American Capital Ltd. (Nasdaq: ACAS) announced today that its 2009 cash and stock dividend distribution of $1.07 per share consisted of $1.07 of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.  American Capital also announced that the $1.07 of 2009 dividend income included $0.98 per share of non-qualified dividends and $0.09 per share of qualified dividends. The $0.09 per share of qualified dividends reflects qualified dividend income received by American Capital from portfolio companies in 2009.  Qualified dividend income is dividend income received from qualified domestic and foreign corporations.  Qualified dividend income is taxed to stockholders at the rates that apply to capital gains. Stockholders should consult their tax advisor as to how to report such income and their applicable capital gains tax rate.

Total ordinary dividends of $1.07 per share will be reported on the 2009 IRS Form 1099-DIV distributed to each American Capital stockholder regardless of whether a stockholder elected to receive cash or stock dividends. Stockholders should receive the 2009 Form 1099-DIV containing this information from their brokers, transfer agents or other institutions.

American Capital must make certain distributions of its taxable income in order to maintain its tax status as a regulated investment company.  Investors can refer to the Company's most recent report on SEC Form 10-K for more information about its tax status.  American Capital reports the estimated tax characteristics of each dividend when announced, while the actual tax characteristics of each year's dividends are reported annually to stockholders on Form 1099-DIV.

Information on dividends paid by American Capital for 2009 is provided below.

ABOUT AMERICAN CAPITAL

American Capital is a publicly traded private equity firm and global asset manager. American Capital, both directly and through its asset management business, originates, underwrites and manages investments in middle market private equity, leveraged finance, real estate and structured products. Founded in 1986, American Capital has $12 billion(1) in capital resources under management and eight offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For further information, please refer to www.AmericanCapital.com.

(1) As of September 30, 2009.

Performance data quoted above represents past performance of American Capital.  Past performance does not guarantee future results and the investment return and principal value of an investment in American Capital will likely fluctuate.  Consequently, an investor's shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.  Additionally, American Capital's current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The statements regarding expected results of American Capital are subject to various factors and uncertainties, including the uncertainties associated with the timing of transaction closings, changes in interest rates, availability of transactions, changes in regional, national or international economic conditions, or changes in the conditions of the industries in which American Capital has made investments.

SOURCE American Capital Ltd.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.americancapital.com

Leading International Financial Centre law firm Walkers is pleased to announce the appointment of Carol Hall as Head of its newly-formed Investment Funds Group in Hong Kong. Clients in the region will benefit from the Group's expertise across the full spectrum of investment funds, covering hedge funds, private equity and distressed funds.

"Asia and Hong Kong in particular have been considerable focal points for Walkers' growth in recent years and we have received an excellent response from our clients in this region," said Ms. Hall. "The combination of specialist hedge fund and private equity attorneys within Walkers' Investment Funds Group will ensure we continue to provide advice that is commercially aware and technically excellent. We will also look for ways to add value, with a focus on responsiveness, which have always been hallmarks of Walkers' client service model."

Ms. Hall has more than 17 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and investment funds, including 11 years specifically in Hong Kong. She specialises in hedge funds and private equity funds and has led the development of Walkers' Hedge Funds practice in Hong Kong since joining as a partner in 2005. Ms. Hall will be supported in her role by partner Denise Wong who has a focus on hedge funds, private equity funds and all areas of corporate transactions.

"We anticipate a period of sustained hedge fund start-up activity in Asia over the next 12-to-18 months, with more managers from mainland China setting up shop in Hong Kong or Singapore and attracting money from mainland investors," Ms. Wong said. "Potential legislative changes could also result in managers establishing representative offices in or, in some cases, fully relocating to Asia from Europe and the United States."

Within the Investment Funds Group in Hong Kong, Walkers' attorneys possess unrivalled experience in all aspects of private equity fund structures and transactions including fund raising, secured lending, due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and other exit strategies.  The group's expertise in distressed funds is particularly highly regarded and Walkers regularly acts for funds, investors, service providers and affected financial institutions on distressed funds matters. In addition, clients in Asia are further supported by Walkers' Singapore office which operates seamlessly with the Hong Kong office.

"Our experience in establishing funds of virtually every known strategy and style for all the major players in the market gives Walkers a unique perspective on the investment funds industry. Those insights ultimately benefit our global clients," said Ms. Hall. "With the resurgence in client activity that we have seen in recent months in Asia, and with many managers now looking to structure funds with more complex strategies and higher levels of liquidity, 2010 promises to be a particularly interesting time for the market. Our expertise will be particularly important to ensure that our clients can structure funds that will meet their goals."

Walkers' Investment Funds Group is one of the largest specialist offshore investment funds teams in the world, with more than 85 lawyers across seven international offices, advising on the laws of the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Jersey. The firm advises most of the world's best known names in the investment funds world, including administrators, asset managers, promoters, institutional investors, private equity houses and onshore law firms. Walkers' Global Investment Funds Group is co-headed by partners Rod Palmer in Dubai and Vicki Hazelden in the Cayman Islands.

"I know that Carol will be able to take the Hong Kong Investment Funds team to the next level, and help move the global organisation forward. The integrated nature of our Global Investment Funds Group ensures that we are accessible to our clients anywhere at any time," said Mr. Palmer. "Our job is to be a core member of our clients' team and we are committed to delivering world-class client service whether the client is in Hong Kong, the United States, London, or anywhere on the globe."

Walkers' Investment Funds Group further benefits from access to a range of corporate, trustee and independent director services provided by Walkers Fund Services Limited, Walkers Corporate Services Limited and Walkers Corporate Services (BVI) Limited.

About The Walkers Group

From offices in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jersey, London, and Singapore, the Walkers group provides legal and management services to leading FORTUNE 100 and FTSE 100 global corporations and financial institutions, capital markets participants, investment fund managers, and growth-and middle-market companies. The Walkers group is comprised of leading offshore law firm, Walkers; fund services provider, Walkers Fund Services Limited; and SPV and corporate services providers, Walkers SPV Limited, Walkers Corporate Services Limited and Walkers Corporate Services (BVI) Limited.

Walkers' expertise has been validated by numerous awards including "Offshore Law Firm of the Year" by Alpha Magazine, The Lawyer, PLC Which Lawyer? and Asian Legal Business. Walkers has also been honoured as the PLC Which Lawyer? Yearbook Leading Cayman Islands Law Firm, Who's Who Legal Law Firm of the Year: Cayman Islands and has shared honours for "Offshore Legal Team of the Year" by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Many of Walkers' attorneys have also been recognised by the industry and their peers.

For more information on the Walkers group, visit us on the web at www.walkersglobal.com or contact us by e-mail at info@walkersglobal.com. To contact Walkers by phone, call our Cayman Islands office at +345-949-0100, our Hong Kong office at +852 2284 4566, or our Singapore office at +65 6595 4670.

SOURCE Walkers

RELATED LINKS
http://www.walkersglobal.com

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRTS), which operates a multi-manager asset management business, announced there will be a change in one of the two board positions currently held by representatives of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090105/NEM020LOGO )

As a result of changes in his responsibilities, Barry M. Cooper will relinquish his role as one of BMO Financial's director nominees on the Virtus board as soon as a replacement nominee has been considered and approved by the Virtus board.  A replacement nominee has been submitted by BMO Financial to the Governance Committee and the Virtus board for consideration at the January 28 committee and board meetings.

Cooper, chairman of Jones Heward Investment Counsel, the Canadian institutional investment management division of BMO Financial Group, will assume new responsibilities on the boards of certain BMO Financial affiliates that have direct dealings with Virtus.

"We appreciate the guidance Barry has provided during this past year as we began operating as an independent, publicly traded asset management company," said George R. Aylward, Virtus' president and chief executive officer.  "Barry has a keen understanding of the asset management business, and his experience has provided a valuable perspective for the Virtus board and management team."

Cooper was appointed to the Virtus board in January, 2009 under terms of the minority investment in Virtus by Harris Bankcorp Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of BMO Financial.  Harris has $45 million in convertible preferred stock, representing a 23 percent equity position in Virtus, and has the right to designate two members of Virtus' board.

