies and contacts to generate new opportunities and produce creative results."

To register for the symposium, view a schedule of events or make hotel reservations, visit www.imapLA2009.com.

--  Registration deadline:  Thursday, March 12, at 5 p.m. (EST)- $495
--  Early-bird deadline:  Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m. (EST)- $395
    

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 40 countries including North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Australia, and Asia. IMAP member firms completed more than 250 transactions in 2008 with an aggregate transaction value of more than $11 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. More information is available 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