PFGBEST Acquires Alaron Customer Assets

Business Wire, May 21, 2009

CHICAGO — PFGBEST today announced it is purchasing the customer assets of Alaron.
It will be formed into a new division called ATD, a division of PFGBEST.

Both companies have been leaders in the futures industry for 20 years,
through the evolution of online trading that helped level the playing
field for retail futures market participants even as institutional use
of futures, options and forex for risk management continued to grow
exponentially.

PFGBEST will transfer Alaron customer accounts as seamlessly as
possible. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

There are so many synergies, and we believe there will be significant
benefits to Alaron customers, said PFGBEST President and Chief
Operating Officer Russ Wasendorf, Jr. He said Alaron and PFGBEST share a
timeline as powerhouses in retail futures trading. Alaron was founded
in 1989 and PFGBEST (formerly PFG, Inc.) was incorporated in 1990. This
is a marriage of two family businesses that stake their reputation on
providing personal, professional and courteous customer service, believe
in the need for ongoing education, and offer research and innovation in
trading products, systems, and multi-asset-class and alternative
investment choices for individual and institutional investors.

Steven Greenberg, CEO, President and Chairman of the Alaron Board of
Directors, stated that there are compelling reasons why futures and
options customers, brokers, and prospects will see multiple benefits
from the joining of the two companies. Both Alaron and PFGBEST have
been advocating on behalf of retail futures market participants for 20
years. The ability to leverage PFGBEST proprietary online trading
systems, free to all customers, is an important win: win for Alaron
brokers and customers. Now, multiple electronic trading platforms
spanning futures, forex, and options coupled with a unique suite of
managed accounts and managed forex products enhance opportunities for
portfolio diversification for our combined client base.

About PFGBEST:

PFGBEST is the second-largest non-clearing U.S. Futures Commission
Merchant, with customers, affiliates and brokerage offices in more than
80 countries. It was incorporated as an FCM in 1990 under the name PFG,
Inc. It offers a range of trading and investor products and services for
retail investors as well as for commercial and institutional clients.
The company is a leader in sustainable investing through diversified
products including managed funds, futures, forex, options, full-service
and discount brokerage, trader education, research, and direct online
futures trading through its BESTDirect platform, and numerous other
platforms and applications. Please visit www.pfgbest.com.

About Alaron:

Alaron, founded in 1989 in Chicago, provides electronic and pit-based
futures trading and asset management services to institutions and retail
clients on five continents. Alaron built upon its core business by
integrating global trading systems and analysis techniques used by
professional traders
managed forex accounts