About Virtus Investment Partners

Virtus Investment Partners (Nasdaq: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors.  The company provides investment management products and services through its affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a distinct investment style, autonomous investment process and individual brand.  Virtus Investment Partners offers access to a variety of investment styles across multiple disciplines to meet a wide array of investor needs.  Additional information can be found at www.virtus.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. ("Virtus") intends for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws relating to forward-looking statements.  These include statements relating to trends in, or representing management's beliefs about, our future transactions, strategies, operations and financial results, as well as other statements including words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should" and other similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements are made based upon our current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on the company.  They are not guarantees of future performance.  Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, which for Virtus include, among others: (a) the effects of recent adverse market and economic developments on all aspects of our business; (b) the poor performance of the securities markets; (c) the poor relative investment performance of some of our asset management strategies and the resulting outflows in our assets under management; (d) any lack of availability of additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all; (e) any inadequate performance of third-party relationships; (f) the withdrawal of assets from our management; (g) the impact of our separation from our former parent; (h) our ability to attract and retain key personnel in a competitive environment; (i) the ability of independent trustees of our mutual funds and closed-end funds, intermediary program sponsors, managed account clients and institutional asset management clients to terminate their relationships with us; (j) the possibility that our goodwill or intangible assets could become further impaired, requiring a charge to earnings; (k) the strong competition we face in our business from mutual fund companies, banks and asset management firms most of which are larger than we are; (l) potential adverse regulatory and legal developments; (m) the difficulty of detecting misconduct by our employees, sub-advisors and distribution partners; (n) changes in accounting standards; and (o) certain other risks and uncertainties described in the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC.  Virtus does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.virtus.com

The Board of Directors of The Indonesia Fund, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: IF) (the "Fund") is pleased to report the Fund's distribution of US$1.1910 per share of common stock declared on December 15, 2009, payable on January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 22, 2009.

Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for this distribution and for the cumulative distributions paid year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2009 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Circular 230 disclosure:  To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

SOURCE The Indonesia Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeen-asset.com

The Spain Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"—NYSE: SNF) announced today that the stockholders of the Fund approved the proposal described in the Fund's proxy statement dated September 22, 2009 to amend or eliminate certain fundamental investment policies of the Fund ("Proposal 3") at the Fund's adjourned Annual Meeting of Stockholders held today. As previously announced, Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 (defined below) of the three Proposals submitted to stockholders at the initial session of the Annual Meeting held on November 9, 2009 were approved by stockholders. These Proposals were for the election of Directors ("Proposal 1") and the modification of the Fund's investment objective and reclassification of the objective as non-fundamental ("Proposal 2"). The change to the Fund's investment objective and a related change in its name to "The Ibero-America Fund, Inc.", which were contingent upon stockholder approval of Proposal 3, will become effective tomorrow. The Fund's New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol will remain "SNF".

The Fund's investment universe will now include companies located in Spain and Portugal and in the historically Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries of Central and South America. The broadening of the Fund's investment focus necessitated a change to its fundamental investment objective, which had been "to seek long term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of Spanish companies". The new investment objective is "to seek long term growth of capital".

As previously announced, the Fund will continue to comply with certain of the investment policies approved for elimination today by stockholders unless stockholders approve their amendment or elimination at a future meeting of stockholders. Specifically, the Fund will not rely on the elimination of the following fundamental policies, each of which was included in Proposal 3: (i) prohibition on investing more than 25% of total assets in unlisted and non-readily marketable Spanish securities, (ii) prohibition on short sales or maintaining short positions, (iii) prohibition on investments for the purposes of exercising control, and (iv) prohibition on investments in oil, gas, mineral leases, etc.

The Fund is a closed-end U.S.-registered management investment company advised by AllianceBernstein L.P. with assets of approximately $71.46 million.

SOURCE The Spain Fund, Inc.

Financial Service Centers of America (FiSCA) today announced it is launching a nationwide campaign to raise emergency funds for the FiSCA Haiti Relief Fund. Under this initiative, member store locations from across the country will collect funds for the relief effort which will then be donated to charitable organizations.

"There are more than 420,000 Haitian people living across the U.S. today and many are our customers," explained Joseph Coleman, FiSCA Chairman. "We want to help in the relief efforts to Haiti, and we know our customers also want to help in any way they can. The FiSCA Haiti Relief Fund campaign being set up by FiSCA will involve the participation of thousands of stores across the country.  Every dollar donated by FiSCA will be matched by Western Union which will allow us to make a tremendous contribution"

FiSCA is partnering with the Western Union Foundation, which provides funds and grants for disaster relief internationally, and which will be matching the funds that FiSCA submits.  They will deliver them to relief organizations on the ground in Haiti, such as Mercy Corps. In addition, MoneyGram is offering one dollar money transfers to Haiti through Jan. 24 and free money transfers of money donations to the American Red Cross through Feb. 13.

The FiSCA program includes both in-store donation centers where customers, employees and their families can make direct donations while at the window conducting their business. In addition, FiSCA also is asking all owners and operators of stores to directly support this effort.  All funds collected are being sent directly to the "FiSCA Haiti Relief Fund."

Given its large Haitian population, the Financial Service Centers of Florida has been particularly active in fundraising efforts, a fact not lost on area elected officials. Florida State Representative Yolly Roberson (D-North Dade) said: "I will be actively promoting this generosity on Haitian radio and other media outlets. I commend the Financial Service Centers of America, the Financial Service Centers of Florida, and Western Union for stepping forward in this hour of dire need. The pledge to match any dollars donated at check cashing outlets throughout the country, and to provide free money transmittal services is a kind and benevolent act."

In addition to overall coordination of the fundraising effort, FiSCA has developed in-store signage that licensed financial service centers can use to facilitate their local fundraising efforts. Additional information about the campaign, including supportive materials, is available directly from the FiSCA website, www.fisca.org.

About FiSCA

FiSCA, founded in 1987, is the national trade association for more than 6,500 individual financial service centers across the United States. FiSCA members provide a wide variety of financial services and products to their communities, including check cashing, money orders, money transfers, and electronic bill payment services, automatic teller machine access, government benefit and payroll payments, small dollar short-term loans, electronic tax preparation, prepaid debit cards, deposit acceptance services, public transportation fare and token sales, motor vehicle license plate and title distribution, postage stamp sales and numerous other services. For more information, please visit www.fisca.org.

SOURCE Financial Service Centers of America

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fisca.org

SEI Investments Company (Nasdaq: SEIC) announced today that it intends to release fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, before the markets open.  The company will also hold a conference call to discuss these financial results beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST.

The public is invited to listen to the call at www.seic.com (Investors section) or at www.earnings.com, a service of Thomson StreetEvents. The live webcast may also be accessed at numerous financial services sections of websites such as AOL and Yahoo Finance.

Replays will be available shortly after the end of the call at the above websites and also at (USA) (800) 475-6701; (International) (320) 365-3844; Access Code: 143992.

About SEI

SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC) is a leading global provider of outsourced asset management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. The company's innovative solutions help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and affluent families create and manage wealth. As of September 30, 2009, through its subsidiaries and partnerships in which the company has a significant interest, SEI administers $383 billion in mutual fund and pooled assets and manages $156 billion in assets. SEI serves clients, conducts or is registered to conduct business and/or operations, from numerous offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.seic.com.

SOURCE SEI Investments Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.seic.com

At their annual meeting held today, shareholders of John Hancock Income Securities Trust (NYSE: JHS) and John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE: JHI), two John Hancock closed-end funds, voted to elect James F. Carlin, William H. Cunningham, Deborah C. Jackson, Charles L. Ladner, Stanley Martin, Patti McGill Peterson, John A. Moore, Steven R. Pruchansky, Gregory A. Russo, James R. Boyle and John G. Vrysen to serve as Trustees of each John Hancock Income Securities Trust and John Hancock Investors Trust.

About John Hancock Funds

The Boston-based mutual fund business unit of John Hancock Financial, John Hancock Funds, manages more than $50.5 billion in open-end funds, closed-end funds, private accounts, retirement plans and related party assets for individual and institutional investors at September 30, 2009.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$437 billion (US$407 billion) at September 30, 2009.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Funds

RELATED LINKS
http://www.johnhancock.com

SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC) today announced that it has extended its relationship with Causeway Capital Management Trust to provide outsourcing services for the firm's expanding family of international funds. The relationship dates back to the fund family's inception in 2001, demonstrating SEI's ability to scale its offering to meet changing client needs throughout every stage of growth.  

