T R O U B L E D C O M P A N Y R E P O R T E R E U R O P E Wednesday, October 31, 2007, Vol. 8, No. 216 Headlines A U S T R I A ANDREAS NOESSLBOECK: Linz Court Orders Business Shutdown EV GEWERBEIMMOBILIENVERMITTLUNGS: Claims Filing Ends Nov. 21 GLB-ANLAGENTECHNIK: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 27 HOFKNEIPE LLC: Linz Court Orders Business Shutdown KG BOCK: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 5 VOSEK LLC: Vienna Court Orders Business Shutdown WHISKYMUEHLE GASTRONOMIE: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Nov. 14 B E L G I U M LYONDELL CHEMICAL: Earns US$206 Million for Third Quarter 2007 METHANEX CORP: Earns US$23.61 Mil. in Third Qtr. Ended Sept. 30 TELENET BIDCO: Moody's Rates EUR2.3 Bln Sr. Sec. Facility at B1 F R A N C E BALL CORP: Reports US$60.9 Million Third Quarter Earnings HARMAN INT'L: Earns US$36.5 Mln in 1st Quarter Ended Sept. 30 RHODIA SA: Halts Paracetamol Activities at Roussillon Site G E R M A N Y ARCUS HAUSHALTWARE: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 15 BAVARIA SPORT: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Nov. 27 BICO BERATUNGS: Claims Registration Ends Nov. 20 BLANK + DOHMEN: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 4 BOERNER GMBH: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 6 BURBAT BAU: Claims Registration Period Ends December 5 CAPITOL-BETTING: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Dec. 4 EXPRESS DIENSTLEISTUNGS: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 14 GALIDAD TAPAS: Claims Registration Period Ends December 27 HANKOOK HANDELS: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 10 HANS DECKSTEIN: Claims Registration Ends Nov. 20 IDEAL BAU: Claims Registration Period Ends November 6 KME METALLBAU: Claims Registration Period Ends December 14 LS-BAUUNTERNEHMUNG GMBH: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 23 LUISENHOF CATERING: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Nov. 28 MONTERRA IMMOBILIENVERWALTUNGS: Claims Registration Ends Jan. 2 NIMTECH VERTRIEBSGES: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 19 PHOENIX KAPITALDIENST Insolvency Administrator Faces Ouster RAINERS PFLANZENPARADIES: Claims Filing Period Ends Nov. 13 REAL ESTATE: Claims Registration Period Ends November 13 SHINOVA GMBH: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 25 SICHTWERBUNG W. STENDEL: Claims Registration Ends Nov. 22 SK-SCHLAFKULTUR: Creditors' Meeting Slated for November 16 I R E L A N D ELAN CORP: Posts US$87.4 Million Net Loss in 3rd Quarter K A Z A K H S T A N ADIL & HAN: Creditors Must File Claims by December 1 ALAMAN KURYLYS: Creditors Must File Claims by December 1 CARAVELLA PLUS: Claims Filing Period Ends November 28 CHAPAYEV GAZIFICATSIYA: Creditors' Claims Due by November 28 ELMO-SERVICE LLP: Claims Registration Period Ends November 28 HUNTNET LLP: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 KAZBUILD-2006 LLP: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 KAZINVESTBANK: Moody's Assigns B2/NP/E+ Global Scale Ratings KVARTS & KK: Claims Filing Period Ends December 1 RUSTEM LLP: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 SET STROITELNYH: Claims Registration Ends November 28 K Y R G Y Z S T A N TECHNOFOND LLC: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 TELENET LLC: Creditors Must File Claims by December 1 L U X E M B O U R G AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES: Prices US$600 Mln of Senior Notes Offering P O R T U G A L BEARINGPOINT: Bags US$50-MM Deal for Motor Vehicle Tech Project R U S S I A ASHINSKIJ LIGHTING: Auction of Stock Slated for November 23 DRILLING-AND-BLASTING: Bankruptcy Hearing Slated for Dec. 18 KRUTOYARSKOYE CJSC: Competitive Proceedings Ongoing MOROZOVSKIJ CJSC: Court Starts External Bankruptcy Procedure MOSTOSTROITEL' OJSC: Bankruptcy Hearing Slated for Jan. 18 SIBFORESTEXPORT LLC: Creditors Must File Claims by Dec. 20 SP ZLATOUSTOVSKOYE: Court Names I.V. Marchevskaya as Liquidator SULINSTROYMATERIALS LLC: Asset Sale Slated for November 21 TURN-KEY SURGUTOILGASSTROY: Asset Sale Slated for November 27 WATER TREATMENT: Creditors Must File Claims by Dec. 20 YUZHURALENERGOSTROY OJSC: Asset Sale Slated for November 19 S P A I N CODERE SA: S&P Affirms 'B' Senior Unsecured Debt Rating S W E D E N FORD MOTOR: UAW Talks Intensifies After Chrysler Ratifies Pact S W I T Z E R L A N D ACUROB INVESTMENT: Appenzell Court Starts Bankruptcy Proceedings ALBACH & CO: Creditors' Liquidation Claims Due by November 5 H. & W. NYDEGGER: Basel-Stadt Court Closes Bankruptcy Process MARGRIT FIERZ: Creditors' Liquidation Claims Due by November 5 NEWCO COMMODITIES: Creditors' Liquidation Claims Due by Nov. 5 NEWCO TRADING: Creditors' Liquidation Claims Due by Nov. 5 SKANDINAVISKA METMO: Creditors' Liquidation Claims Due by Nov. 5 SUTER OPTIK: Zurich Court Closes Bankruptcy Proceeding TRIGON ENERGIETECHNIKM: Arlesheim Court Starts Bankruptcy WELA HOLDING: Creditors' Liquidation Claims Due by November 5 U N I T E D K I N G D O M ACM SCAFFOLDING: M. C. Bowker Leads Liquidation Procedure BASINGSTOKE PRESS: Taps Liquidators from UHY Hacker Young BAUSCH & LOMB: Moody's Confirms and Will Withdraw Ba1 Ratings B L GROUP: Administrators Sell Business to Langley Holdings BUSINESS MORTGAGE 7: Moody's Rates Three Note Classes at Ba1 COMCO COMBUSTION: Calls In Liquidators from Mazars COTT CORP: Posts US$5.8 Mil. Net Loss in Quarter Ended Sept. 29 HUNSLET-BARCLAY: Brings In Administrators from KPMG KIRBY CITY: Names Ian Mark Defty as Liquidator MELLADAY LTD: Appoints J. M. Titley as Liquidator NEXT CIVIL: Brings In Liquidators from BDO Stoy Hayward POPE & TALBOT: Files for Protection Under CCAA POPE & TALBOT: Moody's Cuts Corporate Family Rating to Ca PURE HOLIDAYS: Hires Liquidators from Baker Tilly Restructuring PROMINENT CMBS: Fitch Affirms Class E Notes' Rating at BB REGENT STREET: Taps M. C. Bowker to Liquidate Assets RESLOC UK: S&P Affirms Class F1b Notes' Rating at B SCO GROUP: Court OKs US$36 Mln Sale of Unix to JGD Management TOTAL SPARES: Calls In Liquidator from Kingston Smith & Partners TWISTED TOYS: Appoints Liquidators from Mazars YSB RECYCLING: Taps Liquidator from Tenon Recovery ********* ============= A U S T R I A ============= ANDREAS NOESSLBOECK: Linz Court Orders Business Shutdown -------------------------------------------------------- The Land Court of Linz entered on Sept. 21 an order shutting down the business of LLC Andreas Noesslboeck (FN 55015f). Court-appointed estate administrator Thomas Kurz recommended the business shutdown after determining that the continuing operations would reduce the value of the estate. The estate administrator can be reached at: Mag. Thomas Kurz Roseggerstrasse 58 4020 Linz Austria Tel: 78 43 31-0 Fax: 78 43 31-57 E-mail: manuela.winkelmayr@haslinger-nagele.com Headquartered in Rohrbach, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Sept. 18 (Bankr. Case No 12 S 76/07z). EV GEWERBEIMMOBILIENVERMITTLUNGS: Claims Filing Ends Nov. 21 ------------------------------------------------------------ Creditors owed money by LLC EV Gewerbeimmobilienvermittlungs (FN 252176y) have until Nov. 21 to file written proofs of claim to court-appointed estate administrator Karl F. Engelhart at: Dr. Karl F. Engelhart c/o Dr. Thomas Engelhart Esteplatz 4 1030 Vienna Austria Tel: 712 33 30-0 Fax: 712 33 30-30 E-mail: kanzlei@engelhart.at Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the creditors' meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 for the examination of claims. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The Trade Court of Vienna Room 1707 Vienna Austria Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Sept. 27 (Bankr. Case No. 2 S 129/07v). Thomas Engelhart represents Dr. Engelhart in the bankruptcy proceedings. GLB-ANLAGENTECHNIK: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 27 ----------------------------------------------------------- Creditors owed money by LLC GLB-Anlagentechnik (FN 232687m) have until Nov. 27 to file written proofs of claim to court-appointed estate administrator Erhard Hackl at: Dr. Erhard Hackl c/o Mag. Markus Weixlbaumer Hofgasse 7 4020 Linz Austria Tel: 0732/776234 E-mail: hackl.hatak@aon.at Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the creditors' meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 for the examination of claims. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The Land Court of Steyr Hall 7 Second Floor Steyr Austria Headquartered in Steyr, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Sept. 26 (Bankr. Case No. 14 S 35/07f). Markus Weixlbaumer represents Dr. Hackl in the bankruptcy proceedings. HOFKNEIPE LLC: Linz Court Orders Business Shutdown -------------------------------------------------- The Land Court of Linz entered on Sept. 27 an order shutting down the business of LLC HOFKNEIPE (FN 145076y). Court-appointed estate administrator Christopher Schuster recommended the business shutdown after determining that the continuing operations would reduce the value of the estate. The estate administrator can be reached at: Mag. Christopher Schuster Fabrikstrasse 3 4020 Linz Austria Tel: 0732/773333-0 Fax: 0732/773333-44 E-mail: ra-schuster@aon.at Headquartered in Linz, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Sept. 18 (Bankr. Case No 38 S 49/07w). KG BOCK: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 5 ----------------------------------------------- Creditors owed money by KG Bock (FN 238532h) have until Nov. 5 to file written proofs of claim to court-appointed estate administrator Martina Withoff at: Dr. Martina Withoff Hauptplatz 5 3910 Zwettl Austria Tel: 02822/52417 Fax: 02822/52417-4 E-mail: dr.withoff@aon.at Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the creditors' meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 for the examination of claims. