Centex Offers Industry-Leading Energy Efficiency Package in St. Louis Area

Centex Energy Advantage homes up to 40% more efficient than typical 10-year-old home

CHESTERFIELD, Mo., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Centex Corporation today announced that construction is under way on Centex Energy Advantage homes across the St. Louis area. Collectively, Centex Energy Advantage homes now in progress are projected to avoid thousands of tons of carbon emissions over time, preventing more than 26 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in just the first year of occupancy.

Centex Energy Advantage is now available in all to-be-built homes ordered from Centex in 16 neighborhoods around the St. Louis metropolitan area. The area's first Centex Energy Advantage home, located in the Providence neighborhood near Herculaneum, Mo., is scheduled for delivery in May. Please visit any Centex neighborhood sales office for more information or see centex.com/energyadvantage.asp for details and centex.com/stlouis/ for details about homes and prices.(1)

"With these homes, you can experience measurable energy efficiency every day for the life of your home," says Mike VanPamel, division president for Centex Homes in St. Louis. "Our customers are usually surprised to learn that these features are standard in every Centex home, while other builders treat many of these components as upgrades."

Centex Energy Advantage homes are up to 22 percent more efficient than comparable new homes built to the most widely used energy efficiency code (the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code), according to a study commissioned with the NAHB Research Center. When compared to a typical 10-year-old home (as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program), the Centex Energy Advantage homes in the study were shown to be up to 40 percent more energy efficient.(2)

According to the NAHB Research Center, each Centex Energy Advantage home avoids 1.78 fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide per year than a comparable new home. That's roughly the same as the greenhouse gas emissions from the family automobile over four months or the CO2 emissions from about 183 gallons of gasoline consumed.(3)

Features of the Centex Energy Advantage standard package in the St. Louis area include: (4)

• Energy monitor: homeowners who use energy monitors to actively manage their consumption of electricity can reduce their electricity use by 4-15 percent; (5) Centex is the first national homebuilder to announce the installation of an energy monitor in every home it builds
• Whirlpool brand ENERGY STAR(R) qualified appliances
• Lennox high-efficiency HVAC system(6)
• Programmable thermostat(s)
• Low-emissivity windows
• R-49 insulation in the attic (with radiant-barrier roof decking available as an optional upgrade)
• Compact fluorescent lights in high-traffic areas
• Information for maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing the impact of home operation on the environment

About Centex

Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation's leading home building companies. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes and CityHomes. In addition to its home building operations, Centex also offers mortgage and title services. Centex has ranked among the top three builders on FORTUNE magazine's list of "America's Most Admired Companies" for 10 straight years and is a leader in quality and customer satisfaction.

Editors' notes:

1. Homes, prices, features and availability are subject to change. Inventory homes are subject to prior sale.
2. This study evaluated the energy efficiency gains attributable to the Centex Energy Advantage features in a variety of single-family floor plans typical of the Centex product line in the climate zones where the Company currently operates. Not all floor plans, building materials or construction techniques were evaluated in the study. Efficiency gains will vary for other plan types, building materials, construction techniques and change of climate zone.
3. Calculations are based on NAHB Research Center estimated efficiency of 1.78 metric tons of CO2 per home equipped with Centex Energy Advantage features, as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator" (see www.epa.gov).
4. The Centex Energy Advantage will be supplemented or otherwise adjusted as required by state and local codes. In several markets, Centex is currently building homes with components that exceed the combined efficiencies provided by the Centex Energy Advantage.
5. Based upon published studies reviewed by the NAHB Research Center.
6. 14-SEER air conditioning or 90-percent AFUE furnace, depending upon climate zone. SEER is "seasonal energy efficiency ratio," a measure of seasonal or annual efficiency of a central air conditioner or air-conditioning heat pump that is the average BTUs of cooling delivered for every watt-hour of electricity used by the heat pump over a cooling season. AFUE is "annual fuel utilization efficiency," a measure of average combustion efficiency in a furnace or heating unit.

