HOUSTON, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Targa Resources Partners LP (“Targa Resources Partners” or the “Partnership”) (NYSE:NGLS) announced today that representatives from Targa Resources Partners will present at the NAPTP 2012 MLP Investor Conference in Greenwich, CT on May 23, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The webcast and related presentation material can be accessed live on the Partnership’s website at http://ir.targaresources.com/events.cfm?company=LP under “Events & Presentations” beginning Wednesday, May 23^rd at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (3:00 p.m. Central Time). The audio webcast will be available for 30 days after the conference has concluded.

About Targa Resources Partners

Targa Resources Corp. is a publicly traded Delaware corporation that owns a 2% general partner interest (which the Company holds through its 100% ownership interest in the general partner of the Partnership), all of the outstanding incentive distribution rights and a portion of the outstanding limited partner interests in Targa Resources Partners LP.

Targa Resources Partners is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership that is a leading provider of midstream natural gas and natural gas liquid services in the United States. The Partnership is engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing and selling natural gas; and storing, fractionating, treating, transporting and selling natural gas liquids, or NGLs, and NGL products; and storing and terminaling refined petroleum products and crude oil. The Partnership owns an extensive network of integrated gathering pipelines and gas processing plants and currently operates along the Louisiana Gulf Coast primarily accessing the onshore and near offshore region of Louisiana, the Permian Basin in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico and the Fort Worth Basin in North Texas. Additionally, the Partnership’s logistics and marketing assets are located primarily at Mont Belvieu and Galena Park near Houston, Texas and in Lake Charles, Louisiana with terminals and transportation assets across the United States. Targa Resources Partners is managed by its general partner, Targa Resources GP LLC, which is indirectly wholly owned by Targa Resources Corp.

Targa Resources Partners’ and the Company’s principal executive offices are located at 1000 Louisiana, Suite 4300, Houston, Texas 77002 and their telephone number is 713-584-1000.

CONTACT: Investor contact:
         713-584-1133

         Matthew Meloy
         Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

         Joe Brass
         Director, Finance

News

ADVISORY, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) –

What:

The performance company, Riverbed Technology [RVBD], will visit the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square.

In honor of the occasion, Jerry Kennelly, President & CEO will ring the Opening Bell.

Where:

NASDAQ MarketSite – 4 Times Square – 43^rd & Broadway – Broadcast Studio

When:

Monday, May 21, 2012 – 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET       

Contact:
Renee Lyall

(415) 247-6353
rlyall@riverbed.com

NASDAQ MarketSite:
Jen Knapp

(212) 401-8916
Jennifer.knapp@nasdaqomx.com

Feed Information:
Fiber Line (Encompass Waterfront): 4463

Gal 3C/06C 95.05 degrees West

18 mhz Lower

DL 3811 Vertical

FEC 3/4

SR 13.235

DR 18.295411

MOD 4:2:0

DVBS QPSK

Facebook and Twitter:

For multimedia features such as exclusive content, photo postings, status updates and video of bell ceremonies please visit our Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/NASDAQ.             

For news tweets, please visit our Twitter page at:

http://twitter.com/nasdaqomx

Webcast:

A live webcast of the NASDAQ Opening Bell will be available at:

http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx.

Photos:

To obtain a hi-resolution photograph of the Market Open, please go to http://www.nasdaq.com/reference/marketsite_events.stm and click on the market open of your choice.

About Riverbed [RVBD]:

Riverbed delivers performance for the globally connected enterprise. With Riverbed, enterprises can successfully and intelligently implement strategic initiatives such as virtualization, consolidation, cloud computing, and disaster recovery without fear of compromising performance. By giving enterprises the platform they need to understand, optimize and consolidate their IT, Riverbed helps enterprises to build a fast, fluid and dynamic IT architecture that aligns with the business needs of the organization. Additional information about Riverbed (Nasdaq:RVBD) is available at www.riverbed.com.

