Press Releases

STAMFORD, Conn., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Regarding the cash tender offers (the "Offers") and consent solicitations (the "Consent Solicitations") commenced by General Electric Capital Corporation (the "Company") on March 5, 2009, the Company is pleased to announce that it has received the requisite consents from holders of its outstanding Floating Rate Notes due February 1, 2050 (CUSIP/ISIN Number 369622CF0/US369622CF08) subject to the Offers and Consent Solicitations (the "Consented Series") sufficient to approve the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the Consented Series. As a result, holders of the Consented Series may no longer withdraw or revoke their tenders and/or consents. The Company intends to promptly enter into a supplemental indenture to the indenture that governs the Consented Series; such supplemental indenture will incorporate the proposed amendments which will become operative with respect to the Consented Series upon settlement. The Company intends to settle payments with respect to the Consented Series on July 7, 2009.

The Company previously announced on April 8, 2009, May 5, 2009 and June 22, 2009 that it had received the requisite consents from holders of a total of thirteen other series of notes subject to the Offers and Consent Solicitations. The Company entered into supplemental indentures to the indentures governing such series of notes and settled payments with respect to such notes on April 9, 2009, May 6, 2009 and June 23, 2009.

The Company also hereby gives notice that it is extending the "Expiration Date" and the "Initial Consent Date", each as set forth in the Offer Documents (as defined below), to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 21, 2009, for those series of debt securities listed in the table appearing below that are subject to the Offers and Consent Solicitations (the "Remaining Securities") for which the Company has not yet received the requisite consents from holders to certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the Remaining Securities. As a result, holders of the Remaining Securities may assure their eligibility to (a) obtain payment of the applicable "Consent Consideration" by providing their consent to the proposed amendments, while retaining their Remaining Securities, or (b) obtain payment of the "Early Consideration" by tendering their Remaining Securities prior to the Consent Date with respect to the applicable series; in each case as defined in, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in, the Company's Offers to Purchase and Consent Solicitations Statement, dated March 5, 2009, and the related Consent and Letter of Transmittal (as amended or supplemented, together, the "Offer Documents"). Holders who have previously tendered their Remaining Securities or delivered their consents without a related tender of the Remaining Securities do not need to re-tender their Remaining Securities, re-deliver their consent or take any other action in response to this extension in order to continue to be eligible to receive the Consent Consideration or Early Consideration, as applicable.

The Remaining Securities are set forth in the table below. As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time on Thursday, July 2, 2009, holders had validly tendered or delivered consents for the Remaining Securities in the amounts provided in the table.

                                            Aggregate Principal
                                               Amount of the
       CUSIP/                                Notes Tendered or
    ISIN Number    Title of Security        Consents Delivered   Percentage
    -----------   -----------------------   -------------------  ----------
     369622CB9/      8.300% Notes due
    US369622CB93    September 20, 2009             $157,999,000      63.20%

     369622CA1/   Floating Rate Notes due
    US369622CA11      August 1, 2049                   $925,000      53.62%

The terms and conditions of the Offers and Consent Solicitations for the Remaining Securities are set forth in the Offer Documents.

Except as described above, all other terms and conditions of the Offers and Consent Solicitations remain in full force and effect.

Citi is acting as dealer manager for the Offers and Consent Solicitations. Questions regarding the transaction and the procedures for tendering and consenting may be directed to Citi by telephone at (800) 558-3745 (toll-free).

Global Bondholder Services is the information agent for the Offers and Consent Solicitations. Requests for documentation should be directed to Global Bondholder Services at (866) 807-2200 (toll-free).

This legal announcement is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase or a solicitation of consent with respect to any securities. The Offers and Consent Solicitations are being made solely pursuant to the Offer Documents, which set forth the complete terms of the Offers and Consent Solicitations.

SOURCE General Electric Capital Corporation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION" or "Company"), owner and operator of the ION Television network, today announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Court") has granted final approval for the Company's $150 million debtor-in-possession financing being provided by a majority of its first lien senior secured lenders.

After review of various funding proposals received in recent weeks, the Court approved the financing alternative determined by ION as being in the best interest of the Company. The approved financing is being provided by a majority of ION's first lien lenders, with the opportunity of participation for all first lien holders. In total, holders of approximately 88% of outstanding first lien indebtedness affirmatively support or do not object to the approved financing.

The financing is consistent with the Company's plan for growing its TV network through general audience appeal based on sustained investment in programming and digital technology. Importantly, among other things, the Company has secured the right to convert this financing into equity at its election, as part of an overall plan the Company intends to complete in the near term.