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The Land Court of Krems an der Donau Hall A Second Floor Krems an der Donau Austria Headquartered in Grafenschlag, Bez. Zwettl, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Oct. 2 (Bankr. Case No. 9 S 57/07s). VOSEK LLC: Vienna Court Orders Business Shutdown ------------------------------------------------ The Trade Court of Vienna entered Sept. 27 an order shutting down the business of LLC VOSEK (FN 254021k). Court-appointed estate administrator Michael Ludwig Lang recommended the business shutdown after determining that the continuing operations would reduce the value of the estate. The estate administrator can be reached at: Mag. Michael Ludwig Lang Maria-Theresien-Strasse 9/4 1090 Vienna Austria Tel: 319 32 60 Fax: 319 32 60 9 E-mail: office@blb.at Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Sept. 20 (Bankr. Case No 28 S 105/07f). WHISKYMUEHLE GASTRONOMIE: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Nov. 14 --------------------------------------------------------------- Creditors owed money by LLC Whiskymuehle Gastronomie (FN 278548f) are encouraged to attend the creditors' meeting at 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 14. The creditors' meeting will be held at: The Land Court of Ried im Innkreis Hall 101 First Floor Ried im Innkreis Austria Headquartered in Mettmach, Austria, the Debtor declared bankruptcy on Oct. 1 (17 S 37/07h). Dr. Johann Kahrer serves as the court-appointed estate administrator of the bankrupt's estate. The estate administrator can be reached at: Dr. Johann Kahrer Dr. Dorfwirth-Str. 3 4910 Ried im Innkreis Austria Tel: 07752 / 872 55 Fax: 07752 / 848 10 E-mail: office@kahrer-haslinger.at ============= B E L G I U M ============= LYONDELL CHEMICAL: Earns US$206 Million for Third Quarter 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------- Lyondell Chemical Company has announced income for the third quarter 2007 of US$206 million, or 78 cents per share on a fully diluted basis. For the first nine months of 2007, income from continuing operations was US$483 million, or US$1.83 per share on a fully diluted basis. Third-quarter 2007 results from continuing operations declined versus the second quarter 2007 primarily due to lower refining segment results. Following a record second quarter, third- quarter refining results remained good; however, industry margins narrowed earlier than expected, ahead of the typical Labor Day pattern. Ethylene segment results were relatively unchanged as significant product price increases were only sufficient to offset raw material cost increases, which finished the quarter at record levels. In the propylene oxide segment, both chemical and fuel product (MTBE/ETBE) results were relatively unchanged versus the second quarter. "Results across our ethylene and propylene oxide segments were unchanged versus the second quarter as raw material cost increases offset the benefits of product price increases," said Dan F. Smith, chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer of Lyondell Chemical. "Entering the quarter, we and many others in the industry expected that crude oil and ethane costs would plateau at then- current levels; however, they continued to escalate. As a result, significant price increases were required just to offset the cost increases, and margins did not expand to levels that we believe reflect the supply/demand balance. Refining results, while solid, reflected the fact that industry spreads declined from very strong early-summer levels earlier than usual. This occurred despite record low gasoline and distillate inventories as measured by days of inventory." "Unfortunately, crude oil and ethane prices have increased steadily throughout the year, and a certain amount of time is needed to pass increases of this magnitude through the chemical and polymer markets. As a consequence, year-to-date results have not fully reflected existing industry operating rates. Despite these industry trends, we have generated strong results." Thus far in the fourth quarter, both crude oil and ethane price increases have accelerated, setting new highs. Quarter to date, our refining spreads are slightly less than the third-quarter average as our heavy crude advantage has partially offset declines in base refining margins. In the ethylene, co- products and derivatives segment, record high raw material costs are offsetting the benefit of recent price increases, necessitating further pricing initiatives. In our propylene oxide and related products segment, oxygenated fuel margins have declined following typical seasonal patterns. Cash Distributions and Debt Reduction Equistar Chemicals, LP to Lyondell Chemical Company and Millennium Chemicals Inc. -- There were no distributions during the quarter. Millennium to Lyondell Chemical Company (LCC) -- There were no dividends paid by Millennium to LCC during the third quarter. Debt Reduction -- During the third quarter, debt repayment, including scheduled amortization of term loans, totaled US$512 million, all at LCC. LCC repaid the US$500 million of debt called in July 2007. Receivable Facilities Utilization -- As of Sept. 30, 2007, Lyondell's receivable facility was unutilized and Equistar's receivable facility was utilized by US$40 million. About Lyondell Chemical Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Lyondell Chemical Company (NYSE: LYO) -- http://www.lyondell.com/-- is North America's third-largest independent, publicly traded chemical company. Lyondell manufacturers basic chemicals and derivatives including ethylene, propylene, titanium dioxide, styrene, polyethylene, propylene oxide and acetyls. It also refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oil and produces gasoline-blending components. It operates on five continents and employs approximately 11,000 people worldwide. The company also has locations in Austria, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, India and Singapore. * * * The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on July 23, 2007, Moody's Investors Service placed the ratings of Lyondell Chemical Company, Equistar Chemical Company LP and Millennium Chemicals Inc. (Corporate Family Ratings of Ba3) under review for possible downgrade following the disclosure that Lyondell has agreed to be acquired by Basell AF SCA (Ba3 CFR under review for possible downgrade) in a transaction worth roughly US$19 billion including the assumption of debt. Moody's also affirmed Lyondell's speculative grade liquidity rating at SGL-1. However, the financing of this potential transaction, could result in a change to the SGL rating as well. On Jul 23, 2007, Fitch Ratings has placed Lyondell, Equistar and Millennium on Rating Watch Negative following the disclosure that Lyondell has agreed to be acquired by Basell for US$12.66 billion, or US$48 per share. The transaction is valued at US$19 billion including the consolidated debt outstanding at Lyondell. Fitch has placed these ratings on Rating Watch Negative: Lyondell: -- Issuer Default Rating 'BB-'; -- Senior secured credit facility and term loan 'BB+'; -- Senior secured notes 'BB+'; -- Senior unsecured notes 'BB-'; -- Debentures 'BB-'. METHANEX CORP: Earns US$23.61 Mil. in Third Qtr. Ended Sept. 30 --------------------------------------------------------------- For the third quarter of 2007, Methanex Corp. realized net income of US$23.61 million, as compared with a net income of US$113.23 million for the third quarter of 2006. Revenues for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2007, and 2006, were US$395.11 million and US$519.58 million, respectively. For the third quarter of 2007, realized adjusted EBITDA of US$68.6 million, as compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$76.5 million for the second quarter of 2007. As of Sept. 30, 2007, the company's balance sheet showed total assets of US$2.46 billion total liabilities of US$1.25 billion and total stockholders' equity of US$1.21 billion. Bruce Aitken, president and chief executive officer of Methanex, commented, "With lower production and a slightly lower methanol price environment, we realized similar Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter compared to the second quarter. Prices have recently increased significantly. A large number of outages in the industry during the quarter, including our own facility in Chile, combined with continuing strong demand, caused a severe shortage of methanol to occur near the end of the quarter. Contract methanol prices have risen sharply in October and our average non-discounted prices for October are approximately US$550/tonne." Mr. Aitken continued, "Our biggest area of disappointment during the quarter was the continued curtailment of Argentinean natural gas supply to our plants in Chile. Our expectation was that natural gas supply from Argentina would be restored during the third quarter as cold winter conditions ended and gas demand in Argentina was reduced; however, this has