About NASDAQ OMX:

The inventor of the electronic exchange, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc., fuels economies and provides transformative technologies for the entire lifecycle of a trade – from risk management to trade to surveillance to clearing. In the US and Europe, we own and operate 24 markets, 3 clearinghouses and 5 central securities depositories supporting equities, options, fixed income, derivatives, commodities, futures and structured products. Able to process more than 1 million messages per second at sub-40 microsecond speeds with 99.999% uptime, our technology drives more than 70 marketplaces in 50 developed and emerging countries into the future, powering 1 in 10 of the world’s securities transactions. Our award-winning data products and worldwide indexes are the benchmarks in the financial industry. Home to approximately 3,400 listed companies worth .1 trillion in market cap whose innovations shape our world, we give the ideas of tomorrow access to capital today. Welcome to where the world takes a big leap forward, daily.  Welcome to the NASDAQ OMX Century.  To learn more, visit www.nasdaqomx.com. Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NASDAQ) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/nasdaqomx). (Symbol: NDAQ and member of S&P 500).

-NDAQA-

News

ADVISORY, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) –

What:

Foursquare will visit the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square in celebration of the success of the first ever Foursquare Global Hackathon which took place on September 17 and 18. Foursquare will be joined by Near, the group who won last year’s Foursquare Global Hackathon. Near created a self-entitled app for store owners, displaying Foursquare check-ins and other useful information.

In honor of the occasion Near creators Max Mullen, Justin Hileman, Nick Frost and Hitesh Parasha and Foursquare’s Platform Evangelist, Akshay Patil, will ring the Closing Bell.

Where:

NASDAQ MarketSite – 4 Times Square – 43^rd & Broadway – Broadcast Studio

When:

Monday, May 21, 2012 – 3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET

Contact:

Laura Covington

(646) 380-4822
laura@foursquare.com

NASDAQ MarketSite:
Jen Knapp

(212) 401-8916
Jennifer.knapp@nasdaqomx.com

Feed Information:

Fiber Line (Encompass Waterfront): 4463

Gal 3C/06C 95.05 degrees West

18 mhz Lower

DL 3811 Vertical

FEC 3/4

SR 13.235

DR 18.295411

MOD 4:2:0

DVBS QPSK

Facebook and Twitter:

For multimedia features such as exclusive content, photo postings, status updates and video of bell ceremonies please visit our Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/NASDAQ.    

For news tweets, please visit our Twitter page at:
http://twitter.com/nasdaqomx

Webcast:

A live webcast of the NASDAQ Closing Bell will be available at:
http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx or http://social.nasdaqomx.com.

Photos:

To obtain a hi-resolution photograph of the Market Close, please go to http://www.nasdaq.com/reference/marketsite_events.stm and click on the market close of your choice.

About Near:

Near is the new digital storefront integrating online and social influence directly into in-store sales. Near products create a digital window into the physical world so that every like, tweet and check-in creates social proof at the point-of-purchase. With support for Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, Near helps brands leverage the most important conversations happening online. Near was built by Max Mullen, Justin Hileman, Nick Frost and Hitesh Parashar. Learn more at www.Near.co.

About Foursquare:

Foursquare makes the real world easier to use by providing tools that help you keep up with friends, discover what’s nearby, save money, and unlock deals. Whether you’re setting off on a trip around the world, coordinating a night out with friends, or trying to pick out the best dish at your local restaurant, foursquare is the perfect companion. For more information, check out https://foursquare.com.

About NASDAQ OMX:

The inventor of the electronic exchange, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc., fuels economies and provides transformative technologies for the entire lifecycle of a trade – from risk management to trade to surveillance to clearing. In the US and Europe, we own and operate 24 markets, 3 clearinghouses and 5 central securities depositories supporting equities, options, fixed income, derivatives, commodities, futures and structured products. Able to process more than 1 million messages per second at sub-40 microsecond speeds with 99.999% uptime, our technology drives more than 70 marketplaces in 50 developed and emerging countries into the future, powering 1 in 10 of the world’s securities transactions. Our award-winning data products and worldwide indexes are the benchmarks in the financial industry. Home to approximately 3,400 listed companies worth .1 trillion in market cap whose innovations shape our world, we give the ideas of tomorrow access to capital today. Welcome to where the world takes a big leap forward, daily.  Welcome to the NASDAQ OMX Century.  To learn more, visit www.nasdaqomx.com. Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NASDAQ) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/nasdaqomx). (Symbol: NDAQ and member of S&P 500).

