Contact:
Kelly Stephens/Judith Brower
Brower, Miller & Cole
(949) 509-6551
kstephens@browermillercole.com

GEORGE SMITH PARTNERS EXPERIENCES CONTINUING GROWTH WITH ADDITION OF INDUSTRY VETERAN RAFFI SARKISSIAN

LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2010)—Commercial real estate investment banking firm George Smith Partners has hired former Bank of America executive Raffi Sarkissian as Senior Vice President for George Smith Partners.

“As market activity continues to increase and transaction volume steadily rises, George Smith Partners is expanding our team of professionals in order to meet the needs of our clients,” said David Rifkind, Principal and Managing Director of George Smith Partners. “Our firm is proactively hiring seasoned industry leaders to provide clients with unparalleled financial consultation in a rapidly changing and opportunistic marketplace.”

“Raffi Sarkissian is an industry veteran with nearly 20 years of proven success in the single tenant and owner-user financing market,” added Rifkind. “He is customer oriented and highly regarded for delivering top class service to his clientele. Given the broad platform at George Smith Partners, Raffi will be able to offer a greater mix of products to serve his extensive list of owner-user clients. Additionally, his expertise will allow our firm to cater to a segment of the market that we have not traditionally served.”

Sarkissian previously served more than 15 years with Bank of America as a Senior Vice President, originating commercial real estate loans including Small Business Association (SBA) and conventional loans.

During his tenure with Bank of America, Sarkissian established himself as one of the top producers in the country, securing status as the number one lender nationwide from 2002 through 2009. He also received The Annual Award of Excellence/Annual Gold Club honor for 12 consecutive years.

In his new role as Senior Vice President of George Smith Partners, Sarkissian will serve to place debt with lenders for commercial real estate property owners, structuring both conventional and SBA loans.

Sarkissian notes, “Over the years I have developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the underwriting process for owner-user commercial real estate transactions as well as underwriting for the businesses that plan to occupy the properties. I look forward to being an active part of George Smith Partners’ continued growth and see this move as a tremendous opportunity to provide my clients with optimal structuring, rate and term options.”

Raffi Sarkissian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from California State University Northridge.

About George Smith Partners
Founded in 1992, George Smith Partners is a leading national real estate investment banking firm that specializes in arranging financing for commercial and residential properties, including acquisition, construction, bridge and permanent loans, as well as mezzanine loans, highly leveraged participating loans and joint venture equity.

George Smith Partners’ Lender Services, Asset Sales and Advisory Group offers clients full service solutions to manage both performing and non-performing loans including consulting, asset restructures, asset sales and discounted pay-off negotiations. George Smith Partners also provides litigation support, serving as a financial advisor and expert witness in diverse real estate litigation matters. The firm’s Principals and Senior Associates offer extensive expertise in the legal matters affecting real estate financing, real estate bankruptcy and mortgage brokerage issues. Information about George Smith Partners is located on the company Web site, www.gspartners.com.