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Business

Investors still not aware of alternative option, claims AAA

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A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 23, 2012 – A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The study was carried out by Natixis Global Asset Management and questioned more than 5,000 investors in 14 countries. It found that investors were generally more worried about the risk held within their portfolios and, therefore, took more and more notice of their advisers when making investment decisions. However, the study found that many investors are not realising the potential benefits of alternative investment as a tool for diversifying portfolios against risk.

Anthony Johnson of the alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, commented on the finding: “We think it’s a shame that investors are still missing out on the diversification opportunities offered by alternative asset classes like forestry, real estate, private equity and even precious metals and art.

“These kinds of alternatives are often less correlated with inflation and can grow in value when other, more traditional assets are seeing their values plummet.”

Forestry, for example, is being lauded as a great investment product as it offers flexibility for the investor, claims AAA. Anyone buying timberland has purchased growing trees that will continue to grow if timber prices are depressed. “Investors simply hang on to their investment and watch it physically grow if the market conditions aren’t right when they reach maturity,” added Johnson.

The study carried out by Natixis also found that fewer investors are confident that their investment portfolio will provide for them in retirement. In fact, the trend is more towards preserving capital than increasing returns. “This is even more of an argument for trying out alternative investment through companies like Greenwood Management that offer a risk-averse middle-term option that can protect portfolios form market crashes and the impact of changes in inflation,” concluded Mr Johnson.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Financial

Urban Barns Foods Financing Update

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Urban Barns Foods Inc. (URBF.QB) (“Company” or “Urban Barns “), a leading authority on Cubic Farming, for fresh green leafy vegetables

Vancouver, British Columbia, Oct. 23, 2012 — Urban Barns Foods Inc. (URBF.QB) (“Company” or “Urban Barns “), a leading authority on Cubic Farming, for fresh green leafy vegetables, announced today that we have accepted subscriptions for a total of $260,000 at .01 cent and an additional $50,000 at .025 cents.

The Company is currently in discussions with several institutional and high net worth investors to finance the Company’s first facility for commercial production of locally grown vegetables to be located on the West Island of Montreal. The Company has budgeted $2 Million US for the purchase and construction of some 44 Cubic Farming™ machines. Forty of these machines are for commercial production and four machines are for research and development (R&D) initiatives. The additional R&D machines will compliment the existing five machines in the Langley, British Columbia facility.

It is contemplated that each new R&D machine will be housed in a separate enclosure with appropriate room controls. The Company’s initial objectives for these new research machines will be to reduce the growing cycle from the current 35 days and to increase the types of products the company can grow and offer to its future clients.

It is expected to take between 3 to 4 months to contract and build the machines including various leasehold improvements from the date of the closing of the financing.

Mr. Meikleham, Chairman and CFO, stated, “On behalf of the board I am pleased with the progression of our financing initiatives.”

About Urban Barns Foods Inc.
Urban Barns uses patent pending proprietary equipment to produce affordable vegetables in a secure and controlled indoor environment. By setting up subsidiary facilities and growing locally, Urban Barns can focus on supplying any community, irrespective of the regional climate, effectively reducing shipping times and related spoilage costs. Urban Barns has the unique ability to scale and cater to the demands of all major communities. Our commitment to our consumers is reflected through our motto, “Purely Fresh, Naturally Tasty, and Completely Healthy.” www.urbanbarns.com and www.urbanbarnsfoods.com are registered trademarks and Cubic Farming and Cubic Agriculture are copyright of Urban Barns Foods Inc. All other company and product names mentioned are used only for identification purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may be forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Urban Barns or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors such as the level of business and consumer spending, the amount of sales of Urban Barns ‘ products, the competitive environment within the industry, the ability of Urban Barns to continue to expand its operations, the level of costs incurred in connection with Urban Barns ‘ expansion efforts, economic conditions in the industry and the financial strength of Urban Barns ‘ customers and suppliers. Urban Barns does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Investors are also directed to consider all other risks and uncertainties.