-NDAQA-

News

NEW YORK, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shareholders of Accretive Health, Inc. (“Accretive” or the “Company”) (NYSE:AH) are reminded of the securities class action against Accretive and certain of its officers. The federal securities class action, filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois (12-cv-3279), is on behalf of all persons who purchased Accretive securities between March 2, 2011 and April 24, 2012, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This class action is brought under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are a shareholder who purchased Accretive securities during the Class Period, you have until June 25, 2012 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Rachelle R. Boyle at rrboyle@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, x237. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address and telephone number.

Accretive provides revenue cycle management services for hospitals and healthcare providers in the United States.

On March 29, 2012, Accretive revealed that, in response to a lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General (“AG”), the Company had agreed to no longer collect debts on behalf of Fairview Health Services. On this news, Accretive shares declined .46 per share or 18.5%, to close at .60 per share on March 29, 2012.

On April 24, 2012, the Minnesota AG released a six-volume report detailing Accretive’s aggressive debt collection practices, including demanding payment from patients who were currently seeking medical care in hospitals. The next day, an article published by The New York Times discussed the Minnesota AG’s report. On these revelations, Accretive shares declined .74 per share or nearly 42%, to close at .75 per share on April 25, 2012.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York and Chicago, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 75 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of defrauded investors. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT: Rachelle R. Boyle
         Pomerantz Haudek Grossman & Gross LLP
         rrboyle@pomlaw.com

News

CHELMSFORD, Mass., May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued by Brooks Automation, Inc. (Nasdaq:BRKS) on May 4, 2012 under the same headline, please note that the presentation time has changed. The updated release follows:

Brooks Automation, Inc. (Nasdaq:BRKS) announced today that the company will present at the 2012 Barclays Capital Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Conference at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Martin Headley, Brooks Executive Vice President and CFO, will present on Tuesday, May 22^nd at 4:15 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. Eastern. Analysts, investors and members of the media can access the webcast via the Brooks website at www.brooks.com

About Brooks Automation, Inc.

Brooks is a leading worldwide provider of automation, vacuum and instrumentation solutions for multiple markets including semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, and clean energy. Our technologies, engineering competencies and global service capabilities provide customers speed to market, and ensure high uptime and rapid response, which equate to superior value in their mission-critical controlled environments. Since 1978, we have been a leading partner to the global semiconductor manufacturing market and through product development initiatives and strategic business acquisitions; we have expanded our reach to meet the needs of customers in the life sciences industry, analytical & research markets and clean energy solutions. Brooks is headquartered in Chelmsford, MA, with direct operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

CONTACT: Brooks Automation, Inc.
         Barbara Culhane
         Corporate Marketing Manager
         978-262-2400
         barbara.culhane@brooks.com

         John Mills
         Senior Managing Director
         ICR, LLC
         310-954-1105
         john.mills@icrinc.com

News

NEW YORK, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EcoHealth Alliance, a nonprofit organization that focuses on local conservation and global health issues, and USGS – National Wildlife Health Center announced the award of a grant received from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to research environmental factors that contribute to the increase and spread of white-nose syndrome in U.S. bat species. In collaboration with USGS – National Wildlife Health Center, EcoHealth Alliance scientists will research the factors that drive the spread of the fungal disease that causes white-nose syndrome, namely Geomyces destructans, and environmental conditions within caves that affect hibernating bats and the growth of the deadly fungus.  The funding will be spread across varied activities targeting eight hibernation zones in multiple states in the eastern U.S., monitoring micro-climate changes within caves, and detecting fungal loads in bats, soil and rock surfaces where Geomyces destructans is known to be present.  The research will test whether environmental factors may play a larger role in the proliferation of the deadly disease. 

 

“Bats are crucial to healthy ecosystems acting as a natural form of insect control, keeping populations of agricultural pests and disease vectors in check,” said Dr. Jon Epstein, wildlife veterinarian and Associate Vice President of EcoHealth Alliance.  The team of scientists will also develop and test predictive models to forecast white nose syndrome’s progression across the U.S. and Canada.  The fungus causing white nose syndrome has impacted bat species with a reported 5.5 million bats dead in the northeast.  ”We’re in a race against time as this fungus spreads westwards, threatening bat populations across the U.S. and Canada,” says senior research scientist Kevin Olival and co-principal investigator.  It has been confirmed that white nose syndrome is present in 19 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.  EcoHealth Alliance’s local conservation and global public health programs stem from the organization’s mission to integrate hard science and meaningful partnerships to combat the issues that stem from failing ecosystems, human/wildlife conflict and the resulting emergence of infectious diseases.

