Friday, September 21, 2007

NASDAQ Announces Sale of Its Remaining 5.3 Million Shares in the London Stock Exchange Group plc

The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) ('NASDAQ') today announced the disposal by its wholly owned subsidiary Nightingale Acquisition Limited of 5,324,529 shares in the London Stock Exchange Group plc (the "LSE") through a market book-built sale process at a price of 18.00 pounds per share. This sale represents the balance of the NASDAQ group interests in LSE shares held following the disposal of 56.0 million shares announced on 20 September 2007. The aggregate sale value of today's transaction is 95,841,522.00 pounds.

HP Board Approves Policies on Stockholder Rights Plans, Executive Compensation

HP today announced that the HP board of directors has approved an amendment to the company’s bylaws regarding stockholder rights plans and that the company has adopted a new long-term executive compensation program, confirming its longstanding policy on performance-based pay.

The amendment to HP’s bylaws formalizes the company’s existing policy that, subject to a limited fiduciary exception, the HP board will seek stockholder approval prior to its adoption or extension of a stockholder rights plan. It also states that any stockholder rights plan adopted or extended by the HP board without prior stockholder approval pursuant to the fiduciary exception will expire unless ratified by the stockholders of HP within one year of adoption.

The HP board’s HR and Compensation Committee approved a new program, effective with the fiscal 2008 compensation review cycle, under which most equity grants will vest only upon the satisfaction of financial performance criteria over a three-year period. In doing so, it confirmed its policy that a significant portion of long-term incentive compensation for senior executives should be performance-based. The structure of the new program reflects an updated approach to performance-based plan design.

The details of the program, including specific performance metrics and targets, are still in development. HP expects to provide more information regarding the new program in HP’s proxy statement for its 2008 annual meeting of stockholders.

The bylaw amendment and new equity compensation program were adopted in response to proposals stockholders submitted and approved at HP’s most recent annual stockholder meeting held on March 14, 2007. They are disclosed in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

About HP

HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers – from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world’s largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $100.5 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2007. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

HP Closes Opsware Acquisition

HP today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Opsware Inc., the leader in data center automation, which is one of the fastest growing segments in IT operations.

The deal combines Opsware’s industry-leading IT automation offerings with HP Software’s business and IT service management capabilities to boost HP’s Business Technology Optimization portfolio of enterprise IT management software.

BTO is a category of software and services that enable chief information officers to enhance the value and optimize business outcomes from their IT investments.

“With Opsware, we have elevated HP’s relevance to CIOs with products and solutions to help them transform and drive the next generation of data centers,” said Thomas E. Hogan, senior vice president, Software, HP. “By reducing operational costs and improving efficiencies through IT automation, CIOs can invest in strategic growth initiatives to drive value and competitive advantage for their companies.”

HP also announced that it has appointed Opsware Chief Executive Officer Ben Horowitz to lead the Business Technology Optimization organization reporting to Hogan.

Upon the closing of the acquisition, all remaining outstanding Opsware shares, other than those held by stockholders who properly perfect appraisal rights under Delaware law, were converted into the right to receive $14.25 per share in cash. As a result of the transaction, Opsware has become a subsidiary of HP.

About HP

HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers – from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world’s largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $100.5 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2007. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

Genworth Financial Announces 11% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend

The Board of Directors of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) today raised the regular quarterly dividend per share of its Class A Common Stock to $0.10, an increase of 11 percent over the previous quarterly rate of $0.09. The dividend is payable October 29, 2007 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 12, 2007.

"This dividend increase reflects Genworth's ongoing solid financial performance and progress on growth initiatives," said Michael D. Fraizer, chairman and chief executive officer. "We have increased common dividends more than 50 percent since the company's IPO in 2004, a practice we will continue to periodically assess as part of our overall capital management strategy."

About Genworth Financial

Genworth is a leading financial security company meeting the retirement, longevity, lifestyle protection, investment and mortgage insurance needs of over 15 million customers. It has a presence in more than 25 countries. For more information, visit genworth.com.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Xerox to Acquire Advectis, Inc.

Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) plans to buy Advectis®, Inc. for $32 million. Advectis is the provider of one of the mortgage industry's most widely-used solutions for electronic document collaboration.
Xerox's expertise in document outsourcing and services led the company to Advectis, a privately-owned business based in Atlanta. In a predominately paper-based industry, Advectis' Web-based BlitzDocs Collaboration Suite helps lenders, brokers and investors manage the process needed to underwrite, audit, collaborate, deliver and archive loan documents electronically. Taking paper out of the process, the BlitzDocs® patented technology helps users reduce costs associated with the lending process, deliver better service, decrease credit risk by improving documentation processes and build a competitive advantage in capturing new loan applications.

"Anyone who has ever bought a home knows that the mortgage business is dependent on paper. Filling out an extensive number of forms is time and labor-intensive work," said John Kelly, president, Xerox Global Services North America. "We're looking to help clients reduce costs and transform their business by offering a better experience for both end-users and operations. Xerox's expertise in automating document processes is an ideal fit with Advectis' BlitzDocs paperless solution for mortgages. In an industry that is ripe for change, Advectis offers technology that improves productivity for its users while giving lenders better control of their processes."

According to Craig Focardi, research area director for the retail banking practice of research firm TowerGroup, "Enterprise content management systems are reducing the great paper chase in loan origination, where a lender controls the paper loan file and manually redistributes documents multiple times to multiple parties. Lenders are increasingly adopting document imaging and electronic content management as a major area of cost savings, faster loan processing and improved customer service."