SEI's outsourcing solution for Causeway includes full service mutual fund administration, accounting, shareholder services and distribution. The company's experience and capabilities were pointed to as critical assets while Causeway continues to expand its presence. SEI's superior service, ability to support a growing product mix, and strong team continuity over the course of the relationship were considered key factors in the renewal process.  

"SEI has been our partner from the beginning and they have provided us the tools and the support to grow at every step along the way," said Gracie Fermelia, Chief Operating Officer of Causeway Capital Management LLC. "SEI supplies high-quality work and excellent client service and we know we can count on SEI for its exceptional knowledge and capabilities. We look forward to years of continued growth with SEI as our strategic partner."

"Having worked with Causeway since the inception of its funds, this is a very special relationship," said John Alshefski, Senior Vice President, SEI's Investment Manager Services division.  "SEI has focused on building a flexible and scalable operational environment so Causeway can focus on serving its shareholders and growing its funds -- and the firm has done that very well. We are proud of our relationship with Causeway, we are proud of the growth the firm has achieved, and we are pleased to provide the support Causeway needs to continue its success."

About Causeway Capital Management LLC

Causeway Capital Management LLC provides investment management services to institutional clients including corporations, pension plans, public retirement plans, Taft-Hartley pension plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds, charities, private trusts and funds, wrap fee programs and other institutions.  Causeway has approximately $10.19 billion in assets under management.  Causeway is the investment adviser and sponsor of Causeway Capital Management Trust, and its series, Causeway International Value Fund, Causeway Global Value Fund, Causeway Emerging Markets Fund, and Causeway International Opportunities Fund, which are U.S.-registered mutual funds.

About SEI's Investment Manager Services Division

SEI's Investment Manager Services division provides comprehensive operational outsourcing solutions to global investment managers focused on mutual funds, hedge and private equity funds, exchange traded funds, collective trusts, and separately managed, as well as institutional and private client, accounts. The division applies operating services, technologies, and business and regulatory knowledge to each client's business objectives.  Its resources enable clients to meet the demands of the marketplace and sharpen business strategies by focusing on their core competencies. The division has been recognized by Buy-Side Technology as "Best Fund Administrator" and by HFMWeek as "Best Funds of Hedge Funds Administrator." For more information, visit www.seic.com/ims.

About SEI

SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC) is a leading global provider of outsourced asset management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. The company's innovative solutions help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and affluent families create and manage wealth. As of September 30, 2009, through its subsidiaries and partnerships in which the company has a significant interest, SEI administers $383 billion in mutual fund and pooled assets and manages $156 billion in assets. SEI serves clients, conducts or is registered to conduct business and/or operations, from numerous offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.seic.com.

SOURCE SEI

RELATED LINKS
http://www.seic.com

AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (NYSE: AB) and AllianceBernstein L.P. today announced that the firm has committed up to $500,000 to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

"The devastation of an impoverished nation is a calamity that requires nothing short of a global response," said Peter S. Kraus, Chairman and CEO of AllianceBernstein. "Many of our employees have voiced a desire to help the victims in Haiti, and the firm is teaming up with them in this cause."

AllianceBernstein's commitment includes a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross, and a $450,000 dollar-for-dollar special matching gift program for employees who donate to select U.S.-based charities providing relief to the people of Haiti.  This is in addition to a $50,000 donation previously submitted by the AllianceBernstein Foundation.

"By working together, AllianceBernstein and its employees have the potential to raise up to $1 million in donations to continue the relief efforts in Haiti and help provide for both the immediate and long-term needs of the country," said Mr. Kraus.

About AllianceBernstein

AllianceBernstein is a leading global investment management firm that offers high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional clients, individuals and private clients in major markets around the world. AllianceBernstein employs more than 500 investment professionals with expertise in growth equities, value equities, fixed income securities, blend strategies and alternative investments and, through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, operates in more than 20 countries. AllianceBernstein's research disciplines include fundamental research, quantitative research, economic research and currency forecasting capabilities. Through its integrated global platform, AllianceBernstein is well-positioned to tailor investment solutions for its clients. AllianceBernstein also offers independent research, portfolio strategy and brokerage-related services to institutional investors.

At December 31, 2009, AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. owned approximately 36.9% of the issued and outstanding AllianceBernstein Units and AXA, one of the largest global financial services organizations, owned an approximate 62.1% economic interest in AllianceBernstein.

SOURCE AllianceBernstein L.P.

Turbulent times characterized by plummeting pine sawtimber prices could soon be over for timber sellers.  A new stumpage price forecast published by Forisk signals climbing prices for pine sawtimber in the US South beginning in 2010.  The ForiskFORECAST pine sawtimber price forecast and "Forecasting Timber Prices" workshop provide insights for timberland owners, investors, and wood procurement managers in planning future pricing and management strategies as lumber and plywood markets recover.

Despite positive indications for the US South as a region, results vary across the 11 states covered in Forisk's models.  For example, between 2010 and 2011, Georgia pine sawtimber prices rebound 17% while prices in North Carolina increase less than 1% over the same timeframe according to the ForiskFORECAST.  "The key is understanding the local, state-specific relationship – the elasticity – between wood demand and prices," explains Dr. Tim Sydor, Forisk's Forest Economist. "Pine sawtimber demand declined 32.6% South-wide between 2006 and 2009.  Yet these declines varied by state. In the next few years, as lumber demand recovers, our historic wood demand and price analysis suggests a strong stumpage price recovery in several Southern states, while others will take longer to respond."

"Timber markets are uniquely local," says Brooks Mendell, President of Forisk.  "Our clients are less concerned about national prices, and directly focused on their local options.  South Georgia differs from North Alabama which differs from East Texas.  Our basin studies, workshops and the ForiskFORECAST focus on the idea that successful investments in forestry or wood-using facilities rely on detailed knowledge of localized markets."

The ForiskFORECAST-Pine Sawtimber predicts annual pine sawtimber stumpage prices across the US South through 2020.  It is available as an interactive Excel model or as individual forecasts for 11 states.  For more information, visit www.foriskstore.com and click "Stumpage Price Forecasts."  

In addition, two upcoming short courses on February 10th from Forisk – "Timber Market Analysis" and "Forecasting Timber Prices" – teach specific skills and strategies for forestry, procurement, bioenergy, investment and appraisal professionals who must evaluate pricing and demand in specific local wood markets today and looking forward. To learn more about these Atlanta-based courses, visit www.forisk.com and click on "Continuing Education."  

About Forisk Consulting: Forisk specializes in analyzing the supply and demand characteristics of local wood and timber markets.  Forisk produces analytical products and provides research and educational services to operating, finance and strategy executives and analysts making decisions associated with timber REITs, timberlands, and wood-using bioenergy and manufacturing facilities. 

Contact:  Amanda Hamsley Lang, ahlang@forisk.com, or Brooks Mendell, President, bmendell@forisk.com

SOURCE Forisk Consulting

RELATED LINKS
http://www.forisk.com

SEI Investments Company (Nasdaq: SEIC) announced today that it intends to release fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, before the markets open.  The company will also hold a conference call to discuss these financial results beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST.

The public is invited to listen to the call at www.seic.com (Investors section) or at www.earnings.com, a service of Thomson StreetEvents. The live webcast may also be accessed at numerous financial services sections of websites such as AOL and Yahoo Finance.

Replays will be available shortly after the end of the call at the above websites and also at (USA) (800) 475-6701; (International) (320) 365-3844; Access Code: 143992.

About SEI

SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC) is a leading global provider of outsourced asset management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. The company's innovative solutions help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and affluent families create and manage wealth. As of September 30, 2009, through its subsidiaries and partnerships in which the company has a significant interest, SEI administers $383 billion in mutual fund and pooled assets and manages $156 billion in assets. SEI serves clients, conducts or is registered to conduct business and/or operations, from numerous offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.seic.com.

SOURCE SEI Investments Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.seic.com

Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE FCO) (the "Fund"), a closed-end bond fund, announced today that it will pay a monthly distribution of US 7.0 cents per share on February 12, 2010 to all shareholders of record as of January 29, 2010 (ex-dividend date January 27, 2010).

The Board's policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital. This policy is subject to regular review at the Board's quarterly meetings unless market conditions require an earlier evaluation. The next review is scheduled to take place in March 2010.