 

“Our goal is to better understand the dynamics of Geomyces destructans by investigating how and why it thrives.  This will give conservation scientists the opportunity to develop targeted solutions to try and stop the fungus’ spread,” said Dr. Peter Daszak, disease ecologist and President of EcoHealth Alliance.  For over 40 years, EcoHealth Alliance continues its focus on the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.  The organization’s groundbreaking work studying the ecology of bats and the zoonotic viruses that often malign the species has uncovered the source of the SARS virus, as well as led to new understanding of the spread of Nipah virus in Malaysia and Bangladesh.  

 

Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced seven grant awards totaling approximately .4 million providing critical support for the investigation of white nose syndrome.  Of the 31 grant proposals, only seven grants were awarded giving EcoHealth Alliance and USGS – National Wildlife Health Center the opportunity to better detect and understand the factors causing the spread of white nose syndrome.  

 
About EcoHealth Alliance

Building on over 40 years of groundbreaking science, EcoHealth Alliance is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and safeguarding human health from the emergence of disease. The organization develops ways to combat the effects of damaged ecosystems on human and wildlife health.  Using environmental and health data covering the past 60 years, EcoHealth Alliance scientists created the first-ever, global disease hotspots map that identified at-risk regions, to help predict and prevent the next pandemic crisis. That work is the foundation of EcoHealth Alliance’s rigorous, science-based approach, focused at the intersection of the environment, health, and capacity building.  Working in the U.S. and more than 20 countries worldwide, EcoHealth Alliance’s strength is founded on innovations in research, training, global partnerships, and policy initiatives.  For more information, please visit www.ecohealthalliance.org.

The EcoHealth Alliance logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12958

CONTACT:  Anthony M. Ramos
          ramos@ecohealthalliance.org
          212.380.4469

News

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF) are launching National Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day, to take place on October 17, 2012. Renowned singer-songwriter, philanthropist and breast cancer advocate Jewel will serve as the national spokesperson.

This year, the U.S. and 20 other countries will join an international effort to increase awareness for breast reconstruction options after a mastectomy.

Many women, who have bravely battled breast cancer and made it through life-saving surgery, must also grapple with the reality of their new, altered silhouettes. The question remains, what’s the next step? Unfortunately, research has revealed that 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction are not being informed of their options. The goal of National BRA Day is to ensure that all breast cancer patients are fully informed of their surgical options and supported by a team of medical professionals working together for the patient’s best interest.

Grammy-nominated musician, New York Times bestselling poet and humanitarian Jewel will be advocating on behalf of National BRA Day in the coming months, through media appearances and public service announcements. Jewel has written a song to recognize breast reconstruction patients and will perform a charitable concert on October 29, 2012 in New Orleans during Plastic Surgery The Meeting. Event proceeds will be donated to The Plastic Surgery Foundation and be used to support national and local breast reconstruction organizations.

ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, said, “We are thrilled that Jewel will be lending her time, talent and humanitarian spirit to National BRA Day.  We feel that her passionate voice will help bring awareness to this important cause, and inspire women who are on the road to recovery and a full life beyond breast cancer.”

Stay tuned to facebook.com/PlasticSurgeryASPS for more information about the National BRA Day song, fundraising concert, charity and corporate partnerships, local events and more.

About ASPS and The PSF

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world.  Founded in 1931, the society is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons that perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.  The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery.  The Society advocates for patient safety, such as requiring its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing.

ASPS  works in concert with The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF), founded in 1948, which supports research, international volunteer programs and visiting professor programs.  The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of patients through research and development.  The PSF accomplishes its mission by providing invaluable support to the research of plastic surgery sciences through a variety of grant programs.

About Jewel

Jewel is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, poet, painter, philanthropist and daughter to an Alaskan cowboy singer-songwriter.  Jewel launched her musical career early on, performing as a father-daughter act in Alaskan biker bars and lumberjack joints. Her solo career took off after she moved to San Diego, where she experienced moderate success in the folk-coffeehouse scene while living out of her car.