Suzanne Holbrook

Contact
Urban Barns Foods
7170 Glover Road
Milner, BC, Canada
V0X 1T0
Phone: 403-454-4022
Fax: 604-681-4760
ir@urbanbarnsfoods.com
http://www.urbanbarns.com

Business

Mall REITs could Grow in Popularity, claims AAA

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Mall REITs are becoming an attractive choice for investors, claims Alternative Asset Analysis, following the publication of a report on the issue in Forbes this week.

Boston, MA, USA, October 5, 2012 — Mall REITs are becoming an attractive choice for investors, claims Alternative Asset Analysis, following the publication of a report on the issue in Forbes this week.

Forbes real estate analyst Brad Thomas claimed that investing in Mall-based real estate investment trusts (REITs) can be a lucrative choice for a number of reasons. He suggested that the retail sector’s growth will mean strong incomes for malls as well as the construction of new malls across the US. There is already 1,400 malls across the US and the demand for retail mall space is increasing. This is all good news for investors, according to Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

Mr Thomas backs this view, explaining: “Excellent locations and moderate but steady growth in retail sales, reduces risk and provides for predictable and growing cash flows.”

The median occupancy levels for regional malls in the US is an impressive 94.2 per cent – showing that malls that are built, do not suffer from problems attracting tenants, and this, making income.

REITs are a popular form of alternative investment at a time when all kinds of alternative asset classes are growing in popularity. AAA advocates all forms of alternative investments, with an emphasis on ethical investments, such as forestry projects and social impact investing.

These types of investment choices are proving attractive to people who want to make a difference with their cash investments and reflects the way the markets have changed since the economic crisis. “People are less interested in short term gains and are more likely to be in it for the long-haul when it comes to investments these days,” explained Johnson.

He added, “Investing in a social fund that lends money to small businesses in a developing countries, for example, can be very rewarding and profitable. Investing in a sustainable plantation projects that helps reduce deforestation is also a lucrative and ethical choice.”

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

Now is the time to Invest in Brazil, claims AAA

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The analysts at alternative investment advocacy group AAA claim that this is the perfect time to invest in Brazil, with the economy still growing and major sporting events heading its way.

Boston, MA, September 04, 2012 – The analysts at alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claim that this is the perfect time to invest in Brazil, with the economy still growing and major sporting events heading its way.

“There are a million and one ways to invest in Brazil and cash in on the country’s impressive growth,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He said that Brazil is having an exciting period, with the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup due to be hosted in Rio and elsewhere in 2014 and 2016. As a result of these major events. The country is investing considerable cash into improving its infrastructure – so construction is booming.

Real estate is certainly an asset class that’s worth considering, according to Mr Johnson. Inner cities and beach resorts are set to grow in popularity with tourists who will be flocking to Brazil to enjoy the sport. Rio, in particular is likely to invest huge amounts in improving accommodation over the coming years as the Olympic Committee rated the city very poorly for accommodation and infrastructure – suggesting that there is serious room for growth.

Steel is a booming industry ins response to major infrastructure expansion – including airport construction and expansion as well as bridges, railways and roads. “ the steel industry needs charcoal to operate, “claimed Mr Johnson. He added, “going back a few years, they would have got their charcoal form the native rainforests but this is now frowned upon by the authorities and plantation timber tends top be used instead.

As a result of this, AAA claims that investing in plantations, which are sustainably managed by firms like Greenwood Management, may be a wise move and could generate some very healthy returns for investors. “It’s also very low risk”, added Johnson.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA Advocates Investment in SWAG

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A recent report in The Telegraph newspaper in the UK has attracted the support of alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, for covering the popularity of ‘SWAG’ as investments.

Boston, MA, USA, August 31, 2012 — A recent report in The Telegraph newspaper in the UK has attracted the support of alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), for covering the popularity of ‘SWAG’ as investments.

SWAG is a new term used to describe silver, wine, art and gold, which are among the most commonly chosen alternative investments. The Telegraph article describes how these asset classes are regularly outperforming bonds and equity investments and are, therefore, proving increasingly popular among individual and institutional investors.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, stated that the trend isn’t surprising and a growing section of the population are interested in swapping their hard-earned cash for something much more tangible than stocks, shares and bonds – particularly following the recent economic collapse. He stated, “There was a period when investors could dependent on the value of their investments, but those days are gone, for now. However, when you purchase something tangible, or with intrinsic value, like trees, gold and silver, for example, the risks are reduced and the assets stand up to economic volatility much more convincingly.

