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HAIR
WLBC, ROSG, APDN, AMBS, ATTD, BFHJ
Our Stocks to Watch today include U.S. Corp. (OTC: HAIR), Western Liberty Bancorp (NASDAQ: WLBC), Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), Amarantus BioSciences Inc. (OTCBB: AMBS), Attitude Drinks Inc. (OTCBB: ATTD) and Beneficial Holdings Inc. (OTC: BFHJ).
FEATURED COMPANY
BIOSTEM U.S. CORPORATION (OTC: HAIR)
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/HAIR.php
Company Profile: http://www.biostem.us
Biostem U.S., Corporation (HAIR) is a fully reporting Nevada corporation with offices in Clearwater, Florida. Biostem U.S. is a technology licensing company with proprietary technology centered on providing hair re-growth using human stem cells. The company also intends to train and license selected physicians to provide Regenerative Cellular Therapy treatments to assist the body's natural approach to healing tendons, ligaments, joints and muscle injuries by using the patient's own stem cells. Biostem U.S. is seeking to expand its operations worldwide through licensing of its proprietary technology and acquisition of existing stem cell related facilities. The company's goal is to operate in the international biotech market, focusing on the rapidly growing regenerative medicine field, using ethically sourced adult stem cells to improve the quality and longevity of life for all mankind.
HAIR News:
August 13 - Biostem Medical Director, Dr. Marina Pizarro Performs First Biostem Method™ of Hair Re-Growth Procedures at Orlando Training Facility Located at the Pizarro Hair Restoration Clinic
Pizarro Hair Restoration Clinic Now Ready to Train Biostem Affiliates From Around the United States
Biostem U.S., Corporation (OTC: HAIR) ("Biostem" or "the Company") is a fully reporting public company in the stem cell regenerative medicine sciences sector. President, John Satino announced today that the Pizarro Hair Restoration Clinic in Orlando, Florida is now equipped and ready to begin offering The Biostem Method™ of hair re-growth using the patient's own adult cells in a minimally invasive, painless procedure. In addition, Biostem Medical Director and Trainer, Dr. Marina Pizarro is ready to offer onsite training to new Biostem affiliates.
According to Satino, "This week, Dr. Pizarro treated her first two patients using The Biostem Method™ of hair re-growth in her Orlando office. This paves the way for Biostem to start offering affiliate agreements throughout the country in response to the many inquiries from physicians who want to offer this transplant alternative to their patients. We are making plans to open affiliate offices in major cities soon, after which we will expand the services to rural and international locations focusing first on Europe and Asia."
As a side note, Satino stated that, "While the industry typically sees more males requesting hair transplant for hair re-growth solutions, it is interesting that the first two treatments Dr. Pizarro performed were on women. Statistics do show that women suffer hair loss in significant numbers, yet are less likely to go through the transplant procedure. The Biostem Method™ finally offers women as well as men, a viable and proven alternative."
WESTERN LIBERTY BANCORP (NASDAQ: WLBC)
"Up 34.39% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/WLBC.php
With $199 million in assets, Western Liberty Bancorp is a Nevada bank holding company which conducts operations through Service1st Bank of Nevada, its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, and Las Vegas Sunset Properties. Service1st Bank operates as a traditional community bank and provides a full range of deposit, lending and other banking services to locally-owned businesses, professional firms, individuals and other customers from its headquarters and two retail banking facilities located in the greater Las Vegas area. Services provided include basic commercial and consumer depository services, commercial working capital and equipment loans, commercial real estate loans, and other traditional commercial banking services. Primarily all of the bank’s business is generated in the Nevada market.
WLBC News:
August 17 - Western Alliance Bancorporation to Acquire Western Liberty Bancorp
Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL) and Western Liberty Bancorp (Nasdaq: WLBC) announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Western Alliance Bancorporation will acquire Western Liberty Bancorp. Immediately following the completion of the acquisition, Western Liberty’s principal operating subsidiary, Service1st Bank of Nevada, will merge with and into Bank of Nevada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation.