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Boosting Business Confidence

The key to getting British business back on track

LONDON, Mar. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Britain's executives are being urged to honour the people who make the most crucial contribution to their businesses: their staff. Workers in thousands of firms all over the UK are currently giving their all to support companies through the recession. By acknowledging their efforts, bosses can create an upswing in staff confidence that will be passed on in turn to customers, sending them a powerful message that the business is strong, able to deliver and here to stay.

In spite of the negative headlines on employment, a surprising seven in ten firms say the spirit of their staff has not been dampened by the current economic climate, according to recent research that polled 1200 business leaders and entrepreneurs at The National Business Awards.

The research shows that the majority of firms believe that the quality of the nation's workforce is the reason why UK plc will survive the recession. With that in mind, bosses are being encouraged to acknowledge the contribution of their employees by entering the 2009 National Business Awards Regional Programme, sponsored by Orange.

In a period of economic uncertainty, it is vital that businesses do all they can to reinstate consumer and staff confidence. While winning an award or reaching the finals is highly prestigious, just entering can be enough to inspire those around you.

Mike Faulkner, Group Director, The National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange said: "In the current economic climate there has never been such a heightened need to instil confidence in consumers. There is no better way for a business to send a positive message to its customers than gaining recognition in The National Business Awards. We expect 2009 to be a bumper year for entries and look forward to a robust and hard fought contest across the UK."

Paul Tollet, Vice President of Orange Business, UK added: "Orange is proud to be sponsoring The National Business Awards for an eighth consecutive year and recognising the resilience and adaptability of British business. In spite of this difficult economic climate, those organisations that are truly exceptional will buck the market trends and remain successful."

In order to make entering The Awards as straight forward as possible, new for 2009, is the ability to complete the entries entirely digitally at www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk/regionals. The Regional Awards programme is now open for registrations and the closing date for submission of entry forms is Tuesday 7th April 2009.

Made up of nine categories, shortlisted finalists will be announced on 6th May 2009, before preparing to make their presentations in person before an independent, expert judging panel in June. Winners will be unveiled at glittering gala award dinners throughout July. Scotland and regional winners will then advance to The National Business Awards finals competing with public and private organisations from all over the country culminating in The National Business Awards gala dinner in November.

To obtain further information or to enter the 2009 programme visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk, telephone 020 7234 8753 or email nbapressoffice@ubm.com

*Photography is available upon request

    For further information please contact:

    The National Business Awards
    Henriette Svensen, PR Manager
    Telephone: 020 7234 8753/0750 091 7628
    Email: henriette.svensen@ubm.com
    Visit: www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk

Editors Notes:

THE NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS - REGIONAL PROGRAMME 2009

The 1200 business leaders polled at The National Business Awards also concluded that:

• Businesses believe that the most important thing organisations need to do to make UK Plc more successful long term is:
  • 51% - Invest In Skills and Training
  • 34% - Support innovation
  • 8% - Encourage more relaxed governance
  • 7% - Invest in greener business practices

• Asked how well prepared they thought the UK economy is to weather the storm compared to other world economies, businesses said:
  • 30% - Better
  • 32% - The same
  • 37% - Less

• Businesses think the best attribute that the UK can offer successful business is:
  • 51% - Great talent pool from which to recruit
  • 21% - Its reputation as a world superpower in business
  • 28% - Its geography and language

The National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange, has considerable success in embedding its reputation for managing and delivering a robust and rigorous process delivering the United Kingdom's most respected business recognition platform, with its particular emphasis on success, innovation and ethical business.

The 2009 Awards categories now open for entries are:

• The Orange Best Use of Technology in Business Award
• The Health Work Well-being Award for Small Business
• The 3i Growth Strategy of the Year Award
• The Business Innovation of the Year Award
• The Badenoch & Clark Business of the Year Award
• The Customer Focus Award
• The Employer of the Year Award
• The Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• The Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award

About United Business Media

The National Business Awards is owned by United Business Media the leading global business media company. We inform markets and bring the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print, and with the information they need to do business successfully. We focus on serving professional commercial communities, from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. Our 5,000 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to www.unitedbusinessmedia.com.