For the 12 months to December 31, 2009, the Fund has paid total distributions amounting to US $1.59 per share. The composition of distributions paid by the Fund since the beginning of the Fund's fiscal year, November 1, 2009, will be estimated through the payment date, and announced at the time of payment of the distribution.  

The Fund is managed by Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited, advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Limited and sub-advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Investment Services Limited. The Fund's shares trade on the NYSE AMEX under the symbol "FCO".

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

www.aberdeenfco.com

Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited and Aberdeen Asset Management Limited are registered investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

SOURCE Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeenfco.com

Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE FAX) (the "Fund"), a closed-end bond fund, announced today that it will pay a monthly distribution of US 3.5 cents per share on February 12, 2010 to all shareholders of record as of January 29, 2010 (ex-dividend date January 27, 2010).

The Board's policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital. This policy is subject to regular review at the Board's quarterly meetings unless market conditions require an earlier evaluation. The next review is scheduled to take place in March 2010.

For the 12 months to December 31, 2009, the Fund has paid total distributions amounting to US $0.47 per share.  The composition of distributions paid by the Fund since the beginning of the Fund's fiscal year, November 1, 2009, will be estimated through the payment date, and announced at the time of payment of the distribution.  

The Fund is managed by Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited, advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Limited and sub-advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Investment Services Limited. The Fund's shares trade on the NYSE AMEX under the symbol "FAX".

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

www.aberdeenfax.com

Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited and Aberdeen Asset Management Limited are registered investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

SOURCE Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeenfax.com

Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE FAX) (the "Fund"), a closed-end bond fund, announced today that it will pay a monthly distribution of US 3.5 cents per share on February 12, 2010 to all shareholders of record as of January 29, 2010 (ex-dividend date January 27, 2010).

The Board's policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital. This policy is subject to regular review at the Board's quarterly meetings unless market conditions require an earlier evaluation. The next review is scheduled to take place in March 2010.

For the 12 months to December 31, 2009, the Fund has paid total distributions amounting to US $0.47 per share.  The composition of distributions paid by the Fund since the beginning of the Fund's fiscal year, November 1, 2009, will be estimated through the payment date, and announced at the time of payment of the distribution.  

The Fund is managed by Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited, advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Limited and sub-advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Investment Services Limited. The Fund's shares trade on the NYSE AMEX under the symbol "FAX".

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

www.aberdeenfax.com

Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited and Aberdeen Asset Management Limited are registered investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

SOURCE Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeenfax.com

Eaton Vance Management, the Boston-based investment adviser, today announced the quarterly distributions declared on the common shares of two of its closed-end equity funds (the "Funds"). The record date for the distributions is February 19, 2010, and the payable date is February 26, 2010. The ex-date is February 17, 2010.  The distribution per share for each Fund is as follows:

Each Fund's portfolio management team reviews the level and sustainability of the Fund's distributions periodically.  The team considered a number of factors before deciding to decrease each Fund's distribution at this time, including the current market and volatility outlooks, level of assets in each respective Fund, and the dividend yield of the underlying equity portfolios.  As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distributions on the Funds' shares could be further changed.

At this time the Funds believe that a portion of the February distribution may be comprised of amounts from sources other than net investment income.  If that is the case, you will be notified in writing.  Further information will be available prior to the payment date at individuals.eatonvance.com.  The final determination of tax characteristics of the Fund's distributions will occur after the end of the year, at which time it will be reported to the shareholders.

The Funds are managed by Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV), based in Boston, one of the oldest investment management firms in the United States, with a history dating back to 1924. Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed $163.1 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009, offering individuals and institutions a broad array of investment products and wealth management solutions.  The Company's long record of providing exemplary service and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today's most discerning investors.  For more information about Eaton Vance, visit www.eatonvance.com.

SOURCE Eaton Vance Management

RELATED LINKS
http://www.eatonvance.com

NICE Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: NICE), a leading global provider of advanced solutions that enable enterprises and security organizations to extract Insight from Interactions, transactions and surveillance to drive business performance, reduce risk and ensure safety, AnswerOn Inc., a leading provider of customer retention, acquisition and loyalty solutions to telecommunications service providers, and Cincinnati Bell (NYSE: CBB), one of the leading local exchange and wireless providers in the U.S., today announced that Cincinnati Bell has selected the joint NICE-AnswerOn Customer Churn Reduction business solution which integrates NICE Interaction Analytics and transactional data analytics from AnswerOn.

The end-to-end solution enables Cincinnati Bell to create more accurate churn prediction models by integrating multidimensional analysis results into their churn reduction models.  The solution cross-references customer interaction and transactional data and alerts customer retention personnel in near real-time. It helps Cincinnati Bell build highly personalized offers for at-risk customers, deliver the offers in a proactive and timely manner, and perform on-going measurement and monitoring for fine-tuning of churn models and retention offerings effectiveness. The joint NICE-AnswerOn solution is deployed in a hosted model via a managed service.

"We have a legacy of unparalleled customer service excellence, and we continuously look for ways to increase customer retention even further," said Jeff Baker, Director of Planning and Support at Cincinnati Bell, "To provide the best possible service to our customers and to ensure customer satisfaction, we need to be able to leverage insights from both customer interactions and from transactional data.  For instance, if we see highly emotional calls, combined with a drop in phone usage, this requires our immediate attention or a change in the service package. The joint NICE-AnswerOn Customer Churn Reduction solution will allow us to detect such situations and identify "at-risk" customers earlier and more accurately, resulting in better customer retention and better level of service we can provide our customer."

Eric Alan Johnson, AnswerOn's President and CEO said, "AnswerOn has been partnering with Cincinnati Bell since 2004 to predicatively identify and proactively target customers likely to churn.  By integrating data from NICE's Interaction Analytics, we were able to increase the accuracy of our predictive model by 30%, resulting in an forecasted increase of 61% in saved revenue over the next 12 months.  We have patented this ground-breaking technology and are excited about the strategic partnership with NICE."

"Retaining subscribers is vital in today's hyper-competitive environment, where a mere two percent monthly churn rate can result in many millions of dollars lost on a monthly basis, even for mid-sized service providers," said Barak Eilam, president of Interactions Business Applications at NICE,  "Improving predictive churn capabilities is top priority for the telecommunications industry. The combined interaction and transaction analytics is a unique value-add offered by NICE and AnswerOn, which can dramatically improves service providers ability to proactively retain customers."

NICE's Interaction Analytics is a multi-channel solution, which is part of NICE SmartCenter, a suite of pre-packaged business solutions that address specific business issues, powered by best-in-class functional components spanning call recording, quality management, multi-channel interaction analytics, workforce management and performance management. The business solutions address interactions across a variety of channels, from audio, email and chat to social media and text messaging, and include nine packaged offerings: Customer Churn Reduction, Sales Effectiveness, Customer Experience, Marketing Effectiveness, Collections Optimization, Quality Optimization, First Call Resolution Optimization, Average Handle Time Optimization, and Compliance Management.  These solutions can be deployed on premise, in a hosted model, or via a managed service, and can be implemented standalone or fully integrated with customer relationship management and business intelligence solutions.

About Cincinnati Bell

Cincinnati Bell (NYSE: CBB) is one of the nation's most-respected and best-performing local exchange and wireless providers, with a legacy of unparalleled customer service excellence and financial strength. Cincinnati Bell provides a wide range of telecommunications products and services to residential and business customers in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.  More information is available at http://www.cincinnatibell.com.

About AnswerOn

Founded 2001 with headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and offices in San Diego, California, AnswerOn creates custom solutions to positively influence subscriber relationships in the service provider industry. AnswerOn's Total Lifecycle Management solutions identify and help manage proactive customer interventions that create high value, loyal subscribers. AnswerOn's history of multi-year partnerships with a variety of clients proves its ability to produce sustainable, long-term results that are unmatched by others in the field of predictive analytics.  AnswerOn's customer's include many leading technology and  telecommunication companies.  Current and past customers include AT&T, Alltel, Cincinnati Bell, Consolidated Communications, United Online and Dobson Communications.  More information is available at http://www.answeron.com/.

About NICE Systems

NICE Systems (Nasdaq: NICE) is the leading provider of Insight from Interactions solutions and value-added services, powered by advanced analytics of unstructured multimedia content – from telephony, web, radio and video communications. NICE's solutions address the needs of the enterprise and security markets, enabling organizations to operate in an insightful and proactive manner, and take immediate action to improve business and operational performance and ensure safety and security. NICE has over 24,000 customers in more than 150 countries, including more than 85 of the Fortune 100 companies. More information is available at http://www.nice.com.