The Agreement provides that each shareholder of Western Liberty Bancorp may elect to receive either $4.02 in cash or 0.4341 of a share of Western Alliance Bancorporation for each Western Liberty share owned (based on existing shares of Western Liberty stock outstanding as of the date hereof and assuming the conversion of outstanding restricted stock units), subject to certain collar and proration provisions. The exchange is expected to be tax free, to the extent shareholders receive shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation. In aggregate, the transaction is valued at approximately $55 million.
Robert Sarver, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western Alliance Bancorporation, commented, “This transaction further strengthens our capital position, increases our core deposits, and enables us to further leverage our existing infrastructure in Las Vegas. We expect the transaction to be immediately accretive to our tangible book value.”
Bruce Hendricks, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Nevada, added, “With significant customer overlap between Bank of Nevada and Service1st Bank, we anticipate quickly integrating the two institutions, giving added convenience and services to clients of Service1st.”
“By joining a strong, service-oriented regional banking franchise, we add greater lending capacity for our customers and new opportunities for growth for the bank. I am confident that both our organizations will benefit from this combination,” said William Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Western Liberty Bancorp. “As we considered all of our strategic growth options, it became clear that choosing to partner with Western Alliance can provide the greatest benefits and opportunities for our stockholders, employees, customers, and the communities we serve.”
This transaction has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is subject to certain terms and conditions, including approval by stockholders of Western Liberty Bancorp and banking regulatory authorities. It is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2012.
ABOUT WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
With $7.2 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation is the parent company of Bank of Nevada, Western Alliance Bank doing business as Alliance Bank of Arizona and First Independent Bank, Torrey Pines Bank, and Shine Investment Advisory Services. These dynamic organizations provide a broad array of deposit and credit services to clients in Nevada, Arizona and California, and investment services in Colorado. Staffed with experienced financial professionals, these organizations deliver a broader product array and larger credit capacity than community banks, yet are empowered to be more responsive to customers' needs than larger institutions.
ROSETTA GENOMICS LIMITED (NASDAQ: ROSG)
"Up 21.10% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ROSG.php
Rosetta develops and commercializes a full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, Rosetta's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong patent position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta is working on the application of these technologies in the development and commercialization of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. Rosetta's miRview® product line is commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. Frost & Sullivan recognized Rosetta Genomics with the 2012 North American Next Generation Diagnostics Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award.
ROSG News:
August 20 - Rosetta Genomics Expands Management Team, Laboratory Capacities and Commercial Operations
Prepares for Anticipated Growth for Award-Winning, Next-Generation microRNA Diagnostics
Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (Nasdaq: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, today announced the completion of three executive hires and an expansion of its commercial operations in preparation for expected sales growth of its microRNA diagnostic assays, specifically its flagship product miRview® mets2. The Company recently announced a co-marketing agreement with Precision Therapeutics, Inc. for miRview® mets2, as well as a recent decision by Medicare to reimburse the miRview® mets2 assay.
"In addition to the terrific management hires we are announcing today, we have begun the process of adding sales representatives to our oncology-focused sales team and have already doubled the capacity of our laboratory operations in anticipation of an increase in demand as our miRview® mets2 assay gains further market acceptance," stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. "In addition, we have begun the process of adding to our national accounts management team to work with private payers to increase the number of covered lives for our miRview® mets2 assay.
"With 200,000 patients in the U.S. diagnosed with Cancers of Unknown or Uncertain Primary ("CUP") each year, there is a significant market opportunity for miRview® mets2. Our goal is to articulate our value with this lead product and then leverage that success to advance the commercialization of other products in our portfolio," added Mr. Berlin.