Her first record, a deeply introspective, modern folk collection called Pieces of You, launched a career touring with and opening for the likes of Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, and Neil Young. She followed up her debut album with a succession of albums that steadily built her reputation and fan base: Spirit (1998), This Way (2001), and 0304 (2003). After a tremendous amount of success as a singer-songwriter and over 27 million albums sold, Jewel returned to her roots with the release of two country albums Perfectly Clear (June 2008), and Sweet and Wild (June 2010) and two children’s albums Lullaby (May 2009) and The Merry Goes ‘Round (August 2011). In September of this year Jewel will release her second children’s book titled “That’s What I’d Do”.

Also a New York Times bestselling poet, Jewel is a staple on television, having hosted reality show Nashville Star and garnering guest spots on The Voice, numerous talk shows, Saturday Night Live, and Mad TV.  Also near and dear to Jewel’s heart are her charitable efforts, including breast cancer awareness initiatives and the organization Project Clean Water, which she founded in 1997.  Jewel currently lives on a working ranch in Stephenville, Texas with her husband, World Champion bull-riding superstar, Ty Murray and their son.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
http://www.cisionwire.com/american-society-of-plastic-surgeons/r/award-winning-recording-artist-jewel-named-spokesperson-for-the-first-annual-national-breast-reconst,c9260719

The following files are available for download:

CONTACT:  LaSandra Cooper or Marie Grimaldi
          American Society of Plastic Surgeons
          847-228-9900
          media@plasticsurgery.org
          www.plasticsurgery.org

News

ATHENS, Greece, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels, today announced that on May 16, 2012 it took delivery of the newly-built m/v “Philadelphia”, a Newcastlemax dry bulk carrier of 206,040 dwt that was contracted in April 2010. As previously announced, the m/v “Philadelphia” is chartered to EDF Trading Ltd., London, at a gross rate of US,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a minimum forty-four (44) to a maximum fifty (50) month period. The charter commenced yesterday.

This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US.76 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the charter.

The Company also announced that today, through one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, it has completed the drawdown of US.65 million from its previously announced loan facility of US.6 million with The Export-Import Bank of China (“China Eximbank”) having a majority interest and DNB Bank ASA as agent. The purpose of this drawdown was to partially finance the acquisition cost of the m/v “Philadelphia”.

Including the newly-delivered m/v “Philadelphia”, Diana Shipping Inc.’s fleet currently consists of 28 dry bulk carriers (17 Panamax, 1 Post-Panamax, 8 Capesize and 2 Newcastlemax), as well as two new-building Ice Class Panamax vessels expected to be delivered to the Company during the fourth quarter of 2013. As of today, the combined carrying capacity of our current fleet, excluding the two vessels not yet delivered, is approximately 3.2 million dwt with a weighted average age of 5.75 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Company’s website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a leading global provider of shipping transportation services through the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels. The Company’s vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “pending” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

CONTACT: Corporate Contact:
         Ioannis Zafirakis
         Director, Executive Vice-President and Secretary
         Telephone: + 30-210-9470-100
         Email: izafirakis@dianashippinginc.com

         Investor and Media Relations:
         Edward Nebb
         Comm-Counsellors, LLC
         Telephone: + 1-203-972-8350
         Email: enebb@optonline.net

News

GUANGZHOU, China, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CNinsure Inc. (Nasdaq:CISG) (the “Company” or “CNinsure”), a leading independent insurance intermediary company operating in China, today announced that the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has appointed Mr. Yunxiang Tang as an independent director of the Board and Mr. Yongwei Ma has resigned from the Board following the expiration of his tenure. The appointment and resignation became effective on May 17, 2012.

Mr. Tang, aged 66, is a senior economist and has over 40 years of experience in business operation and management and in-depth knowledge of the PRC financial and insurance industries. He served as general manager of the People’s Insurance Company (Group) of China Limited (“PICC”) and chairman of the Board of Directors of PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited, PICC Asset Management Company Limited, PICC Life Insurance Company Limited and PICC Health Insurance Company Limited from 2000 to 2007. Mr. Tang was the president of Insurance Association of China from 2001 to 2003 and vice chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission from 1998 to 2000. Prior to that, he served in different senior leadership roles in the financial regulatory authorities, including assistant governor of the People’s Bank of China (the “PBC”), head of the PBC Guangdong Branch and chief of State Administration of Foreign Exchange, Guangdong Branch.

