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      <title>Latest News Current Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/index.html</link>
      <description></description>
      <language>en-us</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2007 Mergers Unleashed. All rights Reserved.</copyright>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:36:35 EST</pubDate>
      <lastBuildDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:36:35 EST</lastBuildDate>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Blue Wolf Capital Does the Laundry]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The PE firm's second fund buys from a consortium of hospitals in Chicago laundry services assets to reform into a new unit.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187971-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Pearson Packaging Buy]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Pearson Exec Michael A. Senske Will Lead the New Company.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187982-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[HSW International Buys DailyStrength.com]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The internet publisher recruits former Facebook exec to develop social media strategies.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187985-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[ECP Gets into H20]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The PE shop concentrating on African investments makes a play in the water and power production space.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187946-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Hanley Investment Group Hires Halvorson]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The move is aimed at advancing in the Southwest retail market.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187949-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[JPMorgan To Slash 9,200 WaMu Jobs]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Many of the job cutswill unfold Washington Mutual's home city of Seattle. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187956-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[Creo's Food Service Add-On]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The firm's portfolio company Treasure Valley Business Group has acquired the assets of TKM2 Sales Solutions.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187963-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Publicis Groupe Nabs Chinese Add-On]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The agency, W&amp;K Communications, will join existing group Leo Burnett Greater China.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187965-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[FTI Consulting Bolsters Restructuring Shop]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The addition of five professionals will help the advisory firm expand its presence North of the Border.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187858-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[J&amp;J To Acquire Implant Maker Mentor ]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The implant manufacturer and aesthetic company will join J&amp;J's Ethicon unit in a $1.07 billion cash transaction.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187860-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Blackstone Carveout Adds New Portfolio Company]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[IT infrastructure management and outsourcing business will be Blackstone-run after being pulled from CMS platform.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187878-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Lazard Bulks Up Financial Institutions Group]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Fabrizio Cesario and Frederic Legmann, former Lehman bankers, join the firm as managing directors next month.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187899-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Restructuring Heavyweight Sprayregen Leaving Goldman]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Sprayregen, co-head of US restructuring at Goldman with Dhruv Narain since 2006, will rejoin Kirkland on Dec. 12. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187917-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA["No Deal" Volume Nearly Equals Deal Volume]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The collapse of the BHP-Rio Tinto deal has pushed the value of busted mergers in Q4 to nearly equal the value of the completed deals.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187942-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Sun Capital Affiliate Buys Apparel Makers]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Hanna Andersson LLC to be integrated as a standalone with Childrenswear alongside Gerber clothier.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187816-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Shalom, Barclays]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The investment bank bolsters its presence in Israel after keeping all of its Lehman talent there.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187817-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Och-Ziff Poaches RE Team From Morgan]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The hedge fund is hunting investment opportunities in Asia.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187820-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[PNC Equity Acquires Henry Wine Spinoff]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The asset, a bolt-on to the firm's August buy, The Country Vintner, marks the firm's plans to continue focused on growth through acquisitions "in spite of the current economic environment."]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187822-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Aquiline Capital Adds Two More]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The financial services PE shop brought in Pequot Capital and Swiss Reinsurance vets to bolster its staff.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187757-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[ML Capital Vets Launch Commercial Lender]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The new finance company, backed by Thomas H. Lee Equity Partners, Genstar Capital and Moelis Capital, is just the latest lender launched with PE backing.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187760-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Lawmakers Seek to Unravel M&amp;A Tax Break]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Grassley's questioning of Treasury Department's administrative break could undo deals and make others no longer worthwhile.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187766-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Hot Air?]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Months after Airborne settles false advertising claims, the company launches a new campaign blaming PE for the company's woes.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187848-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Ticklish Forecasts]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The volatility in the marketplace, be it oil prices, foreign exchange rates or other factors, has made due diligence a thorny process.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187727-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Fidelity-LandAmerica Deal Terminated]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Buyer's last minute backing-out leaves LandAmerica still seeking a suitor, CEO says, even as shares plummet.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187731-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Government To Shore Up Citi]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Feds will pump an additional $20 billion into troubled bank and guarantee $306 billion in assets.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187740-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Barclays PE Arm, Investcorp Acquire N&amp;W Global]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Barclays Private Equity and Investcorp take control of Italian vending machine manufacturer. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187741-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[J&amp;J Buys Omrix]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[$438 million biopharma deal brings into global conglomerate an expanded biosurgical, immunotherapy platform.