The following individuals recently joined or are soon expected to join the Company's management team:
* As previously announced, Ron Kalfus joined Rosetta Genomics in May 2012 as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding interim CFO Tomer Assis. Previously Mr. Kalfus served as CFO and Treasurer of MabCure Inc., a publicly traded biotechnology startup company focused on early cancer detection using monoclonal antibodies. Prior to that he was with Toys "R" Us for four years where he was responsible for the company's SEC reporting and later in the financial planning department managing the Toys "R" Us division's annual budget. Mr. Kalfus previously worked in public accounting where he specialized in audits of medium-sized enterprises and public companies. He is a licensed CPA in the State of New Jersey, and holds a Masters in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Georgia.
* Guy C. Malchi will join Rosetta Genomics on September 2, 2012, in the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Corporate Development. Most recently he was with Champions Oncology, Inc. where he was General Manager, UK Diagnostic Subsidiary and Head of Pharma Business. At Champions he designed and implemented the drug pipeline strategy and business plan, and signed several licensing deals and strategic partnerships with leading biotechnology firms and academic institutions. Previously he was CEO of Optimata, Ltd., an Israeli biotechnology company that developed and marketed biosimulation predictive software.
Mr. Malchi spent seven years at TEFEN Ltd., Management Consulting in London, where he was a Founding Partner and Head of European Life Science Practice. Mr. Malchi holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Tel-Aviv University and an Executive MBA from the London Business School. Guy will focus on leading the Company's effort to leverage its microRNA platform in partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as with medical technology and diagnostic companies. In addition he will lead efforts aimed at licensing and/or acquiring new opportunities.
* Steve Miller joined the Company in June 2012 in the newly created position of Director of Marketing and Reimbursement. Prior to Rosetta Mr. Miller operated his own marketing and reimbursement consultancy business. Previously he spent nine years at Veridex, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company focused on oncology medical devices and diagnostics, where he was Worldwide Product Director with responsibility for brand P&L, and the development and execution of annual marketing plans.
During his last two years with Veridex, Mr. Miller also played a key leadership role in brand reimbursement efforts. Prior to that he was Worldwide Product Director for the Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics blood donor screening franchise. Mr. Miller received a higher technical diploma in Applied Biology from the North East Surrey College of Technology in the UK. Mr. Miller will focus on driving adoption of Rosetta's marketed assays as well as widening the insurance coverage for these assays.
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Ron, Guy and Steve to the Rosetta team. Their collective experience, relationships and know-how will be invaluable as we work to capitalize on our powerful and versatile microRNA platform and as we leverage our growing commercial operation to expand product sales and attract potential partnerships and collaborations," added Mr. Berlin.
APPLIED DNA SCIENCES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: APDN)
"Up 31.58% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/APDN.php
APDN sells patented DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. SigNature DNA is a botanical mark used to authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially cannot be copied. APDN also provides BioMaterial GenoTyping™ by detecting genomic DNA in natural materials to authenticate finished products. Both technologies protect brands and products in a wide range of industries and provide a forensic chain of evidence that can be used to prosecute perpetrators.
APDN News:
August 16 - Defense Logistics Agency Mandates SigNature® DNA on Microchips
Applied DNA Sciences Supplies Department of Defense in Battle Against Counterfeits
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting and security solutions has been named by DoD Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), as the provider of authentication services for microcircuits supplied by defense contractors. On August 3, 2012, DLA posted notice on its DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) that it will require the use of SigNature® DNA marking on microcircuits.
DLA stated:
"DLA is implementing new requirements for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) authentication marking on items falling within Federal Supply Class (FSC) 5962, Electronic Microcircuits, which have been determined to be at high risk for counterfeiting. A new clause at Defense Logistics Acquisition Directive (DLAD) 52.211-9074, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Marking on High Risk Items, will be included in new solicitations and contracts for FSC 5962 items when the item description states that the item requires DNA marking. The clause requires contractors to provide items that have been marked with botanically-generated DNA produced by Applied DNA Sciences or its authorized licensees, if any."