Trademark Note: 360 degrees View, Alpha, ACTIMIZE, Actimize logo, Customer Feedback, Dispatcher Assessment, Encorder, eNiceLink, Executive Connect, Executive Insight, FAST, FAST alpha Blue, FAST alpha Silver, FAST Video Security, Freedom, Freedom Connect, IEX, Interaction Capture Unit, Insight from Interactions, Investigator, Last Message Replay, Mirra, My Universe, NICE, NICE logo, NICE Analyzer, NiceCall, NiceCall Focus, NiceCLS, NICE Inform, NICE Learning, NiceLog, NICE Perform, NiceScreen, NICE SmartCenter, NICE Storage Center, NiceTrack, NiceUniverse, NiceUniverse Compact, NiceVision, NiceVision Alto, NiceVision Analytics, NiceVision ControlCenter, NiceVision Digital, NiceVision Harmony, NiceVision Mobile, NiceVision Net, NiceVision NVSAT, NiceVision Pro, Performix, Playback Organizer, Renaissance, Scenario Replay, ScreenSense, Tienna, TotalNet, TotalView, Universe, Wordnet are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NICE Systems Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of NICE Systems Ltd. (the Company) only, and are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in technology and market requirements, decline in demand for the Company's products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel, loss of market share, pressure on pricing resulting from competition, and inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements, which could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described therein. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Nice Systems Ltd

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nice.com

Investment Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE: ITG) announced that the firm will contribute ten percent of its global trading revenues on Friday, January 15, toward Haitian earthquake relief efforts. In addition, ITG is organizing a firm-wide employee charity day to encourage donations to the affected region.

ITG will donate to the following charities: the American Red Cross, Partners in Health, and Save the Children. To make a donation to any of these charities, contact information is provided below:

About ITG

Investment Technology Group, Inc., is a specialized agency brokerage and financial technology firm that partners with asset managers globally to provide innovative solutions spanning the investment continuum. A leader in electronic trading since launching POSIT in 1987, ITG's integrated approach now includes a range of products from portfolio management and pre-trade analysis to trade execution and post-trade evaluation. Asset managers rely on ITG's independence, experience, and agility to help mitigate risk, improve performance and navigate increasingly complex markets. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific regions. For more information on ITG, please visit www.itg.com.

SOURCE Investment Technology Group, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.itg.com

Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE IAF) (the "Fund"), a closed-end equity fund, today announced that it paid on January 15, 2010, a quarterly distribution of US 22 cents per share to all shareholders of record as of December 31, 2009.    

Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for this distribution and for the cumulative distributions paid year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital.  The estimated composition of the distributions may vary from quarter to quarter because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield," "income" or "profit."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2009 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The following table provides information regarding the Fund's total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods as well as the Fund's annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy"), which is to provide investors with a stable quarterly distribution.

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 1998, the Fund may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder.  Therefore, distributions paid by the Fund during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital.  Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Fund, to be taxed at a lower long-term capital gains rate.  If the total distributions made in any calendar year exceed investment company taxable income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits.  Distributions in excess of the earnings and profits would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares.  After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets).  

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expenses and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share.  The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold or hold securities that it would liquidate, for the purpose of paying the distribution.  The Distribution Policy may, under certain circumstances, cause the amounts of taxable distributions to exceed the levels required to be distributed under the Code (i.e., to the extent the Fund has capital losses in any taxable year, such losses may be carried forward to reduce the amount of capital gains required to be distributed in future years; if distributions in a year exceed the amount minimally required to be distributed under the tax rules, such excess will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent loss carryforwards reduce the required amount of capital gains distributions in that year).  The Fund's Board of Directors has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share.  Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

Circular 230 disclosure:  To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

www.aberdeeniaf.com

Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited and Aberdeen Asset Management Limited are registered investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

SOURCE Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeeniaf.com

Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE FCO) (the "Fund"), a closed-end bond fund, announced today that it will pay a monthly distribution of US 7.0 cents per share on February 12, 2010 to all shareholders of record as of January 29, 2010 (ex-dividend date January 27, 2010).

The Board's policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital. This policy is subject to regular review at the Board's quarterly meetings unless market conditions require an earlier evaluation. The next review is scheduled to take place in March 2010.

For the 12 months to December 31, 2009, the Fund has paid total distributions amounting to US $1.59 per share. The composition of distributions paid by the Fund since the beginning of the Fund's fiscal year, November 1, 2009, will be estimated through the payment date, and announced at the time of payment of the distribution.  

The Fund is managed by Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited, advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Limited and sub-advised by Aberdeen Asset Management Investment Services Limited. The Fund's shares trade on the NYSE AMEX under the symbol "FCO".

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

www.aberdeenfco.com

Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited and Aberdeen Asset Management Limited are registered investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

SOURCE Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeenfco.com

The Board of Directors of The Indonesia Fund, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: IF) (the "Fund") is pleased to report the Fund's distribution of US$1.1910 per share of common stock declared on December 15, 2009, payable on January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 22, 2009.

Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for this distribution and for the cumulative distributions paid year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2009 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Circular 230 disclosure:  To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

SOURCE The Indonesia Fund, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aberdeen-asset.com

The Indonesia Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE Amex: IF), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of November 30, 2009.

The Fund's total returns for various periods through November 30, 2009 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees):

    Period                 NAV Total Return %     Market Price Total
    ------                 ------------------                   Return %
                                                                --------
                    Cumulative   Annualized  Cumulative   Annualized
                    ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
    Since inception       -11.2        -0.6        -18.1        -1.0
    ---------------       -----        ----        -----        ----
    (March 1990)
    ------------
    10-years              196.2        11.5        107.6         7.6
    --------              -----        ----        -----         ---
    5-years               116.4        16.7         98.5        14.7
    -------               -----        ----         ----        ----
    3-years                18.4         5.8         -8.0        -2.7
    -------                ----         ---         ----        ----
    1-year                            134.5                    145.7
    ------                            -----                    -----

On November 30, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$89.1 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $10.77.

As of November 30, 2009, the portfolio was invested as follows:

                                                   Percent of Net
    Portfolio Composition                               Assets
    ---------------------                          --------------
    Consumer, Cyclical                                        24.1
    ------------------                                        ----
    Consumer, Non-Cyclical                                    20.4
    ----------------------                                    ----
    Financials                                                20.0
    ----------                                                ----
    Communications                                            13.5
    --------------                                            ----
    Industrials                                               11.3
    -----------                                               ----
    Utilities                                                  4.5
    ---------                                                  ---
    Basic Materials                                            3.6
    ---------------                                            ---
    Other                                                      2.6
    -----                                                      ---

The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of November 30, 2009, representing 68.3% of net assets, were:

    Stock                                            Percent of
    -----                                            ----------
                                                     Net Assets
                                                     ----------
    PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk                                 11.0
    -------------------------                                 ----
    PT Astra International Tbk                                10.1
    --------------------------                                ----
    PT Telekomunikasi Tbk                                      9.8
    ---------------------                                      ---
    Bank OCBC NISP Tbk PT                                      6.7
    ---------------------                                      ---
    PT Holcim Indonesia Tbk                                    6.1
    -----------------------                                    ---
    Ace Hardware Indonesia                                     5.7
    ----------------------                                     ---
    United Overseas Bank Limited                               4.9
    ----------------------------                               ---
    Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation                       4.8
    ------------------------------------                       ---
    PT United Tractors Tbk                                     4.7
    ----------------------                                     ---
    Perusahaan Gas Negara PT                                   4.5
    ------------------------                                   ---

Important Information

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (the Investment Adviser), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service mark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.

Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date March 9, 1990.

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

SOURCE The Indonesia Fund, Inc.

Early estimates indicate the Credit Suisse/Tremont Hedge Fund Index ("Broad Index") will finish up +0.39% in December 2009 (based on 62% of assets reporting).