Telegraph reporter, Richard Evans points out that the benefits are clear – in that silver, wine, art and gold have all outperformed shares and bonds over five years, seven years and even ten years. He cited former Moore Capital investment expert Joe Roseman as having first come up with the ‘SWAG’ moniker. He predicts that these asset classes will be the best kinds of investments to opt for in the coming years, which he says will be ruled by a period in which inflation will remain high, but growth will remain elusive.

The analysts at AAA agree that tangible assets are increasingly attractive as these condition prevail, although it advocates ethical investments, such as investing in sustainable forestry programs run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil. “Forestry investment provides investors with an asset that hedges against inflation, but also helps to reduce deforestation and stimulate a green economy,” claimed Mr Johnson.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

FRA Endorses Harvard’s support for Forestry Investment

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Harvard University’s investment manager has spoken out in favor of timberland investment as a way to make cash while investing in an ethical cause, in a move endorsed by FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, July 31, 2012 – Harvard University’s investment manager has spoken out in favor of timberland investment as a way to make cash while investing in an ethical cause, in a move endorsed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Harvard Management Company’s chief executive, Jane Mendillo, spoke at the CNBC Delivering Alpha Conference in order to voice her support for investing in natural resources. This is according to a report in The Australian.

The Antipodean newspaper was particularly interested in the endorsement from Harvard as the timber the legendary university has invested in is growing in New Zealand.

FRA, is a research and analysis consultancy specializing in forestry investment. FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “We rarely hear from Harvard Management Company, but when we do, they often speak about their investment in natural resources and the gains they have made from this investment strategy,”

The company manages the not insignificant $32 billion Harvard endowment and purchased forested land measuring 170,000 hectares in central North Island in 2003. At the time, the forestry investment industry in New Zealand wasn’t looking good thanks to high export costs and a huge preference for Russian softwood in China. Ms Mendillo said that Harvard’s investment came at a good time, when forestry investment were less fashionable than they are now. “Natural resources is our favourite area and it happens to be a favourite area where we feel that we may have an advantage as an early entrant into the asset class, “ she explained.

Mr Collins added, “Harvard got a good price for their timberland as the investment was made before people learned what a great hedge against inflation and the strong returns timberland can generate over time.”

FRA supports a number of forestry investment projects and particularly investment in non-native plantations in Brazil through firms like Greenwood Management. “Investing in trees provides a great mid- to long-term option for risk-averse investors,” added Mr Collins.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Battle-Hardened Investors give their View on the Russian Market

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The meetings took place in France (February 23, Paris), USA (12-14 March, New York), UK (12 April, London), Germany (15 May, Munich) and Russia (22 May, Moscow).

Moscow, Russia (July 4, 2012) — (For Immediate Release)
– Innovative technologies are the most attractive industry sector in Russia for foreign investors.
– Russian manufacturing and industry interest investors much more than investments in land and property.
– Foreign investors in Russia tend to invest relatively small capital (less than 1 million euros) in several projects and get returns within one to two years.
– The most popular form of investment project in Russia is a joint venture with a Russian co-investor or the “receiver of the investment”.
– Despite difficulties, Moscow remains the most attractive region for investment.
– Within the hierarchy of investment risks in Russia, investors continue to worry most about tax and administrative risks.

These were the main conclusions reached by Russian consulting group Gradient Alfa, which were based on surveys among businessmen and investors who participated at meetings held by the company in the first half of 2012. The meetings took place in France (February 23, Paris), USA (12-14 March, New York), UK (12 April, London), Germany (15 May, Munich) and Russia (22 May, Moscow).

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gradient Alpha, Pavel Gagarin, said that foreign investors view the Russian market as attractive and promising, although they place it in the “higher risk zone”. It is the potential to minimize these risks that determines the attractiveness of investment projects.