The number of companies directly affected by the DLA directive is in the hundreds, and includes many of the largest microcircuit manufacturers in the world. APDN reported immediate inquiries from numerous impacted companies.
SigNature DNA uses uncopyable plant-based DNA to mark items, which can then be authenticated throughout the supply chain to assure originality. In effect, the DNA marks provide a traveling, high-tech proof of authenticity.
Applied DNA Sciences' SigNature DNA marking and authentication have been tested at full commercial scale in an eighteen-month project supported by DLA and managed by the not-for-profit consultancy LMI, with uniformly successful results. As part of the project, DLA tasked an independent laboratory to defeat the technology. SigNature DNA was not defeated.
"Finding counterfeits in supply chains is a daunting challenge. DLA is taking a leadership role by mandating a positive way to assure authenticity using SigNature DNA. Warfighter support is DLA's top priority." Janice Meraglia, Vice President of Government and Military Programs at APDN praised the Agency's efforts to eliminate counterfeit microelectronics from military supply chains.
APDN will sell SigNature DNA marks to chip manufacturers, while for distributors the company will sell a source-verification marking program, to establish traceability from the moment of marking. The company also plans to provide DNA marking services directly to those manufacturers who want immediate implementation before establishing marking capability at their own facilities. Once SigNature DNA-marked, the microchips may be authenticated as originals at any stage along the military supply chain, if a participating company has purchased an authentication program from APDN.
Defense contractors are urged to contact Applied DNA Sciences immediately to begin their own SigNature DNA marking program. A dedicated email address
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
is available to support this effort. By phone, enquiries are welcome at a dedicated telephone line: 631.444.6370.
The SigNature DNA marking initiative by DLA comes at a critical juncture for the electronics industry, which is facing a new federal law that would strictly enforce new anti-counterfeiting measures by defense contractors. The legal wording of the anti-counterfeiting initiative is found in Section 818 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY'12 NDAA). While the DLA mandate is not directly connected to the new measures called for by Section 818, it applies in an environment where defense contractors are being strongly urged in various ways to adopt new processes and technologies to combat fakes sneaking into military equipment.
Section 818 of FY'12 NDAA is due to reach an important milestone at the end of September. At that time the law directs that the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), which governs all transactions with DoD, is due to be revised to include the anti-counterfeiting provisions. This highly anticipated milestone has been characterized in a public open letter from the Council of Defense and Space Industry Associations as a law that will "fundamentally change the nature of the existing global supply chain for the defense industrial base."(1)
The DoD Office of the Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation last year projected the value of all semiconductors sold to DoD in fiscal year 2011 to be $3.1 billion. The figure for fiscal year 2012 is projected to be $2.84 billion.(2) These figures include both microchips sold stand-alone ("direct sales") for spare parts or prototyping, and also microchips that are embedded in more complex electronic parts sold to the military ("indirect sales"). Indirect sales may range from amplifiers, to computers to aircraft and missile guidance systems.
The market value of semiconductors, both military and commercial in all countries in fiscal year 2011 has been estimated at $302 billion by Gartner.(3)
The DLA mandate for SigNature DNA will be implemented in a staged fashion, to ensure a smooth transition for the industry providers of microcircuits falling into FSC 5962, as noted by DLA. In the first stage, already accomplished and consistent with the mandate, SigNature DNA is on the microchips produced in the DLA's Generalized Emulation of Microcircuits (GEM) program.
The penetration of counterfeit electronics into the military has become a recognized national security crisis. In a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last November, co-chaired by Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich) and Senator John McCain (R-Ariz), 1,800 separate "counterfeit incidents" in the military were identified. Each incident can involve thousands of parts. The Committee identified more than a million counterfeit parts in all.
In the military, load-bearing parts like ball-bearings, and other critical parts such as o-rings and brake shoes, are widely counterfeited and create much risk. In the commercial sector, fake medical and automotive parts are common, creating a comparable threat. Applied DNA believes that the risk in these areas can also be strongly mitigated by the use of SigNature DNA.
Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO of APDN, stated: "We commend the foresight of DLA command. This is an overdue, industry-changing moment that will protect our warfighters. APDN is fully prepared to meet this challenge."
AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: AMBS)
"Up 30.95% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/AMBS.php
Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. is a California-based development-stage biotechnology company founded in January 2008. The Company has a focus on developing certain biologics surrounding the intellectual property and proprietary technologies it owns to treat Parkinson’s disease and other human diseases. The Company owns the intellectual property rights to a therapeutic protein known as Mesencephalic-Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor ("MANF").
AMBS News:
July 12 - Amarantus BioSciences Corporate Overview to be Webcast Live Today from OneMedForum 2012 Conference in NYC
Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. (OTCBB: AMBS), a biotechnology company developing new treatments for human disorders including Parkinson's disease and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) centered on its proprietary anti-apoptotic therapeutic protein known as MANF, today announced that its President & CEO Gerald E. Commissiong will be presenting a corporate overview on July 12th, 2012, to be broadcast live from OneMedForum 2012 Conference at 11:20am ET from the Metropolitan Club in New York City.
ATTITUDE DRINKS INCORPORATED (OTCBB: ATTD)
"Up 20.00% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ATTD.php
Attitude Drinks Inc. is an innovative, beverage brand development company with a focus on functional milk, ready-to-drink beverages. Phase III® Recovery Drink is the company's first, functional milk drink exploiting recent scientific evidence of the benefits of milk and protein as an exercise recovery aid. The February 2010 launch of Phase III marks the first time a sports drink has been formulated from real milk.
ATTD News:
No recent news for Attitude Drinks Inc. (OTCBB: ATTD).
BENEFICIAL HOLDINGS INCORPORATED (OTC: BFHJ)
"Up 100.00% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/BFHJ.php
Beneficial Holdings, Inc., is an international casino investment and management holding company, specializing in acquiring undervalued gaming assets. The Company presently maintains one hotel and two physical gaming properties and is in the process of acquiring a third property while creating its online casino. The company funds its acquisitions with private investment capital with the intent to increase shareholder value while building a world-class gaming operation.
BFHJ News:
August 14 - Beneficial Holdings (BFHJ) Determines That Fully Reporting Is The Next Best Step
Beneficial Holdings Inc. (OTC: BFHJ) reports that it has completed a preliminary review of matters, including financial matters and operations. In addition, it has reviewed its plans for the future and has determined that it will engage an approved firm to commence a full and formal audit of its operations. It is anticipated that completion of such audit will result in any necessary filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The goal of BFHJ is to become a Fully Reporting Company in compliance with all rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is further anticipated that, subsequent to such event taking place, it can then proceed forward with its overall business plan, which has been in the offing for the past several months.
BFHJ apologizes to its shareholders for its lack of frequent updates. However, new management prefers to avoid errors made by others in their announcements as to the intentions and products of their respective companies. Yes, BFHJ's plans and intention involve creation of value with a significant degree of stability and a basis upon which it will be poised for significant growth in the future. In keeping with this, there must be advancement from its current position in the pink sheet market. Becoming a Fully Reporting Company, is viewed as a first step in the right direction and a distinction from a good number of companies in the same market. A determination to avoid premature statements and hyperbole is another decision made, with one result being to issue this press release at the appropriate time, after much thought and review.
Gregory N. Senkevitch, President and CEO stated, "The inherent nature of the Company's historic operations, prior to change in management, has made a review of matters a bit more complex than originally anticipated. Our efforts will be to have a clear picture of the Company's recent historical results provided within a timeline that is reasonable. Since prior historical results were not audited, on a timely basis, the desired action and result of (a) undertaking the audit (b) implementing the necessary measures and (c) changing to a Fully Reporting Company will take time. However, it is believed that the resulting new status of the company will provide for a much better environment within which to proceed forward."
Best regards,
The Management of BFHJ
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