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187742-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[King Wins Over Alpharma]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The  $1.6 billion strategic transaction will bring together the two pharmaceutical manufacturing giants.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187756-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Report: Asset Sales an Option at Citi]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[As the company's stock freefalls, the company is reportedly considering divestitures as a way to restore investor confidence.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187625-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[WebMD Merger Nixed (Again!)]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Now that the $50 million transaction between WebMD and Marketing Technology Solutions has been killed, the health information company will enter into a less ambitious advertising services pact.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187631-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Green Depot and Greenmaker Merge]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The Brooklyn-based and Chicago-based "green" building supplies companies join forces; terms were not disclosed.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187689-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[MidCap Hires Richard Jackim As MD]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The move is seen as an effort to expand the firm's Chicago presence; Jackim was president and general counsel at the Christman Group, a Chicago-based investment bank.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187736-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Centre Partners Makes Seafood Play]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Connors Bros. Income Fund deal brings $600 million in brands with potential future synergies to existing portfolio companies.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187602-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[PE-backed Companies Susceptible to Default]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[S&amp;P issued a report detailing that companies with exposure to private equity have dominated the default activity this year.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187604-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Aon Corp. Adds Mercer Vet]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Greenstein, corporate transactions PE client pro, joins Aon M&amp;A team.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187616-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[E &amp; Y Names New US Leaders]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The two hires, David R. Williams and John R. O'Neill will oversee restructuring services and restructuring tax, respectively.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187620-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Cerberus at Axis of Auto Bailout Debate]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Despite saying it would forgo any profits from a bailout, lawmakers are in no rush to help the firm limit its losses.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187582-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Carlyle Sells AxleTech]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[As auto parts makers are suspended in limbo awaiting the federal intervention—or, refusal—to save the Big Three automakers, General Dynamics makes a M&amp;A play.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187583-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[FrontPoint Reverses Course]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The hedge fund, which made a killing shorting financial services, is backing a new bank alongside PE firms Palladium and Carpenter &amp; Co.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187584-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Archway and Mother's Cookie Sale]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The cookies manufacturer's assets are now in play, following the approval of Lance, Inc. as the stalking horse bidder.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187588-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Oak Hill Lures Thomas]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Former Deutsche Bank CDO expert will aid in business development and client coverage.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187590-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[KPMG Builds Infrastructure Group]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The U.S. affiliate announces the hire of Tim Wilschetz as a partner; Barbara Lloyd and Tom Mulvihill as MDs.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187595-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[PIPE Down]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The SEC's insider trading complaint against Mark Cuban highlights the debate around PIPE investments.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187551-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Majestic Star Hires Goldman, Weighs Options]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[XRoads Solutions Group will also assist the ailing gaming operator as it talks about a recap, refinancing, restructuring or M&amp;A.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187552-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Yang Steps Down From Yahoo]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Market share spikes as shareholders anticipate a renewed dialogue with Microsoft.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187553-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[UBS Launches Joint Venture in Gulf]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The venture with MerchantBridge, a direct investment and private equity company, will raise  an expected $500 million.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187524-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[EQT Raises $1.2B for Infrastructure]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The European PE firm is the latest to target the growing asset class, closing its debut fund 20% above its original target.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187525-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[PE Pollyannas?]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[There is reason for optimism in the LBO world when one considers the fate of investments being made today. With that said, history paints an ugly picture for 2006- and 2007-vintage funds.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187527-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Carlyle Group's Steel Sale Collapses]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Novolipetsk Steel terminates agreement to buy DBO Holdings for $3.5 billion; litigation expected.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187530-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Stephens Bolsters Corporate Finance Practice]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The Little Rock investment bank brought in a JPMorgan vet, who will focus on specialty retail and the consumer sector.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187535-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[HSBC Divests of Mexican Unit]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The microfinance lending business unit, Financiera Independencia, was bought by controlling shareholders. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187424-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Duke Street Capital Hires Palamon Banker]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Miles Cresswell-Turner, formerly of Palamon Capital Partners, has joined the European mid-market private equity firm, Duke Street Capital.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187439-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Boeing To Buy Homeland Defense Contractor]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The Germantown, Maryland-based surveillance technology developer, Digital Receiver Technology, will join Boeing IDS unit.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187458-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Gramercy Names O'Connor Prez]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The investment firm has seen a significant shake-down, as the announcement of the new president follows the replacement of the firm's CEO last month.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187490-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Physicians' Desk Reference Goes on the Block]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Thomson Reuters is selling the prescription drug guide as its performance has slumped in recent quarters.