Key highlights for the month;

• Hedge funds finished their best year of the decade with positive performance in December. Top performing sectors included Event Driven, Long/Short Equity, Emerging Markets and Convertible Arbitrage.
• Event Driven managers capitalized on their credit books as high yield and leveraged loan markets spreads tightened. Managers also seized opportunities in select idiosyncratic distressed situations.
• Long/Short Equity and Emerging Markets experienced positive performance in the final month of the year with performance largely propelled by rallies in Japanese and certain European equity markets. Following early gains, many managers took risk off the books as markets slowed down in the second half of the month.
• A correction in gold and other precious metals resulted in losses in the Global Macro and Managed Futures sectors. Many macro managers were also adversely affected by the reversal in the U.S. Dollar. Quantitative funds experienced some of the steepest losses due to high levels of risk while discretionary managers had better performance as many pared back risk towards the end of the year.
• Convertible Arbitrage experienced its twelfth consecutive month of gains to end the year as best performer among hedge fund strategies as the U.S. convertible bond market had a record return of 49% in 2009(1). New issuance was light aside from a $3.5 billion issue from Citibank.

Strategy Estimates

    Index                                  Dec-09        Nov-09       2009
    CS/Tremont Hedge Fund Index              0.39%         2.11%     18.01%
    Convertible Arbitrage                    2.08%         0.80%     47.14%
    Dedicated Short Bias                    -4.00%        -2.99%    -24.82%
    Emerging Markets                         2.18%         1.37%     30.29%
    Equity Market Neutral                   -1.66%         0.08%      3.23%
    Event Driven                             1.91%         2.16%     19.95%
         Distressed                          1.99%         2.08%     20.34%
         Event Driven Multi-Strategy         1.87%         2.26%     19.62%
         Risk Arbitrage                      1.23%         1.03%     12.96%
    Fixed Income Arbitrage                   1.39%         1.71%     28.20%
    Global Macro                            -2.07%         3.52%     10.81%
    Long/Short Equity                        2.01%         1.92%     19.83%
    Managed Futures                         -4.59%         4.94%     -6.18%
    Multi-Strategy                           0.34%         0.96%     23.60%
    MSCI World                               1.69%         3.87%     26.98%
    Barclays Capital Aggregate
     Bond Index                             -3.76%         2.55%      6.93%
    DJ-UBS Total Return
     Commodities Index                       1.98%         3.52%     18.91%
    -------------------                      ----          ----      -----

Estimates are based on 62% of assets reporting; final December performance will be published January 15th on Bloomberg and online at www.hedgeindex.com. For a complete description of the Credit Suisse/Tremont Hedge Fund Index, please see the index rules available at www.hedgeindex.com.

Credit Suisse Tremont Index LLC is the joint venture company of Credit Suisse Index Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Credit Suisse Co., Inc., and Tremont Group Holdings, Inc. Credit Suisse Tremont Index LLC is headquartered at 11 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010-3629.

(1) Source: Merrill Lynch All US Convert Index (VXAO)

* All data was obtained from publicly available information, internally developed data and other third party sources believed to be reliable. Credit Suisse has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness or reliability of such information.

Contact Information

Meg Bode, Bode Associates, telephone 516 869 6610, meg@bodeassociates.com

Credit Suisse AG

As one of the world's leading banks, Credit Suisse provides its clients with private banking, investment banking and asset management services worldwide. Credit Suisse offers advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is active in over 50 countries and employs approximately 47,400 people. Credit Suisse is comprised of a number of legal entities around the world and is headquartered in Zurich. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

Asset Management

In its Asset Management business, Credit Suisse offers products across a broad spectrum of investment classes, including alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds, real estate and credit, as well as multi asset class solutions, which include equities and fixed income products. Credit Suisse's Asset Management business manages portfolios, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles for a broad spectrum of clients ranging from governments, institutions and corporations to private individuals. With offices focused on asset management in 21 countries, Credit Suisse's Asset Management business is operated as a globally integrated network to deliver the bank's best investment ideas and capabilities to clients around the world.

All businesses of Credit Suisse are subject to distinct regulatory requirements; certain products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types.

Disclosure

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change without obligation to update. It has been prepared solely for information purposes and for the use of the recipient. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of Credit Suisse to any person to buy or sell any security. Any reference to past performance is not a guide, guarantee or indicator of future results. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from third party sources believed to be reliable by Credit Suisse but Credit Suisse does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.

Copyright © 2010, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Credit Suisse AG

RELATED LINKS
http://www.credit-suisse.com

Eaton Vance Management, the Boston-based investment adviser, today announced the quarterly distributions declared on the common shares of two of its closed-end equity funds (the "Funds"). The record date for the distributions is January 22, 2010, and the payable date is January 29, 2010. The ex- date is January 20, 2010.  The distribution per share for each Fund is as follows:

At this time the Funds believe that a portion of the January distribution may be comprised of amounts from sources other than net investment income.  If that is the case, you will be notified in writing.  Further information will be available prior to the payment date at http://individuals.eatonvance.com.  The final determination of tax characteristics of the Fund's distributions will occur after the end of the year, at which time it will be reported to the shareholders. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distributions on the Funds' shares could be further changed.

The Funds are managed by Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV), based in Boston, one of the oldest investment management firms in the United States, with a history dating back to 1924. Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed $163.1 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009, offering individuals and institutions a broad array of investment products and wealth management solutions.  The Company's long record of providing exemplary service and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today's most discerning investors.  For more information about Eaton Vance, visit www.eatonvance.com.

SOURCE Eaton Vance Management

RELATED LINKS
http://www.eatonvance.com

The Indonesia Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE Amex: IF), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of November 30, 2009.

The Fund's total returns for various periods through November 30, 2009 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees):

    Period                 NAV Total Return %     Market Price Total
    ------                 ------------------                   Return %
                                                                --------
                    Cumulative   Annualized  Cumulative   Annualized
                    ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
    Since inception       -11.2        -0.6        -18.1        -1.0
    ---------------       -----        ----        -----        ----
    (March 1990)
    ------------
    10-years              196.2        11.5        107.6         7.6
    --------              -----        ----        -----         ---
    5-years               116.4        16.7         98.5        14.7
    -------               -----        ----         ----        ----
    3-years                18.4         5.8         -8.0        -2.7
    -------                ----         ---         ----        ----
    1-year                            134.5                    145.7
    ------                            -----                    -----

On November 30, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$89.1 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $10.77.

As of November 30, 2009, the portfolio was invested as follows:

                                                   Percent of Net
    Portfolio Composition                               Assets
    ---------------------                          --------------
    Consumer, Cyclical                                        24.1
    ------------------                                        ----
    Consumer, Non-Cyclical                                    20.4
    ----------------------                                    ----
    Financials                                                20.0
    ----------                                                ----
    Communications                                            13.5
    --------------                                            ----
    Industrials                                               11.3
    -----------                                               ----
    Utilities                                                  4.5
    ---------                                                  ---
    Basic Materials                                            3.6
    ---------------                                            ---
    Other                                                      2.6
    -----                                                      ---

The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of November 30, 2009, representing 68.3% of net assets, were:

    Stock                                            Percent of
    -----                                            ----------
                                                     Net Assets
                                                     ----------
    PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk                                 11.0
    -------------------------                                 ----
    PT Astra International Tbk                                10.1
    --------------------------                                ----
    PT Telekomunikasi Tbk                                      9.8
    ---------------------                                      ---
    Bank OCBC NISP Tbk PT                                      6.7
    ---------------------                                      ---
    PT Holcim Indonesia Tbk                                    6.1
    -----------------------                                    ---
    Ace Hardware Indonesia                                     5.7
    ----------------------                                     ---
    United Overseas Bank Limited                               4.9
    ----------------------------                               ---
    Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation                       4.8
    ------------------------------------                       ---
    PT United Tractors Tbk                                     4.7
    ----------------------                                     ---
    Perusahaan Gas Negara PT                                   4.5
    ------------------------                                   ---

Important Information

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (the Investment Adviser), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service mark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.

Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date March 9, 1990.

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

SOURCE The Indonesia Fund, Inc.

The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE Amex: LAQ), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of November 30, 2009.

The Fund's total returns for various periods through November 30, 2009 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees):

    Period                 NAV Total Return %     Market Price Total Return %
    ------                 ------------------      ---------------------------
                   Cumulative   Annualized    Cumulative      Annualized
                   ----------   ----------    ----------      ----------
    Since
     inception           883.7         13.5         724.1             12.4
    ----------           -----         ----         -----             ----
    (October 1991)
    --------------
    10-years             445.1         18.5         550.7             20.6
    --------             -----         ----         -----             ----
    5-years              242.9         27.9         252.9             28.7
    -------              -----         ----         -----             ----
    3-years               53.9         15.4          50.6             14.6
    -------               ----         ----          ----             ----
    1-year                            110.8                          139.1
    ------                            -----                          -----

On November 30, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$264.4 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $43.29.