“The last thing foreign investors want to invest in is land and property, even in Moscow and the Moscow region; it is incomprehensible and scary for them. By comparison, manufacturing and industry appear a lot more attractive. Despite Russia’s entry into the WTO, the “import replacement” policy of the Russian authorities is actively continuing. To bypass these restrictions, investors need to start their production inside Russia, opening branches and representative offices here. Moreover, it is easier to start a new business from scratch in the Special Economic Zones, than to revive an old company, which is burdened with debts and other obligations,” said Pavel Gagarin.

Surveys conducted by Gradient Alpha show that innovative technology is currently by far the most attractive investment sphere in Russia. This is mainly due to the insignificant level of investment required and the quick returns. Besides, the choice is driven by the high demand from Russian consumers for these products. The good prospects for this market are highlighted by the rapid growth and penetration of traditional and mobile Internet; there has also been a sharp increase in the number of mobile applications.

The next most promising areas for investors are retail and certain sectors of the FMCG market. Network retail is viewed as particularly attractive. Consumption in Russia is very high. Leading national retailers increase revenue by more than 30% annually. According to the Association of Retail Companies, retail networks comprise 38% of the Russian retail sector, with the five largest companies having 10% market share.

Another trend for foreign investors is to invest relatively small sums of capital (less than 1 million euros) in several projects and to get returns within one to two years. The most popular form of investment project is a joint venture with a co-investor or the receiver of the investment. For investors, who would be perfectly capable of financing the whole project, this is a way to diversify risks. It is safer to invest 30% of the available resources in three different projects than to fund 100% of one project.

Despite the fact that Moscow is a difficult city in which to do business, it is still the most attractive investment region. “Investors are afraid to invest in projects located more than 50 kilometres from the capital for the following reason: it can be easier to work in the regions, but that depends entirely on the specific attitude of the authorities’ representatives there. There is no such dependence on the “human factor” in the federal centre, rather a dependence on the system, which is easier to adapt to,” said Pavel Gagarin.

Another Russian region selected by investors as an attractive area for investment is Tatarstan. In addition to a favourable investment climate, this choice is determined by a simplified procedure for businesses and property registration, the vast territories of the republic and the availability of cheap labour.

Today, foreign investors have a certain perception of investment risks in Russia and their relative importance. In the first place are tax risks, meaning rather a possibility of unfair taxation than a high level of taxes. The second and third places are bureaucratic and administrative risks that might affect the time taken to receive the required permits, constantly changing terms for them and regular changes to the “rules of the game.” Fourth place is taken by legal risks. Foreign investors see the legal environment for doing business in Russia as “legal chaos”. By this they are referring to discrepancies between federal and local laws, lack of uniformity in law enforcement and the absence of federal laws “On Public-Private Partnership”, “On Holding Companies” and “On project financing.”

For more information, please visit the company web site http://www.gradient-alpha.biz or use the following contact information:

PR department
Gradient Alpha Investments Group
Tel: +7 (495) 740 1264
E-Mail: m.shetilenko@gradient-alpha.ru

PR representative in Europe
Eva Smit
Tel: +44 (0) 7538 978986
E-Mail: insidersuk@gmail.com

Gradient Alpha Investments Group has more than 15 years of experience in facilitating investment deals in Russia. Acting as a strategic growth consultant for many Russian companies, the group has conducted hundreds of investment projects, both private and public, in various sectors of the economy. The total amount of investment capital procured through Gradient Alpha has averaged around three billion US dollars per year during the last five years.

Business

Morgan Stanley Impact Investment Platform attracts support from AAA

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AAA is speaking out in support of the launch of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Investing and Impact Platform, which is intended to make it easier for investors to put their money into socially responsible projects.

Boston, MA, USA, June 23, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is speaking out in support of the launch of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Investing and Impact Platform, which is intended to make it easier for investors to put their money into socially responsible projects.

The investments offered through the platform are intended to be socially and environmentally responsible while offering risk-adjusted financial returns. “The project should enable more financial advisers offer a wide range of impact investing products to the masses and not just the wealthy”, explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

AAA claims that the market for impact investing is growing, with one in every eight dollars in the US invested in projects that are considered to have corporate and societal responsibility at their center. This totals a huge $3.07 trillion in value terms and shows that people do want to make responsible decisions that align their financial goals with their personal ethics.

