Build a Strong Foundation for Commercial Lending Skills.

Omega Performance's Advanced Credit Analysis Clinics Enhance Lenders' Ability to Analyze and Manage Complex Credit Situations

Charlotte, N.C., February 24, 2003 - Omega Performance, worldwide partner to results-driven leaders in financial services, announced today the release of Financial Accounting for Lenders—the company's proprietary training solution that addresses the financial accounting issues and practices faced by commercial lenders.

For 27 years, Omega Performance has been regarded as the industry standard in helping commercial lenders build financial accounting skills and knowledge through its Understanding Business Cash Flow and Financial Accounting for Bankers programs. Financial Accounting for Lenders is designed to update and replace these programs.

"Financial Accounting for Lenders is a vital component of our flexible credit training curriculum, which provides complete commercial solutions through its integrated programs," explained Juan Gutierrez, president and chief executive officer for Omega Performance.

"With Financial Accounting for Lenders, institutions can build a strong foundation for training in commercial lending, improve their loan quality and productivity, reduce risk, and ultimately develop strong relationships with their customers. Employees involved in lending, credit analysis/administration, loan review or operations will benefit from this new, up to date program."

Unlike typical financial accounting courses designed with the accountant’s point-of-view in mind, Financial Accounting for Lenders focuses on the tools lenders need in order to make sound commercial credit decisions. The program teaches how to assess accounting risk in business financial statements. Program participants gain a solid understanding of how cash flows through a business and its importance in effectively evaluating the business’s financial risk.

Delivery options include self-study, self-study with a mentor or self-study with a workshop, Financial Accounting for Lenders features current accounting practices, including recent FASB statements and current issues concerning financial reporting guidance and levels of assurance.

Financial Accounting for Lenders is comprised of five self-study modules with an optional workshop. Modules include: Financial Reporting, Introduction to Accrual Accounting, Accounting for the Operating Cycle, Accounting for the Capital Investment Cycle and Other Assets, Accounting for Liabilities and Equity. Each module is designed to give participants an understanding of accounting and cash flow analysis from the lender’s perspective.

About Omega Performance
Omega Performance has enabled more than 2,500 firms worldwide to drive and sustain improved business results. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Informa plc (INF on the London Stock Exchange), the leading international provider of specialist information and services for the academic and scientific, professional, and commercial business communities. Informa has over 150 offices in more than 40 countries and employs over 7,000 staff around the world. Omega Performance is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., USA, with major offices in Australia, Canada, China, Greece, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.