not yet occurred and we continue to be limited to operating only one plant in Chile. We are in continuing discussions with our Argentinean natural gas suppliers and various governmental authorities to resolve the situation, and continue to be optimistic that we will have some natural gas supply restored from Argentina which will enable us to increase production in Chile and provide much needed product to the market." Mr. Aitken added, "Developments regarding incremental natural gas supply from Chile have been positive. Our natural gas suppliers in Chile, ENAP and GeoPark, have recently increased natural gas deliveries to our plant and both have announced commercial discoveries of natural gas near our plants as a result of their ongoing exploration activities. In addition, the Chilean government just announced that it has received fourteen bids for nine natural gas exploration blocks near our plants and that the blocks will be awarded in mid-November." Mr. Aitken concluded, "With US$132 million in cash flow from operations after changes non-cash working capital generated during the third quarter, we continue to be in a very strong financial position to meet the financial requirements related to our methanol project in Egypt, pursue opportunities to accelerate natural gas development in southern Chile, pursue other strategic growth initiatives, and continue to deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders." Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital in the third quarter of 2007 were US$60 million compared with US$162 million for the same period in 2006. This decrease was primarily due to lower earnings. During the third quarter of 2007, our non-cash working capital decreased and this increased its cash flow from operating activities by US$73 million. The decrease in its non-cash working capital was primarily due to lower inventory levels and lower trade receivables. At Oct. 24, 2007, the company had 99,167,479 common shares issued and outstanding and stock options exercisable for 1,057,891 additional common shares. During the third quarter of 2007, the company repurchased for cancellation a total of 1.7 million common shares at an average price of US$24.02 per share, totaling US$41 million, under a normal course issuer bid that expires May 16, 2008. At Sept. 30, 2007, the company has repurchased a total of 2.9 million common shares of the maximum allowable under this bid of 8.7 million common shares. During the third quarter of 2007 the company paid a quarterly dividend of US$0.14 per share, or US$14 million. About Methanex Vancouver-based Methanex Corp. (Toronto: MX) (NASDAQGM: MEOH) -- http://www.methanex.com/-- produces and markets methanol worldwide. The company's stock also trate on foreign securities market of the Santiago Stock Exchange in Chile under the trading symbol "Methanex". The company has locations in Belgium, Chile, China, Japan, Trinidad, the United Kingdom, among others. * * * Moody's Investor Services' credit ratings for the company's unsecured notes at Sept. 30, 2007, is Ba1. Moody's said the outlook is stable. TELENET BIDCO: Moody's Rates EUR2.3 Bln Sr. Sec. Facility at B1 --------------------------------------------------------------- Moody's Investors Service affirmed a B1 rating on the senior secured facility in the amount of EUR2.3 billion granted to Telenet BidCo N.V., an intermediate holding company of Telenet Group Holding N.V. The affirmation of the rating follows certain changes to the facility's security package and its selective terms and conditions. The bank facility is now split in five tranches, Term Loan A maturing five years from the signing date, Term Loan B1 and B2 maturing seventy-eight months from the signing date, Term Loan C maturing eight years from the signing date and a Revolving Facility maturing seven years from the signing date. Tranches B1 and B2 are amortizing in three equal installments starting 5.5 years from the signing date. The maintenance covenants have been strengthened with an inclusion of an interest cover covenant of EBITDA to Total Cash Interest. Furthermore, the security package has been amended to reflect an all asset pledge rather than a share pledge over Telenet BidCo N.V. and pledges of any shareholder loans. Moody's believes that these amendments to the facility have further strengthened the lenders' position. The affirmation of the rating at the level of corporate family rating, despite a stronger security and covenant package, reflects the limited amount of junior obligations in the company's debt capital structure. Telenet, located in Flanders, is the largest cable operator in Belgium. For the first six months in 2007, the company generated EUR456.7 million in revenue with a 48% EBITDA margin. =========== F R A N C E =========== BALL CORP: Reports US$60.9 Million Third Quarter Earnings --------------------------------------------------------- Ball Corporation has reported third quarter earnings of US$60.9 million, or 59 cents per diluted share, on sales of US$1.91 billion, compared to US$107.1 million, or US$1.02 per diluted share, on sales of US$1.82 billion in the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2007, Ball Corp.'s results were earnings of US$248 million, or US$2.40 per diluted share, on sales of US$5.63 billion, compared to US$281.3 million, or US$2.68 per diluted share, on sales of US$5.03 billion in the same period in 2006. Both the third quarter and the nine-month results in 2007 include an after-tax charge of US$51.8 million, or 50 cents per diluted share, related to the settlement of a dispute with a beverage can customer in the metal beverage packaging, Americas, segment. The 2006 results include a gain of US$2.8 million (US$1.7 million after tax, or two cents per diluted share) in the third quarter and US$76.9 million (US$46.9 million after tax, or 45 cents per diluted share) in the first nine months for insurance recovery from a fire at a plant in Germany. The 2007 results through three quarters do not include an after- tax charge of approximately US$26 million that will result from facility closures and related equipment relocation activities associated with plans the company announced as part of the continuing consolidation of its food and household products packaging, Americas, segment. That charge will occur in the fourth quarter of 2007. "We had a solid quarter, led by outstanding results in our metal beverage packaging, Europe/Asia, and our aerospace and technologies segments," said R. David Hoover, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Operating results in our metal beverage packaging, Americas, segment were slightly lower than a year ago in the quarter, but for the full year they remain well above 2006. We announced this week a restructuring plan to improve results in our metal food and household products packaging, Americas, segment. We continue to have discussions with our customer base about the need to improve results there and in our underperforming plastic packaging, Americas, segment." Metal Beverage Packaging, Americas The 2007 sales and operating earnings for both the quarter and the first nine months were reduced by the US$85.6 million pre- tax charge related to the customer settlement. Operating earnings in the quarter before the customer settlement for the metal beverage packaging, Americas, segment were US$65 million on sales of US$728.8 million, compared to US$73 million on sales of US$659.6 million in the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine months segment results before the customer settlement were earnings of US$241.4 million on sales of US$2.2 billion, compared to US$193.5 million on sales of US$1.99 billion in the first three quarters of 2006. "Demand continued to be strong, particularly for specialty size beverage cans, during the third quarter in the metal beverage packaging, Americas, segment," Mr. Hoover said. "To help meet that demand, we plan to install a new 24-ounce can production line in our Monticello, Ind., facility in time for the 2008 summer sales period." Metal Beverage Packaging, Europe/Asia Third quarter earnings in the metal beverage packaging, Europe/Asia, segment were US$81 million on sales of US$522.4 million, compared to US$66 million, including US$2.8 million in property insurance gains, on sales of US$425.1 million in the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine months segment earnings were US$218.5 million on sales of US$1.45 billion, compared to US$235.7 million, including US$76.9 million in property insurance gains, on sales of US$1.16 billion in the same period in 2006. "Results in Europe were helped by higher selling prices, continued cost optimization efforts, and by a full quarter's contribution from the new lines added in Hassloch and Hermsdorf, Germany, to replace the capacity lost in the fire last year," Mr. Hoover said. "We have announced plans for line speedups and are looking at possible additional can and end manufacturing capacity in Europe to meet the continued demand growth there." Metal Food & Household Products Packaging, Americas Earnings for the third quarter in the metal food and household products packaging, Americas, segment were US$14.5 million on sales of US$349.5 million, compared to US$19.7 million on sales of US$366 million in the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2007, earnings were US$25.4 million on sales of US$912.3 million, compared to US$25.5 