MLP and Feri to intensify cooperation

• Closer cooperation across all fields of private and institutional wealth management
• MLP clients gain access to the complete know-how of Germany’s leading independent wealth management company
• MLP to consider acquisition of an equity stake in Feri
• MLP Chief Executive Officer Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg: “This cooperation represents a major step towards the expansion of our wealth management business.”

Heidelberg, 29th May 2006 – The Heidelberg-based financial services company MLP and Feri Finance AG, Bad Homburg, Germany’s leading independent wealth management company, have signed an extensive cooperation agreement – a move that strengthens a 12-year old partnership. MLP is also considering an acquisition of an equity stake in Feri Finance AG. Both companies are seeking a decision here during the second half of 2006.

The twin fundamentals of high-quality client services and independent advice will both be maintained in full as the two companies move ahead to establish closer ties.

The cooperation agreement foresees a business partnership that will surpass previous cooperation levels right across all fields of private and institutional wealth management and in the development of innovative investment concepts.

“Feri is one of the most highly respected German wealth management companies and has been an important and reliable MLP partner for many years”, says MLP Chief Executive Officer Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg. “The even closer cooperation as now envisaged represents an important step towards the expansion of our wealth management business.”

The Feri Group advises ultra high net worth individuals and institutional investors on strategic investment concepts and their implementation, and manages client assets in excess of six billion euros. Feri’s Rating & Research Division also conducts in-depth investment market and product analyses for more than 1,000 clients. Most notably, the company has earned itself a reputation as the leading German rating agency in the mutual fund sector.

“This diversity gives Feri a know-how that is unique and unparalleled in this combination in Germany”, notes Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg. “As we move forward, MLP clients will profit from this knowledge for all of their investment issues.”

“We have held MLP in high esteem as a close business partner for years and see huge future potential emerging from this agreement”, states Michael Stammler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Feri Finance AG.

The Feri Group (Feri Wealth Management, Feri Rating & Research, Feri Institutional Advisors) reported total revenues for fiscal 2005 of EUR 35 million and employs some 180 people.