Commenting on the changes to the Board, Mr. Yinan Hu, chairman of the Board, stated, “Mr. Ma has a strong work ethic and great business expertise. He has brought a unique perspective to critical issues and opportunities that the Company faced. The Board highly appreciates his contributions over the past four years and wishes him well in all his future endeavors.”

Mr. Hu continued, “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Tang to the Board. Mr. Tang’s financial expertise and extensive understanding of China’s financial services industry from his decades of experience working with leading insurance companies, financial regulatory authorities and banks make him a valuable asset to the Company as we carry out the strategic transition to build CNinsure into a premier financial services group.”

About CNinsure Inc.

CNinsure is a leading independent intermediary company operating in China. CNinsure’s distribution network reaches many of China’s most economically developed regions and affluent cities. The Company distributes a wide variety of property and casualty and life insurance products underwritten by domestic and foreign insurance companies operating in China, and provides insurance claims adjusting as well as other insurance-related services.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the management’s quotations contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about CNinsure and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract and retain productive agents, especially entrepreneurial agents, its ability to maintain existing and develop new business relationships with insurance companies, its ability to execute its growth strategy, its ability to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment in the Chinese insurance industry, its ability to compete effectively against its competitors, quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control and macroeconomic conditions in China and their potential impact on the sales of insurance products. All information provided in this press release is as of May 18, 2012, and CNinsure undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although CNinsure believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by CNinsure is included in CNinsure’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F.

CONTACT: Oasis Qiu
         Investor Relations Manager
         Tel: +86 (20) 6122-2731
         Email: qiusr@cninsure.net

News

LANSDOWNE, Va., May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SSP America, the North American division of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide is proud to announce today its 10 year, 0 million contract with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport that will bring the diverse culinary arts of Phoenix’s most celebrated restaurants, coffee houses, burger joints, pizza parlors, bakeries, breweries, taquerias and wine bars to passengers traveling to and from Terminal 4 in “America’s Friendliest Airport”.

Commenting on the news, Andrew Lynch, Group CEO of SSP, said: “Phoenix Sky Harbor is an airport that truly values its customers and the concession programs that serve them. We are honored to be delivering a portfolio that is not only reflective of their reputation for outstanding service, but one that also exemplifies the extraordinary diversity and quality of Phoenix’s cuisine. This is an extremely important step for SSP as we look to replicate the success and dominance of our European business in the exciting and ever-evolving North American market.”

With over 40,000,000 annual passengers, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the top ten busiest airports in the nation for passenger traffic and number 23 in the world. The airport boasts a direct, million daily impact on the greater Phoenix economy and supports over 30,000 jobs.

Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 serves an estimated 80 percent of the airport’s passenger traffic and is home to national carriers, Southwest, AirTran, US Airways and WestJet as well as international airlines Aeromexico, Air Canada and British Airways. First opened in 1990, the Terminal has seven concourses with additional room for growth.

“We are excited to offer high quality local flavors and new dining options to our customers,” said Tamie Fisher, Acting Assistant Aviation Director.

To meet the diverse and growing needs of Terminal 4 while remaining faithful to the airport’s vision of offering passengers world-class services that reflect a true taste of Phoenix, SSP America has created an impressive portfolio that includes 18 unique, Phoenix area-based local businesses. The mix also includes five national brands that are easily recognizable on the streets of Phoenix.

SSP America’s team of outstanding operators includes:

Zinc Bistro – named by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Bistros in North America”, Phoenix-born Chef Matt Carter has created a taste of Paris in the Arizona desert.

Lola Coffee – local artisan roaster, Daniel Wayne, serves freshly roasted organic coffees, latte art and in-house baked goods in a hip local hangout with a fresh, modern vibe.

Tammie Coe Cakes – Tammie Coe’s signature cakes and pastries have a way of turning any moment into a joyous occasion.

Four Peaks Brewing Company – Jim Scussel and his partners deliver great local beer in a non-typical bar hangout.

Delux Burger – nationally acclaimed gourmet burger bar by owner Lenny Rosenberg serving all-natural, Niman Ranch beef burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts.

Pei Wei – nationally famous pan-Asian cuisine, serving delicious dishes from five cultures: China, Japan, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam.

Humble Pie – one of the great pizza companies of Phoenix serving ‘wood-fired’ pizzas with unique and traditional ingredients in an approachable setting.

