The Directors of the Auriel Funds PLC announced the appointment of Deutsche Bank AG (London) of in place of Lehman Brothers Inc., as prime broker to the company with effect from September 30, 2008 pursuant to an agreement between the Prime Broker and Auriel Capital Management LLP (the 'Investment Manager'). The Prime Broker has financial resources in excess of $200 million (or its equivalent in another currency). The prime broker is regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom. All terms and conditions previously agreed remain unchanged.

Electricité de France (EDF Group) announced that it is initiating a process to evaluate ownership options for its electricity distribution business in the United Kingdom. This is in line with EDF Group’s intention to reduce its net financial debt by at least €5 billion by the end of 2010. The evaluation process logically follows the acquisition of British Energy announced in 2008 which has resulted in a better balance between EDF Energy’s generation and supply businesses. Pierre Gadonneix, EDF Chairman and CEO said: “The process to evaluate ownership options for our UK electricity distribution networks is part of the announced asset divestment program, aiming to reduce our net financial debt by at least €5 billion. It is also part of our development strategy in the United Kingdom, which is a key market in Europe for the Group. This process follows British Energy’s acquisition which facilitates EDF’s plans to develop new nuclear power in the UK and significantly strengthens our position as a UK energy player.” Vincent de Rivaz, EDF Energy CEO said: “As a responsible company, EDF Energy will continue the dialogue with its employees and other key stakeholders throughout this evaluation process. This unique combination of three regulated networks covers a key region vital to the UK economy. It has a highly experienced and skilled workforce which has a strong track record of delivery and is well placed for growth.” EDF Group’s financial advisors are Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank AG London. Additional support will be provided by BNP Paribas. EDF plan to sell its U.K. power distribution business for more than €4 billion. Chief Financial Officer of the company, Daniel Camus said that the sale may take place in the first quarter and it is not in “advanced” talks with any buyers. He said: “The network is of good quality and we will get a lot of interest. We regularly get spontaneous shows of interest but nothing formal. The formal process starts today.” EDF shares fell as much as 2.2% and traded down 85 cents.

Four Seasons Health Care Group Limited has appointed Deutsche Bank AG (London) to its advisory team. Deutsche Bank AG will assist the Group to explore options for resolving its capital structure situation, including amongst others, capital market solutions that could support the Group's restructuring proposal and the prospects for a sale process. All options will be considered alongside the continuing negotiations with the Group's lenders, which the Group has been seeking to progress towards a consensual restructuring of the debt. The Group has been encouraged that the restructuring proposal which it presented in January, seeking to balance fairly the interests of its lenders, continues to attract widespread significant support. A consensual restructuring of its debt that delivers a robust capital structure remains the Group's preferred solution. However, it is now appropriate to explore and develop alternative strategic options, including a sale of the Group, in the event that agreement on a consensual restructuring cannot be reached. It is in the interests of all stakeholders, especially the lenders, to preserve the underlying value of the business and the Group is confident that a solution can be agreed which does not impact its day to day operations. There is no prospect that its homes would be closed or that residents would be forced to move. That would not happen in any circumstances that could reasonably be envisaged.