The amount of paper associated with this industry leads to inefficient processes which, best case, are productivity drains and, worst case, can lead to a loss of control in the quality of the loans. TowerGroup estimates document management costs in loan origination totaled $3.2 billion last year.

A BlitzDocs electronic loan folder mirrors the paper loan folder used today but improves efficiencies in the loan cycle, allowing mortgage participants to view and process online documents anytime, anywhere. Clients benefit from a network with more than 35,000 broker shops, the top seven mortgage insurance companies and four of the top due diligence providers.

"With this acquisition, Advectis is positioned to create even stronger offerings, services and technologies for our clients," said Greg Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of Advectis. "Partnering with Xerox makes perfect sense for the future of our business. Our combined expertise and resources means increased collaboration and decreased loan processing costs for BlitzDocs users."

Advectis was founded in 2000 and currently employs about 41 people, most of whom are based at the company's headquarters in Atlanta. Upon completion of the acquisition, all employees are expected to join Xerox. Smith will remain head of the organization, reporting to Kelly.

Xerox's all-cash purchase of Advectis also includes an additional performance-based supplement to the sale price. The acquisition is expected to close in the next 30 days, subject to customary closing conditions.

Xerox's industry-leading document technology and services portfolio includes consulting and outsourcing services, records management, digital imaging, e-discovery for litigation support and managed services in more than 160 countries.

Through its acquisition strategy, Xerox is identifying successful companies whose offerings align with Xerox's commitment to innovation and reducing the complexity of document management. Last year, Xerox acquired Amici LLC, a leading provider of electronic-discovery services, primarily supporting litigation and regulatory compliance, and XMPie, which provides variable information software for the graphic arts and marketing industries.

Microsoft Increases Quarterly Dividend

Microsoft Corp. today announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share, reflecting a one cent increase over the previous quarter’s dividend. The dividend is payable December 13, 2007 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2007. The ex-dividend date will be November 13, 2007.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Component Change Made To Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend 100 Index

Dow Jones Indexes, a leading global index provider, today announced component changes in the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend 100 Index.

Compass Bancshares Inc. (United States, Banks, CBSS) will be deleted from the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend 100 Index and replaced by PFF Bancorp Inc. (United States, Banks, PFB). Compass Bancshares Inc. is being removed due to its acquisition by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (Spain, Banks, BBV; BBVA.MC).

The Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index tracks the top 100 U.S. stocks by dividend yield.

The changes in Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend 100 Index will be effective as of the open of trading on Friday September 7, 2007.

Further information, as well as the complete component list of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend 100 Index, can be found on the Dow Jones Indexes Web site at http://www.djindexes.com.

Component Change Made To Dow Jones STOXX Global Select Dividend 100 Index

STOXX Ltd., the leading European index provider, today announced component changes in the Dow Jones STOXX Global Select Dividend 100 Index.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (United States, Utilities, PNW) will replace Compass Bancshares Inc. (United States, Banks, CBSS) in the Dow Jones STOXX Global Select Dividend 100 Index. Compass Bancshares Inc. is being removed due to its acquisition by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (Spain, Banks, BBV; BBVA.MC).

The changes in the Dow Jones STOXX Global Select Dividend 100 Index will be effective as of the open of trading on Friday September 7, 2007.

Further information as well as the complete component list of the Dow Jones STOXX Global Select Dividend 100 Index can be found on the STOXX Indexes Web site at http://www.stoxx.com/.

GE Healthcare Financial Services Finalizes

GE Healthcare Financial Services continues to show its commitment to the senior housing industry with a $207 million first mortgage for the Atria Senior Living Group. Louisville-based Atria – the eighth largest provider of retirement and assisted-living services in the United States – owns and operates 124 communities in 27 states.

Leveraging its senior housing expertise, GE Healthcare Financial Services tailored a flexible financing agreement to meet Atria's current and future financing needs as well as meet structure needs for the portfolio. The structure works well for the stabilized properties in the portfolio, as well as those with upside potential, and includes both 10-year fixed rate and a 5-year floating rate pools. The floating rate pool also allows Atria to make $32 million in capital improvements to the properties in that pool.

“We brought GE an extremely complex situation and they gave us a very smart solution. GE has become much more than a lender to us. They have become a valued financing partner,” said John Moore of Atria Senior Living Group. “GE listened to our needs and delivered a financing solution that complements our strategy. They have certainly become our first call when we have an important financing need.”

GE Healthcare Financial Services, a leader in senior housing lending, works with seven of the 10 largest assisted living providers, as ranked by the April 2007 edition of Assisted Living Executive magazine, including Sunrise, Brookdale, Emeritus, Sunwest, and Atria.

“Atria is a long-term customer who has demonstrated a very real commitment to overall quality. We see this in how they manage their financing relationships and in how they operate their business and care for their residents. GE Healthcare Financial Services is committed to providing customers like Atria with financial solutions that help them achieve their business objectives,” said Kristen Ahrens, senior vice president of sales in real estate for GE Healthcare Financial Services. “We take a creative, client-focused approach in our work with each customer that’s backed by financial strength and a commitment to the senior housing market.”

About GE Healthcare Financial Services

GE Healthcare Financial Services is a provider of capital, financial solutions, and related services for the global healthcare market. With over $16 billion of capital committed to the healthcare industry, GE Healthcare Financial Services offers a full range of capabilities from equipment financing and real estate financing to working capital lending, vendor programs, and practice acquisition financing. With its knowledge of all aspects of healthcare from hospitals and long-term care facilities to physicians’ practices and life sciences, GE Healthcare Financial Services works with customers to create tailored financial solutions that help them improve their productivity and profitability. For more information, visit http://www.gehealthcarefinance.com.