Capital Intelligence, a leading independent rating agency, has upgraded Investcorp’s rating to A- with a stable outlook qualifier. This is the first time that Investcorp has been rated at this level, and it represents a very important milestone for the firm. Announcing this yesterday, the global investment group, also stated that Moody’s Investors Service had confirmed Investcorp’s Baa2 investment grade rating and improved the outlook qualifier from “stable” to “positive” for the bank’s short- and long-term debt. Fitch Ratings, another leading independent international rating agency recently reaffirmed Investcorp’s rating at BBB with a stable outlook qualifier. The agencies commented on Investcorp’s strong fiscal year 2004 performance, attractive investment track record and demonstrated ability in placing investments. They also cited the strength of Investcorp’s balance sheet, supported by a strong capital base, moderate leverage, significant liquidity and a long dated and diversified funding profile. “We are very pleased to report that, having examined Investcorp with their customary independent scrutiny, all of the international ratings agencies have now upgraded or reaffirmed our investment grade status. It underlines the confidence that the international financial community shows in this firm. We’re particularly pleased with the rating upgrade to A- by Capital Intelligence. This is concrete evidence that they have recognized not only our financial strength, but also the robustness of our long-standing business model as one of the leading global alternative asset managers,” Nemir A. Kirdar, Investcorp’s president and chief executive officer, said.
Nokia
Five Club Nokia “test pilots” received Nokia 6260 smartphones after participating in a membership activity that gave them a first-in-the-region opportunity to use the latest clamshell phone. The participants were chosen by raffle from thousands of Club Nokia applicants who had written in to say why they should be one of the pioneers to review the phone during a three-week test period. After submitting their evaluations, which are posted online at www.nokiamena.com, the five test pilots were surprised with the news that they would be allowed to keep the Nokia 6260s they had been testing, making these Club Nokia members the first in the region to have the new phone for mobile professionals. “It’s a very stylish and advanced phone that looks good to carry and feels good to use. The outer cover flip style gives it a sense of elegance and uniqueness,” Osama Abdel-Mannan, one of the Nokia 6260 reviewers, said. During the review period, the test pilots explored the many features of the Nokia 6260, including its quality still and video camera, powerful software, clear audio and business-ready multifunctionality. “Nokia is, and always has been, extremely close to its customers. This is one of the reasons why we have the most popular range of mobile phones — not just in the UAE, but across the world,” said Zsolt MEnesi, marketing manager for Nokia MENA.
Head & Shoulders
Head & Shoulders’ Lively & Silky shampoo offers the perfect mix of clinically proven dandruff protection and moisturizing to leave hair feeling soft and silky. Conditioning ingredients also help to relieve dryness and prevent frizzies, split ends and breakage, all without leaving any buildup. Lively & Silky is ideal for women because it smoothes dry ends and leaves hair dandruff free, gorgeous and shiny. Offering the right mix of moisturizing and conditioning, this new shampoo from Head & Shoulders helps hair maintain the right level of moisture for better health. Lively & Silky is ideal for long and wavy hair. Commenting on the new shampoo, Usama Bukhari, Head & Shoulders brand manager in the Arabian Peninsula, said, “Our research shows that women want clean and healthy hair that also is shiny and full of volume. However, women also want to be confident that their hair is dandruff free without the product having any affect on the beauty of their hair.”