"The team has been working very hard and diligently on building the company and we are pleased about this vote of confidence from our stakeholders as well as from the Court," said Brandon Burgess, ION's Chairman and CEO. "Operationally, June was a new high for us in terms of audience ratings, and this funding will allow us to maintain momentum and provide full support for the launch of our fall programming season."

The company also confirmed that it is in active discussions for the acquisition of further content for the 2009/10 television season, including both off-network syndicated content as well as original productions.

ION's business is focused on capturing growth through improved programming and distribution. Ratings for ION Television showed double digit increases in the first quarter, driven by new programming additions, including NCIS, Boston Legal, Ghost Whisperer, and popular motion pictures. Additional syndicated shows such as Criminal Minds will join the network line-up in the second half of the year, along with several original show premieres including the crime drama Durham County, starring Hugh Dillon.

About ION Media Networks

ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, which reaches over 96 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems, and features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning libraries of RHI Entertainment, CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others. Using its digital multicasting capability, the Company has launched several digital TV brands, including qubo, a channel for children focusing on literacy and values, and ION Life, a channel dedicated to active living and personal growth. It also has launched Open Mobile Ventures Corporation, a business unit focused on the research and development of portable, mobile and out-of-home transmission technology using over-the-air digital television spectrum. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by that Act. In addition, forward-looking statements may be made orally in the future by or on behalf of ION. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as "expects", "should", "may", "believes", "anticipates", "will", and other future tense and forward-looking terminology. There can be no assurance as to the actual results of the undertakings described herein. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this announcement, and ION undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Source: ION Media Networks, Inc.

BOCA RATON, Fla., July 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Securities Law Firm of Klayman & Toskes ("K&T"), www.nasd-law.com, announced today that it filed an arbitration claim with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's ("FINRA") Office of Dispute Resolution against Questar Capital Corp. ("Questar"), for unsuitable investment recommendations and misrepresentations made by former Questar financial advisor Terry Barnhardt. Specifically, the Claimant has alleged that Mr. Barnhardt over-concentrated his account in securities that had exposure to the real estate market. Moreover, the Claimant has alleged that Mr. Barnhardt "guaranteed" these investments. However, it is a violation of NASD Rules for a broker to "guarantee" an investment. As a result of Mr. Barnhardt's unsuitable advice and misrepresentations, the Claimant sustained damages in excess of $400,000.

Presently, K&T is investigating Questar and Terry Barnhardt with regard to the investment advice Mr. Barnhardt provided to his customers, and the representations he made regarding the performance of these investments. Specifically, K&T has received numerous calls from BellSouth n/k/a AT&T (NYSE: T) employees who held investment accounts with Mr. Barnhardt. These employees have also stated that Mr. Barnhardt "guaranteed" certain investments that he recommended to them. Accordingly, K&T is interested in speaking with former or current BellSouth n/k/a AT&T employees who held accounts with Terry Barnhardt and Questar.

The attorneys at K&T are dedicated to pursuing claims on behalf of investors who have suffered investment losses. K&T, an experienced, qualified and nationally recognized securities litigation law firm, practices exclusively in the field of securities arbitration and litigation. It continues its representation of investors throughout the world in securities arbitration and litigation matters against major Wall Street brokerage firms.

If you wish to discuss this announcement or have information relevant to our investigation, please contact Steven D. Toskes or Jahan K. Manasseh, Esquire of Klayman & Toskes, P.A., at 888-997-9956 or visit us on the web at http://www.nasd-law.com.

CONTACT:  Klayman & Toskes, P.A.
          Steven D. Toskes, Esquire
          Jahan K. Manasseh, Esquire
          888-997-9956
          http://www.nasd-law.com

NEW YORK, July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) will broadcast a revealing and in-depth interview with renowned rock and roll photographer, Kevin Mazur, with original MTV VJ and SIRIUS XM host, Alan Hunter.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/NYTU044LOGO )

During "This Is It: Reflections of The Last Concert," Mazur, who co-founded WireImage, shares a first-person account of the concert rehearsal Michael Jackson had just two days before his tragic passing. Mazur will take listeners behind-the-scenes with a detailed description of his two hours at the Staples Center.

Kevin Mazur's interview with Alan Hunter will air on '80s on 8, SIRIUS and XM channel 8, on Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm and Sunday, July 5 at 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm (all times Eastern).

For an embeddable audio excerpt of "This Is It: Reflections of The Last Concert," please visit www.youtube.com/siriusxm.