million, including a US$1.7 million charge for costs to shut down a food can manufacturing line in Canada, on sales of US$850.5 million. "Results in our metal food and household products packaging, Americas, segment remain below acceptable levels," Mr. Hoover said. "As part of the ongoing process of integrating the assets we acquired in March 2006 and improving overall performance, we have announced plans to close two manufacturing plants and exit the custom and decorative tinplate can business. Although some manufacturing equipment from the facilities being closed will be relocated to other Ball facilities, we expect an overall reduction in manufacturing capacity of approximately 10 production lines. When completed, this restructuring is expected to yield annualized cost savings in excess of US$15 million." Plastic Packaging, Americas Third quarter results in the plastic packaging, Americas, segment were earnings of US$7.7 million on sales of US$195 million, compared to US$7.9 million on sales of US$201.2 million in the third quarter of 2006. For the first three quarters of 2007, results were earnings of US$17.1 million on sales of US$580.3 million, compared to US$18.3 million on sales of US$521.1 million in the same period in 2006. "Sales volumes were up slightly from the third quarter of 2006, due in part to the inclusion of our plastic pail business, which was transferred to this segment at the beginning of 2007," Mr. Hoover said. "However, we remain disappointed with the sales of commodity PET bottles." Aerospace and Technologies Earnings in the third quarter for the aerospace and technologies segment were US$18.3 million on sales of US$196.4 million, compared to US$15.6 million on sales of US$170.4 million in the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2007, earnings were US$53.5 million on sales of US$596.9 million, compared to US$33.4 million on sales of US$505.7 million in the first three quarters of 2006. "Our aerospace and technologies segment had an excellent quarter and earnings through three quarters exceed all of 2006 for the segment," Mr. Hoover said. "The successful launch on Sept. 18 of the WorldView-1 satellite we built for DigitalGlobe marked another important achievement for Ball Aerospace. This next- generation imaging satellite and the WorldView-2 spacecraft we currently have in development will be the most agile commercial imaging spacecraft ever flown." Outlook Raymond J. Seabrook, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said a lower effective tax rate helped third quarter results. "We concluded our negotiations with the Internal Revenue Service regarding interest expenses incurred on loans under a company- owned life insurance plan, with the majority of the interest deductions being upheld," Mr. Seabrook said. "Legislated reductions in European corporate tax rates and other favorable tax issues resulted in an overall lower tax rate in the quarter. "Our adjusted full-year free cash flow is still on track to exceed US$400 million and our stock buyback is projected at US$200 million," Mr. Seabrook said. "We are taking aggressive steps to better position Ball Corporation for the future," Mr. Hoover said. "We are determined to make our best businesses even better and to bring our underperforming businesses to more acceptable levels. "We have announced plans for expansion in some of the world's strongest growth markets and are examining other similar opportunities. We are continuing the process of integrating and rationalizing assets in the mature metal food and household products packaging market," Mr. Hoover said. About Ball Corp. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Ball Corp. -- http://www.ball.com/-- is a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging products. It owns Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. -- a developer of sensors, spacecraft, systems and components for government and commercial customers. Ball Corp. reported sales of US$5.7 billion in 2005 and the company employs about 13,100 people worldwide, including Argentina, Hong Kong, China, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. * * * As of July 30, 2007, the company holds Moody's Ba1 long-term corporate family rating, bank loan debt, senior unsecured debt, and probability of default rating. Moody's said the outlook is stable. Standard & Poor's rates the company's long-term foreign and local issuer credits at BB+ with a stable outlook. Fitch also rates the company's bank loan debt at BB+ and long- term issuer default rating and senior unsecured debt at BB. Fitch said the outlook is stable. HARMAN INT'L: Earns US$36.5 Mln in 1st Quarter Ended Sept. 30 ------------------------------------------------------------- Harman International Industries Incorporated disclosed results for the first quarter ended Sept. 30, 2007. The company reported net income of US$36.5 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2007, compared with net income of US$56.6 million for the same period ended Sept. 30, 2006. Excluding merger related costs of US$4.7 million, net income was US$41.2 million. Net sales for the three months were US$947.0 million, a 15% increase compared to US$825.5 million for the same period last year. All three divisions reported double-digit sales growth for the first quarter. Automotive net sales for the three months were US$682.3 million compared to US$601.0 million last year, an increase of 14%. Consumer net sales increased 28% from US$93.1 million a year ago to US$119.4 million this quarter. Professional net sales were US$145.2 million compared to US$131.4 million last year, an increase of 11%. Dr. Sidney Harman, executive chairman, and Dinesh Paliwal, vice chairman and chief executive officer, commented: "We achieved good results during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Sales growth was strong due to the ramp up of an infotainment system for Chrysler and robust sales of personal navigation devices in Europe. Our initiative to develop cost saving strategies is underway and we expect to gain procurement, engineering and manufacturing efficiencies that will improve margins over the course of this fiscal year." At Sept. 30, 2007, the company's consolidated balance sheet showed US$2.622 billion in total assets, US$1.046 billion in total liabilities, and US$1.576 billion in total shareholders' equity. About Harman International Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Harman International Industries Inc. (NYSE: HAR) -- http://www.harman.com/-- manufactures high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman Int'l has operations in Japan, Mexico and France. * * * As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Oct. 24, 2007, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised its CreditWatch implications for the 'BB-' corporate credit rating on Harman International Industries Inc. to positive from developing. The revision reflects published reports that the merger agreement with KKR and GS Capital Partners, the private equity buyers that agreed to acquire Harman in April 2007, has been terminated without litigation or payment of a termination fee. Accordingly, S&P no longer expects to lower the rating on Harman. RHODIA SA: Halts Paracetamol Activities at Roussillon Site ---------------------------------------------------------- Rhodia S.A. presented plans to discontinue the paracetamol activity on its Roussillon site at the work's council meeting on Oct. 26, 2007. According to the company, the ending of these production activities, which should be effective by the end of 2008, forms part of the strategy to refocus Rhodia Organics� business portfolio. The economic analysis of this market revealed a difficult competitive situation. The considerable efforts made to cut costs have failed to prevent a decline in this business activity and to restore its competitiveness. Plans to discontinue the paracetamol activity on the Roussillon site will have a direct impact on 43 jobs. Rhodia said it will do its best to facilitate the redeployment of its employees. Rhodia Organics brings together Rhodia's expertise in fine organics chemistry dedicated to the Flavors & Fragrances market, Pharmaceuticals, coatings and industrial paints, Agrochemicals and industrial intermediates. About Rhodia Headquartered in Paris, France, Rhodia S.A. (NYSE: RHA) -- http://www.rhodia.com/-- is a global specialty chemicals company partnering with major players in the automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, consumer care, tires, and paints and coatings markets. Rhodia offers tailor- made solutions combining original molecules and technologies to respond to customers' needs. The group generated sales of EUR4.8 billion in 2006 and employs around 16,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris and the New York Stock Exchange. The company has operations in Brazil. * * * As reported in the TCR-Europe on April 26, 2007, Fitch Ratings affirmed Rhodia S.A.'s Issuer Default Rating at BB- and revised the Outlook to Positive from Stable. Fitch has assigned Rhodia SA's proposed issue of up to EUR595.125 million bonds convertible and/or exchangeable for new and/or existing shares an expected 'BB-' rating. As reported in the TCR-Europe on April 23, 2007, Moody's Investors Service upgraded Rhodia S.A. corporate family rating to Ba3 and assigned Probability-of-Default rating for the group at Ba3; Moody's also upgraded senior secured notes at Rhodia S.A. to B1 and assigned LGD assessment at LGD4 (69%). The proposed convertible notes are rated (P)B1, LGD4 (69%). These ratings are affected: -- Corporate Family Ratings upgraded to Ba3; -- Probability-of-Default assigned at Ba3; -- Rhodia S.A. Senior Unsecured ratings upgraded to B1, LGD4 (69%); and -- Rhodia S.A. Senior convertible notes rated (P)B1, LGD4 (69%). At the same time, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term corporate credit rating on Rhodia to BB- from B+, and its long- term debt rating on the group to B from B-. Standard & Poor's also assigned its B senior unsecured debt rating to Rhodia's proposed new bond, which will be used for refinancing purposes. ============= G E R M A N Y ============= ARCUS HAUSHALTWARE: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 15 ----------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of arcus Haushaltwaren Vertriebs-GmbH have until Nov. 15 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Stefan Conrads. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 30, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Wuppertal Meeting Hall A234 Second Floor Eiland 2 42103 Wuppertal Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Stefan Conrads Mankhauser Str. 7a 42699 Solingen Germany Tel: 0212/22172-0 Fax: 0212/22172-18 The District Court of Wuppertal opened bankruptcy proceedings against arcus Haushaltwaren Vertriebs-GmbH on Oct. 15. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: arcus Haushaltwaren Vertriebs-GmbH Schuetzenstrasse 55 42659 Solingen Germany BAVARIA SPORT: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Nov. 27 ---------------------------------------------------- The court-appointed insolvency manager for Bavaria Sport- und Informationsdienste GmbH, Rolf Nacke, will present his first report on the Company's insolvency proceedings at a creditors' meeting at 9:55 a.m. on Nov. 27. The meeting of creditors and other interested parties will be held at: The District Court of Charlottenburg Hall 218 Second Floor Amtsgerichtsplatz 1 14057 Berlin Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report at 9:45 a.m. on Feb. 26 at the same venue. Creditors have until Jan. 4, 2008, to register their claims with the court-appointed insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Rolf Nacke Gross-Berliner Damm 73 c 12487 Berlin Germany The District Court of Charlottenburg opened bankruptcy proceedings against Bavaria Sport- und Informationsdienste GmbH on Oct. 11. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Bavaria Sport- und Informationsdienste GmbH Prinzenallee 89-90 13357 Berlin Germany BICO BERATUNGS: Claims Registration Ends Nov. 20 ------------------------------------------------ Creditors of BICO Beratungs- und Informationsgesellschaft fuer Chirurgie und operative Medizin mbH have until Nov. 20 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Ralph Buenning. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 10:20 a.m. on Dec. 7, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Verden (Aller) Hall 214 Main Building Johanniswall 8 27283 Verden (Aller) Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Ralph Buenning Domshof 18-20 28195 Bremen Germany Tel: 0421/3686-0 Fax: 0421/3686-100 The District Court of Verden (Aller) opened bankruptcy proceedings against BICO Beratungs- und Informationsgesellschaft fuer Chirurgie und operative Medizin mbH on Oct. 12. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: BICO Beratungs- und Informationsgesellschaft fuer Chirurgie und operative Medizin mbH Muehlenstrasse 61 28870 Otterstedt Germany BLANK + DOHMEN: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 4 ------------------------------------------------------ Creditors of Blank + Dohmen Estrichbau GmbH have until Dec. 4 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Wilhelm Klaas. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:05 a.m. on Dec. 7, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Krefeld Meeting Room H 131 First Floor Nordwall 131 47798 Krefeld Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Wilhelm Klaas Eichendorffstrasse 25 47800 Krefeld Germany Tel: (02151) 80 58 0 Fax: +4902151805858 The District Court of Krefeldopened bankruptcy proceedings against Blank + Dohmen Estrichbau GmbH on Oct. 9. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Blank + Dohmen Estrichbau GmbH Attn: Stefan Blank, Manager Rahe 18 41334 Nettetal Germany BOERNER GMBH: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 6 ----------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Boerner GmbH have until Dec. 6 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Dr. Wolf-R. von der Fecht. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 10:05 a.m. on Dec. 14, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Krefeld Meeting Room H 131 First Floor Nordwall 131 47798 Krefeld Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dr. Wolf-R. von der Fecht Rheinort 1 40213 Duesseldorf Germany Tel: 0211 13940 Fax: +4902111394251 The District Court of Krefeld opened bankruptcy proceedings against Boerner GmbH on Oct. 9. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Boerner GmbH Karl-Arnold-Str. 5 47877 Willich Germany Attn: Karl-Ernst Boerner, Manager Von-Steuben-Str. 27 47803 Krefeld Germany BURBAT BAU: Claims Registration Period Ends December 5 ------------------------------------------------------ Creditors of Burbat Bau GmbH have until Dec. 5 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Dr. Hubertus Bartelheimer. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2008, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Frankfurt (Oder) Hall 401 Muellroser Chaussee 55 15236 Frankfurt (Oder) Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dr. Hubertus Bartelheimer Bernburger Strasse 32 10963 Berlin Germany The District Court of Frankfurt (Oder) opened bankruptcy proceedings against Burbat Bau GmbH on Oct. 11. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Burbat Bau GmbH Stadtweg 5 15374 Muencheberg Germany CAPITOL-BETTING: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Dec. 4 ----------------------------------------------------- The court-appointed insolvency manager for CBS Capitol-Betting- Service GmbH, Rolf Nack, will present his first report on the Company's insolvency proceedings at a creditors' meeting at 11:20 a.m. on Dec. 4. The meeting of creditors and other interested parties will be held at: The District Court of Charlottenburg Hall 218 Second Floor Amtsgerichtsplatz 1 14057 Berlin Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report at 11:00 a.m. on March 11, 2008, at the same venue. Creditors have until Jan. 11, 2008, to register their claims with the court-appointed insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Rolf Nacke Gross-Berliner Damm 73 c 12487 Berlin Germany The District Court of Charlottenburg opened bankruptcy proceedings against CBS Capitol-Betting-Service GmbH on Oct. 10. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: CBS Capitol-Betting-Service GmbH Prinzenallee 89-90 13357 Berlin Germany EXPRESS DIENSTLEISTUNGS: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 14 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Express Dienstleistungs GmbH have until Nov. 14 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Dr. Henning Mordhorst. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Dec. 14, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Meldor Hall II Domstrasse 1 25704 Meldorf Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dr. Henning Mordhorst Jungfernstieg 51 20354 Hamburg Germany Tel: 040/808136400 The District Court of Meldorf opened bankruptcy proceedings against Express Dienstleistungs GmbH on Oct. 12. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Express Dienstleistungs GmbH Attn: Aiman El-Hosary, Manager Heistedter Strasse 10 25746 Heide Germany GALIDAD TAPAS: Claims Registration Period Ends December 27 ---------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Galidad Tapas-Frankfurt GmbH have until Dec. 27 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Manfred Burghardt. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 16, 2008, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Frankfurt/Main Hall 2 Building F Klingerstrasse 20 60313 Frankfurt/Main Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Manfred Burghardt Theobald - Christ Strasse 24 D 60316 Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel: 069/94414770 Fax: 069/94414780 The District Court of Frankfurt/Main opened bankruptcy proceedings against Galidad Tapas-Frankfurt GmbH on Oct. 1. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Galidad Tapas-Frankfurt GmbH Attn: Miguel Angel Moreiras Berger Strasse 6 60316 Frankfurt am Main Germany HANKOOK HANDELS: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 10 -------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Hankook Handels GmbH have until Dec. 10 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Ulrike Hoge-Peters. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:55 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2008, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Frankfurt/Main Hall 2 Building F Klingerstrasse 20 60313 Frankfurt/Main Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Ulrike Hoge-Peters Cronstettenstrasse 30 D 60322 Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel: 069/9591100 Fax: 069 / 959110-12 The District Court of Frankfurt/Main opened bankruptcy proceedings against Hankook Handels GmbH on Oct. 10. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Hankook Handels GmbH Attn: Byung-in Lee, Manager Mergenthalerallee 55 65760 Eschborn Germany HANS DECKSTEIN: Claims Registration Ends Nov. 20 ------------------------------------------------ Creditors of Hans Deckstein GmbH & Co. KG have until Nov. 20 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Siegfried Mueller. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:38 a.m. on Jan. 10, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Cologne Meeting Hall 142 First Floor Luxemburger Strasse 101 50939 Cologne Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Siegfried Mueller Koelner Strasse 67 50226 Frechen Germany The District Court of Cologne opened bankruptcy proceedings against Hans Deckstein GmbH & Co. KG on Jan. 10, 2007. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Hans Deckstein GmbH & Co. KG Papier- und Schreibwaren, Buerobedarf, Buchhandlung Hauptstr. 142 - 144 50169 Kerpen Germany IDEAL BAU: Claims Registration Period Ends November 6 ----------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Ideal Bau Team Gesellschaft fuer behagliches Wohnen mbH have until Nov. 6 to register their claims with court- appointed insolvency manager Dr. Thomas Leicht. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 8:00 a.m. on Nov. 27, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Stuttgart Hall 178 Hauffstr. 5 70190 Stuttgart Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dr. Thomas Leicht Eugenstr. 16 70182 Stuttgart Germany Tel: 0711/245252 Fax: 0711/233586 The District Court of Stuttgart opened bankruptcy proceedings against Ideal Bau Team Gesellschaft fuer behagliches Wohnen mbH on Oct. 11. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Ideal Bau Team Gesellschaft fuer behagliches Wohnen mbH Attn: Gerald Schafer and Andreas Meier, Managers Moerikestr. 7 71093 Weil Germany KME METALLBAU: Claims Registration Period Ends December 14 ---------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of KME Metallbau GmbH have until Dec. 14 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Thomas Metz. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2008, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court Erfurt Hall 15 Judicial Center Rudolfstr. 46 99092 Erfurt Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Thomas Metz Fischmarkt 19 99084 Erfurt Germany The District Court of Erfurt opened bankruptcy proceedings against KME Metallbau GmbH on Oct. 1. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: KME Metallbau GmbH Attn: Juergen Neumann and Werner Schwalowsky, Managers Osterlange 26 00189 Elxleben/Erfurt Germany LS-BAUUNTERNEHMUNG GMBH: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 23 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of LS-Bauunternehmung GmbH have until Dec. 23 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Dr. Robert Schiebe. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting on Jan. 15, 2008, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Mainz Hall 174 Building B Ernst-Ludwig Strasse 7 55116 Mainz Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dr. Robert Schiebe Lauterenstrasse 37 55116 Mainz Germany Tel: 06131/693040 Fax: 06131/6930411 The District Court of Mainz opened bankruptcy proceedings against LS-Bauunternehmung GmbH on Oct. 1. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: LS-Bauunternehmung GmbH Attn: Jusufovic Lokman, Manager Obergasse 10 55578 Wallertheim Germany LUISENHOF CATERING: Creditors' Meeting Slated for Nov. 28 --------------------------------------------------------- The court-appointed insolvency manager for LUISENHOF CATERING GmbH, Udo Feser, will present his first report on the company's insolvency proceedings at a creditors' meeting at 12:10 p.m. on Nov. 28. The meeting of creditors and other interested parties will be held at: The District Court of Charlottenburg Hall 218 Second Floor Amtsgerichtsplatz 1 14057 Berlin Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report at 11:55 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2008, at the same venue. Creditors have until Jan. 6, 2008, to register their claims with the court-appointed insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Udo Feser Uhlandstr. 165/166 10719 Berlin Germany The District Court of Charlottenburg opened bankruptcy proceedings against LUISENHOF CATERING GmbH on Oct. 5. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: LUISENHOF CATERING GmbH Provinzstr. 34 13409 Berlin Germany MONTERRA IMMOBILIENVERWALTUNGS: Claims Registration Ends Jan. 2 --------------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of MONTERRA Immobilienverwaltungs GmbH have until Jan. 2, 2008, to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Jan Markus Plathner. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:25 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2008, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Frankfurt (Main) Hall 2 Building F Klingerstrasse 20 60313 Frankfurt (Main) Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dr. Jan Markus Plathner Lyoner Strasse 14 60528 Frankfurt (Main) Germany Tel: 069/9623340 Fax: 069/96233422 E-mail: www.brinkmann-partner.d The District Court of Frankfurt (Main) opened bankruptcy proceedings against MONTERRA Immobilienverwaltungs GmbH on Oct. 8. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: MONTERRA Immobilienverwaltungs GmbH Attn: Hans-Peter Biffar, Manager Hermannstrasse 18 60318 Frankfurt (Main) Germany NIMTECH VERTRIEBSGES: Claims Registration Period Ends Nov. 19 ------------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of NIMTECH Vertriebsges. mbH have until Nov. 19 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Hans-Peter Rechel. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 18, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Tostedt Meeting Hall I Room CE.02 Linden 23 21255 Tostedt Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Hans-Peter Rechel Lehmweg 17 20251 Hamburg Germany Tel: 040/48063933 Fax: 040/48063999 The District Court of Tostedt opened bankruptcy proceedings against NIMTECH Vertriebsges. mbH on Oct. 10. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: NIMTECH Vertriebsges. mbH Stoeversweg 21 21244 Buchholz Germany Attn: Andreas Nimptschke, Manager Bredstedter Strasse 12 22049 Hamburg Germany PHOENIX KAPITALDIENST Insolvency Administrator Faces Ouster ----------------------------------------------------------- Frank Schmitt, insolvency administrator for securities trader Phoenix Kapitaldienst GmbH, may be ousted on accusations of deceiving investors and catering to his own interests, The Financial Times cites a Borsen Zeitung report. According to the report, Mr. Schmitt also used trustee funds belonging to investors, reportedly approved and arranged by members of the creditors' committee. Borsen Zeitung relates that a total of 20 banks and financial service providers have asked the District Court of Frankfurt to appoint a special insolvency administrator for Phoenix Kapitaldienst, the FT reports. Mr Schmitt, however, said the appointment of a special insolvency administrator may further delay the insolvency proceedings against the company, Borsen Zeitung added, according to the FT. Phoenix Kapitaldienst is a German security-trading bank, which has up to EUR230 million in debts. The District Court of Frankfurt (Main) opened insolvency proceedings for the company on July 1, 2005. RAINERS PFLANZENPARADIES: Claims Filing Period Ends Nov. 13 ----------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Rainers Pflanzenparadies GmbH have until Nov. 13 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Peter C. Darr. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9:20 a.m. on Dec. 4, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Kempten Room 137/I Residenzplatz 4-6 87435 Kempten Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Peter C. Darr Candidplatz 13 81543 Muenchen Germany Tel: (089) 614 6960 Fax: (089) 614 69-6 66 The District Court of Kempten opened bankruptcy proceedings against Rainers Pflanzenparadies GmbH on Oct. 9. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Rainers Pflanzenparadies GmbH Muenchener Strasse 42 86450 Buchloe Germany REAL ESTATE: Claims Registration Period Ends November 13 -------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Real Estate Service & Management GmbH have until Nov. 13 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Dieter Rasehorn. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 11, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Dessau Hall 123 Willy-Lohmann-Str. 33 Dessau Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Dieter Rasehorn Muehlweg 16 06108 Halle Germany Tel: 0345/5220024 Fax: 0345/5220026 The District Court of Dessau opened bankruptcy proceedings against Real Estate Service & Management GmbH on Oct. 12. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Real Estate Service & Management GmbH Birkenbreite 28 06847 Dessau-Rosslau Germany SHINOVA GMBH: Claims Registration Period Ends Dec. 25 ----------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Shinova GmbH have until Dec. 25 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Peter Houben. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 4, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court of Krefeld Meeting Room H 131 First Floor Nordwall 131 47798 Krefeld Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Peter Houben Sternstrasse 58 40479 Duesseldorf Germany Tel: 0211/49 144-0 Fax: +4902114914434 The District Court of Krefeld opened bankruptcy proceedings against Shinova GmbHon Oct. 9. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Shinova GmbH Attn: Reiner Wildemann, Manager Steylerstr. 121 41334 Nettetal Germany SICHTWERBUNG W. STENDEL: Claims Registration Ends Nov. 22 --------------------------------------------------------- Creditors of Sichtwerbung W. Stendel GmbH & Co. have until Nov. 22 to register their claims with court-appointed insolvency manager Jochen Horch. Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 17, at which time the insolvency manager will present his first report on the insolvency proceedings. The meeting of creditors will be held at: The District Court Heilbronn Hall 4 Ground Floor Rollwagstr. 10a 74072 Heilbronn Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors' committee or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Jochen Horch Keplerstrasse 7 74072 Heilbronn Germany Tel: 07131/7801-33 Fax: 07131/7801-11 The District Court of Heilbronn opened bankruptcy proceedings against Sichtwerbung W. Stendel GmbH & Co. on Oct. 15. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: Sichtwerbung W. Stendel GmbH & Co. Spezialbetrieb der grafischen Industrie Sulmstrasse 9 74189 Weinsberg Germany SK-SCHLAFKULTUR: Creditors' Meeting Slated for November 16 ---------------------------------------------------------- The court-appointed insolvency manager for SK-Schlafkultur GmbH, Burghard Wegener, will present his first report on the company's insolvency proceedings at a creditors' meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 16. The meeting of creditors and other interested parties will be held at: The District Court of Goettingen Hall B8 Berliner Strasse 8 37073 Goettingen Germany The Court will also verify the claims set out in the insolvency manager's report at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 at the same venue. Creditors have until Nov. 30 to register their claims with the court-appointed insolvency manager. The insolvency manager can be reached at: Burghard Wegener Obere Karspuele 36, D 37073 Goettingen Germany Tel: 0551/9003660 Fax: 0551/90036629 The District Court of Goettingen opened bankruptcy proceedings against SK-Schlafkultur GmbH on Oct. 1. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed. The Debtor can be reached at: SK-Schlafkultur GmbH Herbert-Quant-Strasse 4 37081 Goettingen Germany ============= I R E L A N D ============= ELAN CORP: Posts US$87.4 Million Net Loss in 3rd Quarter -------------------------------------------------------- Elan Corporation plc released its third quarter 2007 financial results and provided a business update. Net Loss The net loss for the third quarter of 2007 decreased by 25% to US$87.4 million from US$117 million in the third quarter of 2006. The decrease reflects a 43% increase in revenues and improved operating margins as total operating expenses increased by 13%. Revenue growth was driven by Tysabri(R), with worldwide in-market sales approaching US$100 million for the quarter. Elan's share of Tysabri revenues in the quarter was US$63.5 million. The gross margin fell from 62% in the third quarter of 2006 to 52% in the third quarter of 2007, reflecting the impact of sales of Tysabri, which have a lower gross margin due to the collaboration agreement with Biogen Idec Inc. In addition, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and research and development (R&D) expenses in the third quarter 2007 were 3% lower in aggregate than in the third quarter 2006. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA losses for the third quarter of 2007 decreased by 66% to US$14.1 million, compared to US$41.7 million in the same period of 2006. This improvement primarily reflects an increase of 43% in revenues, principally related to Tysabri, and reduced SG&A costs. Revenue Total revenue for the third quarter of 2007 increased 43% to US$176.6 million from US$123.3 million in the same period of 2006. Gross Profit The gross profit margin on revenue was 52% in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 62% in the same period of 2006. The decrease is due principally to the change in the mix of product sales, including the impact of Tysabri and the reduced price of Maxipime as a result of the entry of a generic competitor. The Tysabri gross profit margin of 33% is impacted by the profit sharing and operational arrangements in place with Biogen Idec, and reflects Elan's gross margin on US sales of approximately 36%, offset by the inclusion in cost of sales of royalties payable by Elan on sales of Tysabri outside of the United States. These royalties are payable by Elan but reimbursed by the collaboration. "During the quarter we continued to make tangible progress within our pipeline and gaining momentum for Tysabri. Continued focus on advancing our science and realizing the full potential of our shared asset, Tysabri, in MS and additional indications will enable us to create value, diversify risk and position us for growth as we accelerate into the future," Kelly Martin, president and chief executive officer of Elan, said. "We are very pleased to report that revenues increased by 43% and Adjusted EBITDA losses were reduced by two thirds over last year, continuing the trend of the last couple of quarters. The increase in revenues was driven principally by the accelerating uptake of Tysabri, which generated in-market sales of nearly US$100 million on a world-wide basis this quarter. We were particularly pleased that during the quarter we exceeded the 15,000 patient target which we need for Tysabri to breakeven in the commercial setting for the MS indication. At the end of the quarter, there were about 17,000 patients on therapy, including about 1,000 in clinical trials. We continued to carefully manage our cost base, with aggregate SG&A and R&D costs down on last year contributing to a reduction in net losses of 25%," Shane Cooke, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Elan, said. "We are optimistic that we will better our previous target of reporting Adjusted EBITDA losses of about US$50 million for the full year. In the longer term, the continued growth in revenue from Tysabri will drive our return to profitability and, with Biogen Idec, we are targeting to have 100,000 patients on therapy by the end of 2010," Mr. Cooke added. At Sept. 30, 2007, Elan's unaudited consolidated US GAAP balance sheet showed US$1.8 billion in total assets, US$1.7 billion in total liabilities and US$179.9 million in total shareholders' equity. About the Company Headquartered in Ireland, Elan Corporation plc (NYSE: ELN) -- http://www.elan.com/-- is a neuroscience-based biotechnology company. Elan shares trade on the New York, London and Dublin Stock Exchanges. * * * As reported in the TCR-Europe on Oct. 15, 2007, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook on Elan Corp. PLC to positive from stable and affirmed the ratings on the company and its subsidiaries, including the 'B' corporate credit rating. In April 2007, in connection with the implementation of its new Probability-of-Default and Loss-Given-Default rating methodology for the corporate families in the Gaming, Lodging and Leisure, Manufacturing, and Energy sectors, Moody's Investors Service confirmed its B3 Corporate Family Rating for Elan Corporation plc and assigned a B2 probability-of-default rating to the company. Debt ratings remain unchanged in conjunction with the implementation of Moody's Loss Given Default and Probability of Default rating methodology for existing non-financial speculative-grade corporate issuers in Europe, Middle East and Africa. * Issuer: Elan Finance plc Projected Debt LGD Loss-Given Debt Issue Rating Rating Default ---------- ------- ------- -------- US$300M Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture Due 2011 B3 LGD4 65% US$300M Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture Due 2011 B3 LGD4 65% US$150M Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture Due 2013 B3 LGD4 65% US$850M 7.75% Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture Due 2011 B3 LGD4 65% US$465M 8.875% Senior Unsecured Regular Bond/Debenture Due 2013 B3 LGD4 65% =================== K A Z A K H S T A N =================== ADIL & HAN: Creditors Must File Claims by December 1 ---------------------------------------------------- The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of Kyzylorda declared LLP Adil & Han insolvent on Sept. 4. Creditors have until Dec. 1 to submit written proofs of claim to: The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of Kyzylorda Mailin Str. 75 Kyzylorda Kazakhstan Tel: 7 777 340 40-50 7 705 722 69-78 7 777 317 20-18 ALAMAN KURYLYS: Creditors Must File Claims by December 1 -------------------------------------------------------- Representation of LLP Alaman Kurylys in Shymkent has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Dec. 1 to submit written proofs of claim to: Representation of LLP Alaman Kurylys Askarov Str. 26/26 Shymkent South Kazakhstan Kazakhstan CARAVELLA PLUS: Claims Filing Period Ends November 28 ----------------------------------------------------- LLP Caravella Plus has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: LLP Caravella Plus Djandosov Str. 35-23 Bostandyksky District Almaty Kazakhstan CHAPAYEV GAZIFICATSIYA: Creditors' Claims Due by November 28 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of West Kazakhstan declared LLP Chapayev Gazificatsiya on Sept. 5. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of West Kazakhstan Junisov Str. 94 Uralsk West Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Tel: 8 (3112) 50-47-15 ELMO-SERVICE LLP: Claims Registration Period Ends November 28 ------------------------------------------------------------- LLP Elmo-Service has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: LLP Elmo-Service Jambyl ave. 73a Taraz Jambyl Kazakhstan HUNTNET LLP: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 ------------------------------------------------------ LLP Company on Telecommunicational Technologies Huntnet has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: LLP Company on Telecommunicational Technologies Huntnet Micro District Kazakhfilm, 45 Almaty Kazakhstan KAZBUILD-2006 LLP: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 ------------------------------------------------------------ LLP Construction Company Kazbuild-2006 has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: LLP Construction Company Kazbuild-2006 Nursenov Str. 5 Kyzylkiya Kazygurtsky District South Kazakhstan Kazakhstan KAZINVESTBANK: Moody's Assigns B2/NP/E+ Global Scale Ratings ------------------------------------------------------------ Moody's Investors Service assigned these global scale ratings to KazInvestBank: -- B2 long-term and Not-Prime short-term foreign and local currency deposit ratings; and -- an E+ bank financial strength rating. All of the bank's ratings carry a stable outlook. According to Moody's KIB's E+ BFSR, which translates to a Baseline Credit Assessment of B2, is based on the bank's fundamental credit strength, which, in Moody's view, is underpinned by its strong corporate governance, risk management and capitalization, but constrained by its limited franchise, significant borrower and depositor concentrations. The bank's B2 local and foreign currency deposit ratings do not factor in any expectation of systemic support in the event of a stress situation, given the bank's very low national market share and relative importance to the country's banking system. Although support from the bank's shareholders cannot be ruled out, its extent and timeliness are somewhat uncertain. Consequently the long-term deposit ratings are at the same level as the bank's B2 Baseline Credit Assessment. The bank is majority-owned by a group of Kazakh entrepreneurs (none of which individually holds a controlling or a blocking stake), who jointly own 56.7% of the bank's capital, whereas EBRD and CVCI hold 21.5% of the bank's capital each. KIB has targeted the corporate, SME and retail lending markets and is in the process of expanding its distribution network. In Moody's view, KIB's ratings could be upgraded if it succeeds in improving its franchise, as well as materially reducing the level of borrower concentration, while maintaining reasonable capitalization and asset quality. Conversely, downward rating pressure could arise from a failure to reduce the level of borrower concentration or in the event of a material deterioration in asset quality. Based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, KazInvestBank reported total audited IFRS consolidated assets and net income of US$199 million and US$0.9 million, respectively, at year-end 2006 (US$106 million and US$0.3 million, respectively, a year before). KVARTS & KK: Claims Filing Period Ends December 1 ------------------------------------------------- The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of Kyzylorda declared LLP Kvarts & KK insolvent on Sept. 6. Creditors have until Dec. 1 to submit written proofs of claim to: The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of Kyzylorda Mailin Str. 75 Kyzylorda Kazakhstan Tel: 7 777 340 40-50 7 705 722 69-78 7 777 317 20-18 RUSTEM LLP: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 ----------------------------------------------------- The Tax Committee of Almaty has ordered the compulsory liquidation of LLP Rustem (RNN 531400002246). Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: The Tax Committee of Almaty Room 208 Jangusurov Str. 113a Taldykorgan Almaty Kazakhstan Tel: 8 (3282) 24-19-77 SET STROITELNYH: Claims Registration Ends November 28 ----------------------------------------------------- The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of West Kazakhstan declared LLP Construction Company Set Stroitelnyh Materialov insolvent on Sept. 6. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: The Specialized Inter-Regional Economic Court of West Kazakhstan Junisov Str. 94 Uralsk West Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Tel: 8 (3112) 50-47-15 =================== K Y R G Y Z S T A N =================== TECHNOFOND LLC: Creditors Must File Claims by November 28 --------------------------------------------------------- LLC Technofond has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Nov. 28 to submit written proofs of claim to: LLC Technofond Sovetskaya Str. 152 Bishkek Kyrgyzstan TELENET LLC: Creditors Must File Claims by December 1 ----------------------------------------------------- LLC Telenet has declared insolvency. Creditors have until Dec. 1 to submit written proofs of claim. Inquiries can be addressed to (+996 312) 64-76-17. =================== L U X E M B O U R G =================== AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES: Prices US$600 Mln of Senior Notes Offering ---------------------------------------------------------------- Agilent Technologies Inc. disclosed the pricing of its senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$600 million, in an underwritten, registered public offering. The senior notes will mature in November 2017 and will bear interest at an annual rate of 6.5%. The offering closed on Oct. 29, 2007, subject to customary closing conditions. Agilent intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include repurchases of its outstanding shares of common stock, acquisitions, working capital and capital expenditures. Citi Markets & Banking and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. acted as joint lead book-running managers for the offering. Banc of America Securities LLC, Credit Suisse, Lehman Brothers and Utendahl Capital Markets L.P. acted as co-managers. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained from: Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Prospectus Department Brooklyn Army Terminal 140 58th Street, 8th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11220 Telephone +1 877 858 5407 and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. Attn: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 Telephone +1 212 834 4533 Based in Santa Clara, California, Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) -- http://www.agilent.com/-- is a measurement company serving communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis industries. The company's 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. The company has operations in India, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Luxembourg, among others. * * * As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Oct. 26, 2007, Moody's Investors Service assigned a Ba1 rating to Agilent Technologies, Inc.'s proposed offering of US$500 million senior notes due 2017 and affirmed its existing ratings and stable outlook. =============== P O R T U G A L =============== BEARINGPOINT: Bags US$50-MM Deal for Motor Vehicle Tech Project --------------------------------------------------------------- BearingPoint Inc. has been awarded a US$50 million contract (including a five-year base contract valued at US$36.8 million, plus five option years) from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) to design, implement and maintain a new motor technology solution for the State. The DOR administers the titling and registering of all vehicles and administration of the driver's license program in the State of Missouri. Under the new contract, BearingPoint will design and implement a complete motor vehicle technology solution that will automate and increase the efficiency of managing all motor vehicle related services provided to Missouri residents, including automobile registration and titling, dealer licensing and driver credentialing. DOR currently uses more than 20 software systems to support a wide array of motor vehicle services. Like in many other states, these disparate systems rely on older technologies that can be very inefficient compared to more modern information technology systems. These older systems can lead to manual and redundant processes, customer service delays, increased staffing requirements, greater vulnerability to fraud and theft, and a general lack of ability to produce timely and complete data for the department. BearingPoint will work with DOR to put in place a fully integrated customer-centric system that will replace the multiple outdated systems with one integrated solution to increase data security and reduce repetitive tasks. This legacy-system replacement project will incorporate service enhancements including customer management, cash and finance &nb