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187511-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[VMG Takes Stake in Pirate's Booty Maker]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The PE firm acquired an undisclosed stake in Robert's American Gourmet Foods, representing the latest investor to target the organics space.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187407-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Digital Ally Weighs Sale]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Banc of America Securities is retained to advise on strategic alternatives as its shares begin rebound.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187408-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[KarpReilly and H.I.G. Bid For Charlotte Russe]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Charlotte Russe acknowledged the approximately $198.3 million offer, but chairman notes that the bid's "fundamental premise was addressed."]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187410-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Morgan Stanley Adds to Retail Banking Shop]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The move telegraphs the investment bank's movement into the new space as it draws talent from Wachovia and plans acquisitions.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187412-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Dentsu Subsidiary Buys mcgarrybowen]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The Japanese advertising agency Dentsu completes its buying spree in the U.S., adding the New York firm to its holdings.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187395-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Blaylock Robert Van Makes Midwestern Push]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Blaylock is in growth mode while much of the rest of the industry is consolidating.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187397-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Michael Stapleton Buys Access Systems Integration]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Terms of the merger between the two U.S.-based security firms were not disclosed.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187398-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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         <title><![CDATA[Merrill's Orcel Given BofA Post]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Andrea Orcel, Merrill Lynch's head of global origination and president of global markets and investment banking for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will stay on after Bank of America acquires the firm.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187404-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[Prax Capital Cinches Housing Deal in China]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The transaction, which still requires clearance from the Chinese government, will see the firm take a 25% stake in a housing joint venture with China Housing &amp; Land Development Inc.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187358-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[PE-Backed Firms Leaning On PIK Toggles]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[A number of PE-backed companies have triggered PIK options to meet interest payments, according to Moody's Investors Service.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187362-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Bunge-Corn Products Deal Dissolves]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The credit crunch claims another victim when two companies that sought summer merger both opt to go it alone rather than force M&amp;A.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187368-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Rayon To Acquire Lucite]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The $1.6 billion deal is expected to close the end of January 2009.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187378-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[Polaris-Hughes SPAC Deal Revised]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Similar to Hyde Park's terms with its seller, Hughes will see a longer wait for fully monetizing its exit.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187386-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[HomeAway Closes $250 Million Round]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The series D financing round will be used to fund acquisitions, marketing, and a stock repurchase program.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187387-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[NRG Rejects Exelon Bid]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The energy producer claimed Exelon would face difficulty arranging financing and says the bid undervalues NRG.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187330-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[A Growth Play in Financial Services?&#8232;]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Debt collection may be one of the few bright spots in the financial services market, though dealmakers warn that risks exist.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187334-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

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         <title><![CDATA[Clock Strikes '11' For Circuit City]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The retailer secured $1.1 billion DIP loan from a lending group led by Bank of America.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187335-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
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      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[American Capital Subsumes Euro Affiliate]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The BDC, alongside other initiatives, said it would takeover the 32.3% stake in European Capital that it didn't already control.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187337-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Watch Hill Partners Expands Team]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Two senior bankers from Merrill and Lehman have joined as partners of the boutique firm.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187339-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[TowerBrook Closes Third Fund]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The UK private equity firm, which focuses on distressed deals, has closed a $2.8 billion fund.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187344-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Grubb &amp; Ellis Makes Bet in Houston]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The firm acquired a 151,000-square-foot office center in the Oak Park at Westchase in a Holliday Fenoglio Fowler-sponsored auction.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187357-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[3i Group To Sell Stake in Alloin]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[3i Group Plc has entered into an agreement to sell its stake in Alloin, a France-based provider of transport and logistics services, to Kuehne + Nagel International AG, a Switzerland-based provider of logistics and supply chain solutions. 3i Group holds a 28.5% stake and the management holds a 18.5% stake in Alloin, respectively. The integration of Alloin's network into Kuehne + Nagel International's existing structures is expected to enhance the capability to provide standardized logistics services and processes throughout Europe.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187562-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Aqua-Chem Buys Parts of Matrix Utilities]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Aqua-Chem, Inc., a supplier of water purification systems to the offshore oil and gas, pharmaceutical, beverage and military markets, has acquired the product lines and other assets of Matrix Utilities, Inc., a provider of reverse osmosis desalination systems for marine and land-based applications. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187563-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Verizon Receives Approval To Acquire Alltel ]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The Federal Communications Commission has approved the acquisition of Alltel Corporation by Verizon Wireless, Inc. However, the FCC has attached several conditions to the deal, including a requirement that Verizon Wireless honor Alltel's existing roaming agreements for four years.  