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Amendment of the 2008 Financial Performance Originally Issued February 13, 2009

ONTARIO, Calif., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ICB Financial (OTC Bulletin Board: ICBN) reported its Financial Performance highlights for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2008 on February 13, 2009. Subsequently it was noted that the information reported was incorrect requiring that amended information be provided as noted below. All data reported was unaudited and internally prepared; dollar amounts are in thousands:

    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA AS ORIGINALLY PRESENTED

                               12 Months 12 Months
                                  ended   ended          4th     4th
    Financial                    Dec 31 ,Dec 31,       Quarter Quarter
     Ratios                       2008    2007 % Change  2008   2007  % Change
      Nonperforming assets
       - in thousands           $5,264 $3,050   72.6% $5,264  $3,050   72.6%
       Nonperforming loans as a
        percent of total assets   2.08%  1.22%  70.2%   2.08%   1.22%  70.5%


               SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA AS AMENDED

                               12 Months 12 Months
                                  ended   ended          4th     4th
    Financial                    Dec 31 ,Dec 31,       Quarter Quarter
     Ratios                       2008    2007 % Change  2008   2007 % Change
      Nonperforming assets
       - in thousands           $5,952 $3,050   95.1% $5,952  $3,050   95.1%
       Nonperforming assets as a
        percent of total assets   2.35%  1.22%  92.4%   2.35%   1.22%  92.7%

If you have questions about ICB Financials initial Press Release or this Amendment to that Release, please contact Mr. James Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer at 909-483-8880 or Mr. Thomas Griel, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at 909-483-8882.

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Brookdale Amends and Extends Corporate Line of Credit

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE: BKD) announced today that the Company and its lenders have entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amended credit agreement consists of a $230 million revolving loan facility and matures in August 2010. Additionally, the Company announced that it has recently closed on separate unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $48.5 million in the aggregate. The letter of credit facilities mature in November 2011.

Bill Sheriff, Brookdale's CEO, commented, "We are very happy to have successfully completed these transactions. Accomplishing these financings in very challenging capital markets is a real testament to the fundamentals that underpin our core senior living business. With the transactions announced today, we have now extended all of our corporate-level financings that were due this year. In addition, we recently extended $88 million in mortgage debt initially due in 2009 by two years. We also expect to exercise our contractual extension options on an additional $131 million of mortgage debt due in 2009 when the options become exercisable in the second quarter. After these actions, we will have virtually no mortgage debt maturities until 2011 and believe that Brookdale will be well-positioned from a financial perspective."

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing an exceptional living experience through properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently the Company owns and operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with 548 communities in 35 states and the ability to serve approximately 52,000 residents.

For more information regarding Brookdale and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.brookdaleliving.com.

Safe Harbor

Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding our intent, belief or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements relating to our expectation that we will be able to extend existing debt prior to its maturity. Words such as "expect(s)" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the risk that we may not be able to satisfy the conditions precedent to exercising the extension options associated with certain of our debt agreements and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

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Creditors Sue Former Directors and Officers of First Magnus in $1 Billion Lawsuit

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Larry Lattig, Litigation Trustee for the First Magnus Financial Corporation Litigation Trust, through his lawyers, Lackey Hershman, L.L.P., filed a $1 billion lawsuit today against more than 40 defendants, including the former directors and officers of First Magnus Financial Corporation, and their new mortgage company, StoneWater Mortgage Corporation. Prior to its bankruptcy filing on August 21, 2007, First Magnus was one of the largest originators of "Alt-A" mortgages in the country and had over 5,500 employees nationwide.

The lawsuit alleges that First Magnus and "the rest of America" were "victimized by the avarice and greed of seven men -- Gurpreet Jaggi, Thomas Sullivan, Sr., Thomas Sullivan, Jr., Bill Gaylord, Gary Malis, Dominick Marchetti and Karl Young" and that "these seven men paid themselves hundreds of millions of dollars based on completely fictitious profits." The lawsuit, nearly 200 pages and containing more than 90 counts, details how the directors and officers stripped First Magnus of capital when it was required to reserve for repurchase and indemnity obligations owed to the commercial banks that financed the loans and the Wall Street firms that purchased them.

