IMAP to Host Global M&A Symposium in Istanbul, Turkey, October 23

SARASOTA, FL--(Marketwire - June 10, 2009) - IMAP, an exclusive global organization of leading merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory firms, announced today that its Global M&A Symposium will be held on Friday, October 23, at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. In addition to IMAP advisers, 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.

With access to IMAP's more than 500 advisers, the symposium offers attendees a prime opportunity to gain perspective on the M&A market, generate new leads and develop relationships with industry professionals on an international level. The symposium will feature presentations from a keynote speaker, as well as panelists from well-known organizations, including key private equity firm executives from the Middle East and Southeast Europe, one of the major industrialists in Turkey and a representative of a global multinational corporation.

"IMAP is excited to host its Global M&A Symposium at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul," said Mark Esbeck, IMAP President. "Over the last twelve months, IMAP completed a record number of transactions in Turkey, ranging from textile manufacturing and branded retail apparel to shipment terminal operations. Turkey, as well as the surrounding region, represents an emerging global M&A market in which IMAP recognizes tremendous potential."

"The combination of the city's location, hotel selection, rapidly emerging business opportunities, the high-level personal networking interaction, and top-notch speakers will make for an extremely worthwhile and insightful experience," added Sevket Basev, Managing Director of IMAP's Turkey office and host for the symposium.

The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Hotel, a former Ottomon palace, is situated on the European shores of the Bosphorus in the heart of Istanbul. In addition to its prestigious and historical location, the Ciragan boasts a five-star rating and is the first Turkish hotel selected to join the Leading Hotels of the World, a renowned luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas. In 2008, the Ciragan ranked sixth in "The Best Hotel in Europe, Asia Minor and Russian Federation" category by readers of Condé Nast Traveller, and second for the best hotel in Europe by readers of Institutional Investor. The hotel features a variety of dining options, including the award-wining Tugra Restaurant, a spa, 14 retail boutiques and is located just minutes from the pedestrian district of Ortakoy.

More information on the symposium including details on speakers, panelists and registration will be available by the end of June via IMAP's Web site at www.imap.com.

About IMAP

IMAP is an exclusive global organization of leading merger and acquisition advisory firms. Formed in 1973, IMAP is composed of 55 offices in nearly 40 countries throughout North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Australia and Asia. In 2008, IMAP advisers completed 252 transactions, with an aggregate transaction value of more than $13 billion. IMAP advisers 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: Jennifer Jameson (312) 780-7241 jjameson@dresnerco.com Sara DeNio (312) 780-7223 sdenio@dresnerco.com