Mr Johnson added, “The more products available, for those interested in impact investing, the better.

“We are seeing more and more individuals and even institutional investors looking for ways to make a difference while they make money and these kinds of platforms make it easier to do so.”

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Paul Hatch, added, “With over 4 million clients who have more than $1.7 trillion of investable assets, we are in a unique position to extend the reach of an ‘investing with impact’ program to one of the largest sets of investors in the world.

“Even a fraction of this total represents a substantial amount that could be invested in support of the common good.”

AAA supports a range of ethical investment funds and projects and is especially keen to promote forestry investment as a profitable and ethical options. Mr Johnson explained, “investing in plantations, like the ones run by Greenwood Management and other firms in Brazil, offers a great diversifier for any portfolio and can also help to safeguard the future of sustainable forestry for generations to come.”

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

Capital Platform’s New Alternative Proposition attracts Praise from AAA

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Capital Platform’s new alternative investment proposition for investors in the UK has attracted praise from AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, June 16, 2012 — Capital Platform’s new alternative investment proposition for investors in the UK has attracted praise from Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, said that the new offering from Capital Platform will help to further underline the validity of a range of alternative asset classes on offer today.

The new initiative is intended to help investors to research various alternative investment options, with regards to factors such as ethics, compliance and returns. The firm’s director Darren Beddard, explained, “Capital Platform has been designed as a trusted source to give independent financial advisers and wealth managers everything they need to best serve clients in their alternative investment strategies.

“It offers an innovative proposition designed to make life easier for product providers and IFAs/wealth managers by delivering a range of products and services where we do the hard work for them.”

AAA is a keen supporter of alternative investments of many kinds and is a particular backer of ethical and responsible investment options in emerging markets. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained, “Today’s volatile stock markets have resulted in a huge number of individuals and institutional investors setting their sites on alternative asset classes.”

AAA supports a range of projects, including impact investing projects in Africa and sustainable forestry investment plans in Brazil. “Funds such a those set up and operated by Greenwood Management, for example, help to detract pressure form natural resources that are highly vulnerable, such as the native Amazon rainforest,” added Mr Johnson.

Speaking about the new Capital Platform offering, Mr Beddard added, “Capital Platform currently offers more than 20 products from a range of providers on which we conduct extensive due diligence.

“Whether unregulated collective investment schemes, enterprise investment schemes or venture capital trusts, we ensure the products on the platform conform to FSA and Financial Services and Markets Act rules.”

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

Forestry Popular with Risk-Averse Investors claims FRA

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Environmental Finance has published an article outlining how fund managers are reporting a rise in interest in forestry investment of all kinds.

Seattle, United States, May 5, 2012 — Environmental Finance has published an article outlining how fund managers are reporting a rise in interest in forestry investment of all kinds. Forestry Research Associates (FRA) says that the future looks bright for forestry, as traditional investments continue to deter pension funds.

Timberland Investment Resources (TIR) was speaking at the Forestry, Sustainability and Biomass conference in London today. The delegate stated, “We have lived through extraordinary times for investors. And the fact is, forestry did what it said it would do on the tin.”

FRA claims that this sums up the attraction of forestry investment for many investors who have been burned by their stocks and shares after huge amounts were lost from markets overnight during the economic crisis. The ongoing uncertainty in the Eurozone region is a further cause for concern for many, who want to diversify their portfolios to protect them from risk.

“Forestry is a risk-averse option.” claims FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. He added, “Timber assets offers a stable option as they have continually outperformed equities over a number of years.”

FRA claims that another advantage is the fact that if the timber prices are low when trees reach harvestable size, investors are not forced to chop down their trees. Instead they can simply leave them growing for as long as it takes for timber prices to reach the desired level before selling. “Trees continue to grow, along with the potential ROI,” added Collins.

There are a number of ways to invest in timberland and forestry, explained FRA. One of the most popular among risk-averse investors is to buy up sections of sustainable plantations, which offer a tangible asset in exchange for anything from around EUR10,000 in the case of an investment through Greenwood Management, for example.

Greenwood Management runs teak and eucalyptus plantations in Brazil.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com