Additionally, the US Justice Department has approved the the acquisition as well on the conditional that Verizon would have to divest its assets in 22 US states.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187564-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Eagle Construction And Southern Waste Merge]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Eagle Construction &amp; Environmental Services, L.P. and Southern Waste Services, Inc. have merged to form a regional environmental services firm with twenty-seven strategically located service centers spanning nine states. The combination unites two market leaders and creates a firm with expertise in numerous services, including: environmental remediation, land- and water-based emergency response, industrial services, demolition, training, and technical services. Together, Eagle and SWS are uniquely positioned to provide customers with a comprehensive set of environmental services across the Southern and Midwestern United States.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187565-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Rotorcraft Acquires Bristow's Production Management Business]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[H.I.G. Capital's portfolio company, Rotorcraft Leasing Company, has completed its acquisition of the production management flight services business of Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE:BRS). The production management flight services business uses over 50 aircraft to provide helicopter transportation services to providers of management services and outsourced personnel to oil and gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187566-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Qatar Buys French Bank]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Qatar's Al Khalij Commercial Bank has agreed to acquire BLC Bank-France for USD $250 million, the bank said in a statement. The new bank will acquire an EU wide banking license as well as BLC's four branches in the UAE and one branch in Paris.  The rebranding and integration of BLC is expected to be completed over the next six months. Al Khalij Commercial Bank's products and services include loans, deposit and current accounts, credit cards and travel checks, letters of credit and guarantees, currency trading, and investment advice.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187567-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Wells, Wachovia Name Integration Execs]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Wachovia Corp. and Wells Fargo &amp; Co. have named two executives to manage the companies' integration. Steve Boehm, president of the Charlotte, N.C. bank's card and payment solutions group, will lead Wachovia in merger planning. Bob Ryan will succeed Boehm in his current role on an interim basis.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187568-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Delta Grows As Telecom Market Intensifies]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Delta Partners, a telecommunications, media and technology firm focused in high growth markets, has appointed Juan Ignacio Cifre as a partner. Amid continued growth in the telecommunications market in the Middle East and Africa, Delta Partners has also appointed two new associate partners - Joao Sousa and Josep Que - as part of the on going expansion of the leadership team. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187569-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Wilshire Enterprises, NWJ Properties Deal Could Fold]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[NWJ Apartment Holdings Corp. is having difficulty getting financing together to execute merger, as the recession claims another victim.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187236-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Fidelity Acquires LandAmerica Financial]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The two mortgage services companies will consolidate debt. LandAmerica exec says "unprecedented credit freeze and depressed real estate market" forced merger.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187261-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Hyde Park SPAC Seals Deal with Credit Increase]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[At a time when shareholders have been killing blank check companies to guarantee immediate capital returns, one SPAC tethered to its combination's completion an increase in a credit facility and narrowly won over investors.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187213-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Ares Capital Launches Debt Fund]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The fund is the middle market investment company's second fund to focus on distressed debt.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187217-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[LRG Capital Group Buys Unit In Sonoma]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The 36-unit apartment complex is an investment of the firm's LRG Capital Real Estate Partners I Fund.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187224-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Greenberg Glusker Launches Real Estate Restructuring Practice]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The California law firm  is looking to leverage its real estate and bankruptcy practices to address the market challenges.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187360-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Evercore Adds Another Restructuring Pro]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Firm hires Miller Buckfire veteran five months after bringing on Bear's former head of restructuring.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187192-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Lifemark Group Looks At Alternatives ]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Raymond James &amp; Associates is retained by Capital Southwest Corp. to weigh recapitalization or sale of underperforming asset.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187198-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Survey Shows Optimism for Commercial RE]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[JE Robert Companies published a survey in the last week of October that highlights high hopes among institutional investors for the commercial real estate market.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187354-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[KKR To Delay IPO]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[KKR Private Equity Investors disclosed the news about its IPO in an earnings report.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187162-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Greenhill Expands in Midwest]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The global investment bank capitalizes on Lehman MDs' departures and boosts its industrial practice.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187163-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Crain Buys Staffing Industry Analysts]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[Temp workforce data firm's sale to B2B media company highlights where media M&amp;A is still most viable.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187169-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Evergreen Announces Strategic Review]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The coal processing company must now struggle to regain its reputation following the not quite amicable departure of chairman William Walker.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187175-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Chicago's Park View Hotel For Sale]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The luxury apartment building, which will be sold by Hilco, is one of several entities previously owned by defunct PE firm WexTrust.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187180-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Storm Cat Defaults, Seeks Alternatives]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The company was forced to terminate commodity swap agreements, exposing it to natural gas-price volatility.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187129-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>

      <item>
         <title><![CDATA[Conduit Acquires GLEP Stake]]></title>
         <description><![CDATA[The New York-based firm acquired 50% of the hydroelectric development company.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.mergersunleashed.com/news/187131-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS</link>
      </item>
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