Lead counsel for the Litigation Trust, Jamie R. Welton, said, "The complaint details how the directors and officers originated bad loans, in the worst markets, paid themselves hundreds of millions in stock redemptions, bonuses, and distributions when they sold the loans to Wall Street, and then said 'sorry Charlie, we're broke' when Wall Street asked for their money back. Now the taxpayers are holding the bag. It's not right. It's why the economy is in the mess it's in. We will make certain that the creditors of First Magnus, including the thousands of employees left unpaid, recover every last penny they are owed from these defendants."

Most of the former First Magnus employees did not receive their final paychecks and had little to no warning from management that they were about to lose their jobs. According to the complaint, more than $22 million remained available on a line of credit from the parent company owned by the directors and officers prior to the bankruptcy filing, "more than enough to pay the approximately $13 million in would-be wage claims in full."

The complaint describes spending by the directors and officers that "would make even the most pampered and precocious movie star blush," including an entire wing of the headquarters building located at 603 N. Wilmot called the "Sullivan Wing" decorated in rich wood and marble, a $170,000 waterfall, a $16,000 fish tank, an air-conditioned garage for the officers, extensive personal use of corporate jets, and an all-expense-paid trip to a Hawaiian resort approximately two weeks prior to the bankruptcy filing. The lawsuit also details significant accounting errors, the theft of Debtor's proprietary materials during the bankruptcy, and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

For further information, please contact either Mr. Welton or Ms. Deitsch-Perez.

About Lackey Hershman, L.L.P.:

Lackey Hershman, L.L.P. is a complex commercial litigation firm based in Dallas, Texas. Lackey Hershman's clients include some of the most influential private equity firms, hedge funds, mutual funds, and financial service providers in the world, and the nation's largest independently-owned advertising agency.

Mr. Welton is a partner at Lackey Hershman, L.L.P., and has litigated high-profile and complex commercial cases in the state and federal courts of Texas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York. According to Verdict Search, Mr. Welton obtained one of the largest civil jury verdicts in the country last year when he enforced a securities trade on behalf of Highland Capital Management, L.P., against counter-parties that reneged on the trade after learning material, non-public information affecting the securities. See Highland Capital Management, L.P. v. Schneider, et al., Cause No. 02-CV-8098 (PKL), in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Ms. Deitsch-Perez is an experienced trial lawyer. Her principal areas of practice include litigation over complex credit facilities, troubled real estate loans, election law as well as hospitality and gaming disputes. Ms. Deitsch-Perez obtained a $62 million judgment last year in a jury trial for a commercial lender.

About Larry Lattig, Litigation Trustee:

Larry Lattig was approved by the bankruptcy court to serve as the Litigation Trustee for the First Magnus Financial Corporation Litigation Trust. Mr. Lattig is Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director for Mesirow Financial Consulting. Mr. Lattig has years of experience advising creditors' committees in bankruptcies, companies and creditors in liquidations, buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisition transactions, and parties and financing in financial transactions. Mr. Lattig has served as chief restructuring officer in a number of public and private companies and has worked extensively on restructuring plans of financial institutions, including Homeland Holdings, Inc., Linc Capital, FINOVA Capital and Bankvest Capital. He has served as a speaker in the areas of treasury, high-tech, consumer finance, corporate governance, and the obligations of officers and directors in troubled companies.

    Contacts:   Jamie R. Welton
                Lackey Hershman, L.L.P.
                3102 Oak Lawn Avenue
                Suite 777
                Dallas, Texas 75219
                Telephone:  (214) 560-2212
                Telecopier: (214) 560-2203
                jrw@lhlaw.net

                Deborah Deitsch-Perez
                Lackey Hershman, L.L.P.
                3102 Oak Lawn Avenue
                Suite 777
                Dallas, Texas 75219
                Telephone:  (214) 560-2218
                Telecopier: (214) 560-2203
                ddp@lhlaw.net

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Thomas A. McCullough, Chief Operating Officer, to Retire After More Than Twenty Years With DST Systems, Inc.