SIRIUS XM's '80s on 8 channel plays favorite hits from the 1980s. Channel hosts include four of the original MTV VJs, Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Martha Quinn. SIRIUS XM listeners will hear Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Journey, Bon Jovi, Prince, Def Leppard, U2, Go-Go's, Madonna, Huey Lewis & The News, The Police and many others.

About SIRIUS XM Radio

SIRIUS XM Radio is America's satellite radio company delivering to subscribers commercial-free music channels, premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, and traffic and weather.

SIRIUS XM Radio has content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Buffett, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Opie & Anthony, Bubba the Love Sponge(R), The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Bob Edwards. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball(R), NASCAR(R), NBA, NHL(R), and PGA TOUR(R), and broadcasts major college sports.

SIRIUS XM Radio has arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart.

SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in-vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic(R) service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets.

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving SIRIUS and XM, including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," " are expected to," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend," "will," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS' and XM's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: our substantial indebtedness; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; the useful life of our satellites; our dependence upon automakers and other third parties; our competitive position versus other forms of audio and video entertainment; and general economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS' and XM's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and XM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and SIRIUS and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

P-SIRI

    Contacts for SIRIUS XM Radio:

    Samantha Bowman
    SIRIUS XM Radio
    Samantha.Bowman@siriusxm.com
    212 901 6644

SOURCE SIRIUS XM Radio

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1bf80d/qatar_commercial_b) has announced the addition of the "Qatar Commercial Banking Report Q2 2009" report to their offering.

In Q209 BMI is making a number of changes which they hope will substantially improve the impact and value of their reports on the commercial banking sectors of various countries.

Since the commercial banking reports were introduced in mid-2004, they have sought to generate insights by combining information from a number of sources. They have collated data pertinent to entire commercial banking sectors that have been published by central banks, regulators and/or trade associations. They have collated basic information concerning individual market participants. They have also considered the publisher's current views on the economic outlook for the country in question. Many aspects have been - and continue to be - brought together in a systematic way through their proprietary Commercial Bank Business Environment Ratings (CBBER), which facilitate cross-country comparisons. The key changes in Q209 - and what they mean for readers - are as follows:

Comprehensively Upgraded Database

The report has now incorporated as much data as it can for 2008. It has also considered the size of total bank assets, client loans, capital and client deposits in relation to the overall economy, as well as in absolute terms. It has calculated figures in local currency terms, US dollar terms and euro terms. The report's forecast horizon has been extended to 2013. The coverage of historical data in this report has also been improved.

Concise Analysis Of The Sector

The structural strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of commercial banking do not usually change much from quarter to quarter. Nevertheless, they need to be explained in some detail - even if only so that they may provide a context for the rest of the report. the SWOT analysis has been re-examined and (in most cases) substantially extended. Much more than previously, the SWOT analysis represents an 'at a glance' overview of what really matters for the overall commercial banking sector.

Broader And Deeper International Context

For a long time - before the global financial crisis reached a critical phase in mid-September 2008 - commercial banking was inherently international in nature. In other words, it was a rare commercial banking sector indeed that was totally isolated from cross-border influences. However, international influences have become even more important than before as a result of the crisis. In response to this, the publisher has extended the range of countries whose commercial banking sectors they consider each quarter by 11; Bahrain, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, the UK, the US and Vietnam are now analysed. Their reports also include new Global and Regional Outlooks.

Deeper Economic Analysis

The report includes more extensive coverage of BMI's views of the economic outlook for each country. It also includes a section that deals with monetary and exchange rate policy.

Clearer Identification Of Protagonists

The report now looks more closely at the mandates of central banks, regulators and trade associations.

Clearer Definition Of The Universe

The report now includes a specific definition of the universe of commercial banks in each country. In most cases, it also includes a comprehensive list of identifiable institutions (the main exception to this is the US, where the list is confined to the 50 largest banks in terms of deposits). By defining the universe, and listing a greater number of active institutions in each country, the publisher hopes that their reports are of much greater value to other researchers.

New Company Profiles

In Q209 the publisher has sought to include 10 brief profiles of leading banks in each of the countries that it covers. They will add additional profiles in coming months. Wherever possible, they have tried to quantify the total assets, client loans, bond portfolio, client deposits and capital of each institution. Eventually, it should be possible for us to profile most - or indeed all - of the banks that are active in the countries that they follow.

Companies Mentioned:

    --  Qatar National Bank
    --  Doha Bank
    --  The Commercial Bank of Qatar
    --  Ahli Bank QSC, IBQ
    --  Al Khalij Commercial Bank

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1bf80d/qatar_commercial_b

    Source: Research and Markets