As of November 30, 2009, the portfolio was invested as follows:

                                                      Percent of
    Portfolio Composition                             Net Assets
    ---------------------                            ----------
    Financials                                                20.3
    ----------                                                ----
    Consumer, Non-Cyclical                                    18.3
    ----------------------                                    ----
    Basic Materials                                           16.7
    ---------------                                           ----
    Consumer, Cyclical                                         9.9
    ------------------                                         ---
    Energy                                                     8.9
    ------                                                     ---
    Industrials                                                8.8
    -----------                                                ---
    Communications                                             8.1
    --------------                                             ---
    Other                                                      6.9
    -----                                                      ---
    Utilities                                                  1.6
    ---------                                                  ---
    Diversified                                                0.5
    -----------                                                ---

The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of November 30, 2009, representing 51.9% of net assets, were:

                                                   Percent of Net
    Stock                                               Assets
    -----                                          --------------
    Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobas                            8.9
    -------------------------------                            ---
    Vala SA                                                    8.6
    -------                                                    ---
    America Movil SAB de CV                                    5.4
    -----------------------                                    ---
    Banco Bradesco SA                                          5.3
    -----------------                                          ---
    Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV                       4.6
    ------------------------------------                       ---
    Lojas Renner SA                                            4.2
    ---------------                                            ---
    Ultrapar Participacoes SA                                  3.9
    -------------------------                                  ---
    Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV                         3.8
    ----------------------------------                         ---
    Tenarsis SA                                                3.7
    -----------                                                ---
    Naturo Cosmeticos SA                                       3.5
    --------------------                                       ---

Important Information

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, Aberdeen Asset Management Investment Services Limited (the Investment Adviser), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service mark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.

Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date October 30, 1991.

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

SOURCE The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc.

The Board of Directors of The Chile Fund, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: CH) (the "Fund") announced in July its adoption of a managed distribution policy in which the Fund will pay quarterly distributions (the "Distribution Policy").  In connection with the policy, the Fund's Board of Directors is pleased to report the Fund's distribution of US 36 cents per share of common stock declared on December 15, 2009, payable on January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 22, 2009.

Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for this distribution and for the cumulative distributions paid year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital.  The estimated composition of the distributions may vary from quarter to quarter because they may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield," "income" or "profit."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2009 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The following table provides information regarding the Fund's total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods as well as the Fund's annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

(1) Based on the Fund's NAV as of December 31, 2009.

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the Distribution Policy.

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expenses and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share.  The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold or hold securities that it would liquidate, for the purpose of paying the distribution.  The Distribution Policy may, under certain circumstances, cause the amounts of taxable distributions to exceed the levels required to be distributed under the Code (i.e., to the extent the Fund has capital losses in any taxable year, such losses may be carried forward to reduce the amount of capital gains required to be distributed in future years; if distributions in a year exceed the amount minimally required to be distributed under the tax rules, such excess will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent loss carryforwards reduce the required amount of capital gains distributions in that year).  The Fund's Board of Directors has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share.  Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

Circular 230 disclosure:  To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

SOURCE The Chile Fund, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) today issued its Hedge Funds Industry Trends report updated through 4Q 2009. The report details hedge fund talent and compensation trends for 2009 and an industry outlook for 2010.

"It has been a tremendous turnaround year for hedge fund survivors, marking their best returns in over 10 years," says Claude Schwab, head of the U.S. hedge fund practice and a partner at Heidrick & Struggles. "By November 2009, the industry re-crossed the $2 trillion mark, and this was largely due to performance rather than net inflows."

"But this has been a Pyrrhic victory for the industry as a whole," says Mr. Schwab, who is one of the report's authors. "The fact is that more than 20% of hedge funds shut down in the past two years, with 1,500 liquidations in 2008 and 900 in 2009 – and those firms under $1 billion and underwater are especially vulnerable. This vulnerability will have a direct impact on talent flow in 2010; top talent seeks high-quality, stable firms."

Heidrick & Struggles surveyed more than 400 portfolio managers (PMs) and studied more than 100 hedge fund firms for the report, providing a comprehensive view of the industry and its talent flows. Highlights of the report include:

• Tight talent inventory: The availability of senior top talent is decreasing as hedge fund investment professionals re-surface at other hedge funds, proprietary trading banks, asset management firms, and a host of other destinations including endowments, foundations, and family offices.
• SEC changes drawing talent: Veteran hedge fund and markets professionals are also in demand at the SEC, where a promise of increasing government enforcement and the creation of a new Division of Risk, Strategy, and Financial Innovation are leading to new hires.
• Compensation bidding wars will return: "The post-TARP brain drain is turning around, with a significant increase in hiring at most large banks/proprietary trading firms," says Mr. Schwab. "But comp will not reach levels prior to the summer and fall of 2008."
• New, "safer" investment vehicles helping to drive asset-building frenzy: "Assets are coming back to funds, swayed by innovative, more transparent investment products that give more control and liquidity to investors," he says. "Marketing professionals who can sell these products will be key drivers of this activity as funds gear up for the best fundraising opportunity in two years."
• Re-emergence of seeding funds and boom in new launches: Despite the number of funds closing in '08 and '09, launches exceeded liquidations beginning in 3Q '09 and continuing into 4Q.
• Return of comp guarantees in '10: Front office professionals in 2010 can expect to see compensation guarantees return, although this will be coupled with an increase in clawbacks and deferrals.

Which funds will lose talent in 2010?

"An active hiring market in 2010 will mean that some firms can expect to lose their senior-most talent," says Mr. Schwab. Through their intensive study of firms and portfolio managers, Heidrick & Struggles was able to identify eight characteristics of firms that are the most vulnerable to talent leaving.

Fund underperformance was the top factor cited in the report. Other factors making firms vulnerable include: a lack of formulaic payouts to PMs; shared portfolios; traditionally centralized structures; firms where trigger-pulling responsibility has been pulled from individual PMs; "placeholder" firms housing talent from funds that shut down; those with lower capital (under $1 billion), except for more recent 2009 startups; and funds undergoing a significant internal event, such as a merger or acquisition.

Which funds are most likely to retain talent in 2010? How can top performers be lured away?

"In addition to spotting the most likely firms from which to recruit talent, we were able to identify the characteristics of firms from which it will be difficult to pull the top people. These include firms with strong performance and access to stable, sizeable capital. Other factors keeping talent put include well-run management that provides relative autonomy and a healthy, transparent work environment. And, of course, the best talent will expect lucrative, competitive payout models.

"It's very difficult to pull a strong performer from a firm that has all of these factors in place. A true 'game-changing' opportunity is what it would take to lure the best professionals from such a firm," says Mr. Schwab. Examples of "game changers" include: a very significant increase in capital allocation; sufficient capital to start one's own firm; the opportunity to build a firm and/or be a key part of the firm's succession plan; and the opportunity to serve a cause while investing.

"Major endowments, sovereign wealth funds, and the SEC made key hires in 2009 where candidates were attracted to the cause or mission associated with the institution as well as the investment opportunity. The year 2010 will see a continuation of this trend."

If you would like more information about Heidrick & Struggles' Hedge Fund Industry Trends 4Q 2009, please contact Davia Temin or Suzanne Oaks of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or news@teminandco.com.

About Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) is the world's premier provider of senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services, including talent management, board building, executive on-boarding and M&A effectiveness. For more than 55 years, we have focused on quality service and built strong leadership teams through our relationships with clients and individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles leadership experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

SOURCE Heidrick & Struggles

RELATED LINKS
http://www.heidrick.com

Bank of America today announced findings from the latest Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Quarterly, a survey of the values, financial priorities and concerns of affluent Americans and the challenges and opportunities they face. Focused largely on issues related to retirement, the second in this series of quarterly surveys reveals that many affluent Americans are rethinking their vision of retirement and offers lessons learned from retirees and what they wished they had done differently when planning for retirement.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050720/CLW086LOGO-b )

Surprisingly, given the opportunity to do it all again, roughly half (51%) of retired respondents indicated that they would have focused more on their "life goals" and less on "the numbers" and on hitting a specific nest egg dollar amount when planning for retirement, while the remaining respondents (49%) indicated that they would have focused more on "the numbers."