DST Systems, Inc. (DST) Announces Organizational Changes

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thomas A. McCullough, chief operating officer of DST Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DST), has announced his plans to retire as of December 31, 2009. For more than 21 years, Mr. McCullough has been an integral part of DST and a recognized leader in the Financial Services Industry. He has represented DST well and has built a strong management team that will continue to provide the high level of service that distinguishes DST in the marketplace. Mr. McCullough will continue to serve on the boards of DST and Boston Financial Data Services (Boston Financial).

Stephen C. Hooley, president and chief executive officer of Boston Financial, a 50 percent owned joint venture of DST and State Street Corporation (State Street), will join DST as president and chief operating officer on July 1, 2009, reporting to Thomas A. McDonnell, chief executive officer of DST. Mr. Hooley will also assume Mr. McCullough's role as chairman of Boston Financial. Mr. Hooley will continue his involvement with International Financial Data Services, a 50 percent owned joint venture of DST and State Street located in Canada, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, and Ireland. Mr. Hooley has served as president and chief executive officer of Boston Financial for the past five years. Prior to joining Boston Financial, Mr. Hooley was a senior vice president of State Street. During his tenure at State Street, Mr. Hooley held senior roles in Institutional Investor Servicing and information technology. He also managed the integration of the Deutsche Bank Global Security Services business.

Terry L. Metzger, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Boston Financial, will succeed Mr. Hooley as president and chief executive officer of Boston Financial, effective July 1, 2009. Mr. Metzger has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Boston Financial for five years. Prior to that, he spent more than 24 years at DST where his responsibilities included managing several mutual fund customer relationships.

The information and comments in this press release may include forward-looking statements respecting DST and its businesses. Such information and comments are based on DST's views as of today, and actual actions or results could differ. There could be a number of factors, risks, uncertainties or contingencies that could affect future actions or results, including but not limited to those set forth in DST's periodic reports (Form 10-K or 10-Q) filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect future events.

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Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico, S.A.B. De C.V. (GAP) Announces Results For The Fourth Quarter 2008

GUADALAJARA, Jalisco, Mexico, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) ("the Company" or "GAP") today reported its results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2008. Figures are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards. All peso amounts are presented in nominal pesos, except for the figures for 2007, which are expressed in constant pesos as of December 31, 2007, according to changes in Financial Reporting Standards (NIF) B-10 "Effects of Inflation."

Highlights for Fourth Quarter 2008 vs. Fourth Quarter 2007:

• Revenues declined 5.2%, (Ps. 45.4 million), mainly due to the decrease in aeronautical revenues.
• Revenues from aeronautical services declined 8.8%, mainly as a result of a decline in WLU(1), due to a 15.7% decrease in terminal passenger traffic. Non-aeronautical services revenues increased 9.9%, mainly due to revenues from advertising, leasing of time share sales spaces and vehicle parking services.
• Cost of services decreased 0.4% (Ps. 1.1 million), as a percentage of revenues, cost of services increased 150 basis points and per WLU it increased Ps. 7.6, from Ps. 40.5 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to Ps. 48.1. As a percentage of revenues, the cost of services increased as a result of the decline in revenues, while the increase in costs related to WLU was due to a reduction of WLU.
• As a result of the decrease in total revenues, the cost of government concession taxes decreased 5.1% and the technical assistance fee decreased 11.8%, mainly due to lower total revenues as well as costs.
• Operating income declined 16.3%.
• EBITDA decreased 7.1%.
• Net income decreased 25.8%, Ps. 141.2 million lower that the figure reported in the fourth quarter of 2007. While income before taxes increased 4.1%, the decline was mainly due to lower income taxes.

(1) WLU = Workload units represent passenger traffic plus cargo units (1 cargo unit = 100 kilograms of cargo)

For the full version of this report please visit www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx

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