Wildflower Bread Company – owner Louis Basile’s Arizona breads are kneaded and shaped by hand using a San Francisco starter and a steam infused baking process.

Panda Express – the United States’ leader in Chinese fast-casual restaurants. “Hot, fresh and ready when you are” – Panda Express is the perfect option for busy travelers on the go.

Nocawich – is the dream of Eliot Wexler. NOCA, derived from “North of Camelback” is the genesis for this award winning sandwich sensation.

Matt’s Big Breakfast – owners Matt and Erenia Pool of the locally owned and nationally acclaimed restaurant believe that food tastes better when prepared simply with better ingredients.

MidCity Kitchen – is the newest restaurant from Chef Michael DeMaria, committed to serving the freshest, most delicious food available, while meeting customers’ fast-paced lifestyle.

Sweet Republic – artisan ice cream, made with milk and cream from independent Arizona dairy farms, and hand-stirred using the finest, freshest, all-natural ingredients.

Wendy’s – the world’s third largest hamburger fast food chain where founder Dave Thomas’s motto of “Quality is our recipe” is honored daily by using select, premium ingredients and serving food that’s made fresh with every order.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea – offers a superior and distinctive range of coffees brewed from only the highest quality beans from around the world as well as high-quality herbal, certified organic and rare teas.

Los Taquitos – started as a homegrown Mexican food truck in downtown Phoenix in 1981 by the Ochoa family, the company’s success has been built by serving truly authentic, great tasting Mexican food using only the freshest ingredients.

Joe’s Real BBQ – based in Gilbert, Arizona, Joe Johnston and Tim Peelen’s BBQ joint offers real food – barbecue slow cooked over pecan wood and equally delicious side dishes and desserts.

Yogurtology – known to “yogurt connoisseurs” throughout the Phoenix metro area, Yogurtology serves nutritious frozen yogurt and deliciously fresh toppings set in a self-serve environment.

America’s Taco Shop – home to the greatest “Carne Asada in the Valley”, owners America Corrales and her husband Terry are faithful to America’s mother’s recipes from Culiacán, Mexico.

Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles – owned by Larry “Lo-Lo” White, the grandson of Mrs. White, owner of Phoenix landmark Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, Larry’s fried chicken and golden brown waffles are considered the best soul food in the Valley.

Culver’s ButterBurgers & Frozen Custard – home of the famous “ButterBurger”, Culver’s mantra has always been “Don’t mess with quality”. Recently named “Best Burger Chain in America,” Culver’s has eight locations in Phoenix, and over 400 across the nation.

Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar – routinely voted one of the best wine bars in Phoenix, and recently recognized by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the “50 Hottest Restaurants in the US”, Cheuvront offers an extensive wine list, artisan cheese selection and a unique and eclectic menu.

SSP America’s new culinary concepts will be arriving in Terminal 4 throughout 2013.

About SSP

SSP is the leading dedicated provider of food and beverage brands in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafés, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other leisure locations. With a heritage stretching back over 60 years, today SSP has 30,000 employees, serving over a million customers every day. It has business at over 140 airports and over 250 rail stations, and operates more than 2,100 units in 30 countries around the world.

SSP operates an extensive portfolio of over 200 international, national, local and speciality brands. These include Upper Crust, Starbucks, Caffè Ritazza, Burger King, M&S Simply Food, Millies Cookies, O’Learys,  Caviar House & Prunier, and leading Asian brands Ajisen Ramen and Saboten, as well as stunning bespoke concepts such as the Montreux Jazz Café in Geneva and the award winning Center Bar at Zurich. 

Its brand portfolio is tailored for each specific location, depending on variables such as passenger profile, consumer need states, location type, size and design.

About SSP America/SSP Canada

SSP America operates in more than 40 airports across North America bringing a variety of local, regional and national brands to the traveling consumer at a vast array of price ranges.  Third party brands in the company’s broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Tigín, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday’s, Tim Hortons, The Great American Bagel and Buffalo Wild Wings.  SSP America’s brand portfolio also includes strong, local award-winning icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Harry & Izzy’s, Nonna Bartolotta’s, and Mill Street Brewery Pub.

Contact:  

Darleen Nascimento 

SSP America

(703) 723-5418 

(703) 462-4699 (c)
darleen.nascimento@foodtravelexperts.com

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