Retirees who wished they had focused more on their "life goals" indicated that they would have spent more time determining how they wanted to live in their retirement years (38%) and based their retirement income needs not just on a number that would sustain them but on one that would help them live their ideal lifestyle during these years (13%). Additionally, 8 percent would have created a plan to better support their philanthropic missions. Among those who indicated that they would have focused more on "the numbers," 23 percent wished they had started working with a financial advisor earlier in life and 18 percent would have given up more luxuries in order to reach their retirement goals. Among all retired respondents, three out of 10 (31%) worked with a financial advisor when planning for retirement, though, in hindsight, more than half (55%) wished they had started doing so sooner.

"Helping our clients plan for retirement will continue to be a core focus for our business in the years ahead," said Sallie Krawcheck, president of Bank of America Global Wealth & Investment Management. "Our experienced Financial Advisors work closely with clients to better understand their lifetime aspirations. Through this personal approach, coupled with a sophisticated portfolio of financial solutions, we strive to help clients minimize the complexity and uncertainty associated with retirement, allowing them to concentrate on what matters most."

Impact of the Recession

In the wake of economic recession, 56 percent of respondents, whether retired or not, found some "silver lining" in how it affected – or may affect – their retirement planning and priorities. The survey finds affluent Americans returning or holding on to core values, including an enhanced focus on things that will matter most in retirement, such as family and friends (33%), and a realization that there may have to be trade-offs in retirement or a scaling back of their current lifestyle (23%). Others decided to take their retirement "off autopilot" and start thinking more about what they need to do in order to live the retirement they want (19%).

Reflecting on 2009, respondents also indicated various lifestyle changes made during the last 12 months. As they looked to reduce or control spending, last year more than twice as many individuals spent less on "personal luxuries" (43%) when compared to those who gave less to charities than they had in previous years (21%). Other ways affluent Americans changed the way they lived in 2009 included:

• Cutting energy costs (48%).
• Becoming more aware of day-to-day/short-term cash flow (38%).
• Vacationing less (30%) or closer to home (20%).
• Scaling back on recreational activities such as golf, skiing, tennis, etc. (29%).
• Delaying capital expenditures, e.g., home improvements or automobile expenses (16%).

More than half (52%) of non-retired respondents made some adjustments to their lifestyle last year, expressing concern about the impact of the economy on their ability to meet their financial goals (50%). Among non-retired respondents who now feel off track in terms of when they had hoped to retire, 68 percent cited that the recession has in some way taken its toll on their finances. Although 29 percent still expect to retire later than originally planned, this number is down from 37 percent in our previous survey (released Oct. 5, 2009).

"The recession has caused Americans' attitudes toward retirement to evolve at an unprecedented pace," said Andy Sieg, head of Retirement & Philanthropic Services at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. "For many, retirement is no longer a specific date at which an individual goes from working to not working. Today, the transition into retirement is tending to be more gradual and fluid. As such, an effective retirement strategy should go beyond an accumulation target and retirement income planning, and take into account what is truly important to an individual or couple, as well as the challenges they may face down the road."

Health Care Costs a High Concern

The survey illustrates that affluent Americans are slightly less concerned about the current impact of economic issues, with 84 percent citing high concerns compared to 95 percent in the previous survey. However, rising health care costs continued to rank among the highest financial concerns for both retired and non-retired respondents. Fifty-nine percent of retirees cited rising health care costs as a high concern and, among them, 41 percent were unsure how future health care costs should factor into their retirement plans, and 37 percent were confused by ongoing public and government debate over health care reform issues.

Similarly, 53 percent of non-retired respondents also cited health care costs as a high concern. Among them, 54 percent noted their advancing age, 44 percent the health care debate, and 39 percent the potential impact of future health care costs on their retirement plans as major drivers of their concern. Additionally, 13 percent of these respondents noted the need to simultaneously support the health care costs of their children and aging parents as a significant factor in their overall health care concerns.

Other high concerns among respondents included (T=total; R=retired; NR=non-retired):

• Ensuring retirement assets will last through lifetime (T: 53%, R: 51%, NR: 55%).
• Potential for inflation (T: 48%, R: 50%, NR: 47%).
• Afford the lifestyle I want in retirement (T: 48%, R: 41%, NR: 53%).
• Preserving inheritance for children/grandchildren (T: 37%, R: 32%, NR: 41%).
• Ability to support philanthropic priorities (T: 29%, R: 31%, NR: 28%).
• Caring for aging parents (T: 23%, R: 19%, NR: 26%).

Advice from Retirees

In this survey, retirees were asked where they would recommend those within 10 to 15 years of retirement focus their attention and where those more than 15 years from retirement should be focused:

Within 10 – 15 years of retirement:

• Build a plan around what is most important to you in retirement (51%).
• Have a plan to manage retirement income throughout retirement (47%).
• Pay down debt (40%).
• Account for unexpected costs and risks such as health care, cost of living and/or market fluctuations (38%).
• Pursue home ownership (24%).
• Be cautious of taking investment risks (21%).

More than 15 years to retirement:

• Build a plan around what is most important to you in retirement (43%).
• Pay down debt (41%).
• Have a plan to manage retirement income throughout retirement (39%).
• Account for unexpected costs and risks such as health care, cost of living and/or market fluctuations (38%).
• Work with a financial advisor if you don't already (25%).
• Pursue home ownership (25%).

"Understanding our clients' retirement-related realities and pursuits is a tremendous asset and helps us to guide them on their journey," said Claire Huang, head of marketing for Bank of America Global Wealth Management, Global Banking and Global Markets. "Through continuously conducted surveys such as this, we have greater insight into their current priorities and concerns. These findings, along with our market research, help us stay on top of an evolving marketplace and offer better retirement advice and solutions."

Affluent Insights Quarterly Methodology

Braun Research conducted the Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Quarterly survey by phone between Dec. 1 and Dec. 16, 2009 on behalf of Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management. Braun contacted a nationally representative sample of 1,000 affluent Americans with investable assets in excess of $250,000, and oversampled 300 affluent Americans in each of 14 target markets including Atlanta, Ga.; Boston, Mass.; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas, Texas; Miami, Fla.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Francisco, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Fairfield County, Conn. (Stamford, Greenwich and Westport); Washington, D.C.; Orange County, Calif. (Irvine, Laguna Hills and Newport Beach). The margin of error is +/- 3.1% for the national sample and +/- 5.7% for the oversample markets, with both reported at a 95% confidence level.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 53 million consumer and small business relationships with 6,000 retail banking offices, more than 18,000 ATMs and award-winning online banking with more than 29 million active users. Bank of America is among the world's leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to more than 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

www.bankofamerica.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is a marketing name for the Retirement & Philanthropic Services (RPS) businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Banking and fiduciary activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage services are performed globally by brokerage affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including MLPF&S. Investment products:

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

© 2010 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Bank of America

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bankofamerica.com

European Capital Limited ("European Capital") announced today that it has received proceeds of euro 66.8 million from the exit of three portfolio companies.  

"We are pleased to announce the sale of MW Brands' senior subordinated debt, the repayment of Orangina Schweppes' senior subordinated debt and the repayment of Simple Health & Beauty's second lien, senior subordinated debt and PIK loan," said Nathalie Faure Beaulieu, Regional Managing Director of European Capital Financial Services.

MW BRANDS

The sale of euro 7.2 million of senior subordinated debt from MW Brands represented a 14% annual rate of return.  European Capital initially provided funding to support the acquisition of MW Brands from Heinz in July 2006, investing euro 6.1 million in senior subordinated debt alongside equity sponsor Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking.

MW Brands is a producer of seafood, specializing in tuna based products and also selling a comprehensive range of salmon, mackerel, sardines, seafood spreads and other seafood products.  The company's core brands include John West, Petit Navire, Parmentier and Mareblu, and its products are mainly sold in the UK, France, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands.  The company is headquartered in France.

For more information about European Capital's investment in MW Brands, go to http://www.europeancapital.com/our_portfolio/companies/mw_brands.html.

ORANGINA SCHWEPPES

European Capital originally provided f