From time to time we like to devote this note to showcasing our clients and business partners whose services we believe may be of interest to you. One such business partner is Merrill Lynch's Business Financial Services (MLBFS), led by Vice President Michael J. DeLeonardis, with offices at W. 115 Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

The MLBFS group has patterned its financial management services specifically for small to mid-sized businesses. MLBFS's services are most easily portrayed in a business life cycle. A Growing Business might use their cash and investment management services. An Expanding Business might use their advisory services and financing. Business valuation and succession planning might be used by Mature Businesses, and at Disposition, a business might find assistance in the sale of the business or in structuring an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or "ESOP".

Having funds on hand when you need them is a critical component of business planning. MLBFS has provided more than $2.6 billion in financing. Their typical lending client has been in business 10 years, with strong, upward trends in both sales ($2 million to $30 million or more) and profits. Most clients fall into one of the following industries: manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and service companies.

If you would like more information on MLBFS, Mr. DeLeonardis can be reached at 201-967-4880, 800-937-2017, or by e-mail at mdeleonardis@pclient.ml.com.

If you would like to have your business profiled in a news note like this one, please call me. We also feature these news notes on our web-site at www.winnebantalaw.com, and can provide a link on our site to yours. Very truly yours,