en-us Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group Partners with Jack Bouroudjian, Becomes Official Sponsor of the Nationally Syndicated "The Jack B. Show" and TheJackBShow.com]]> June 1, 2011 – International Capital Group, a global leader in private investment and customized financing, is pleased to announce a partnership with longtime trader, businessman, television personality, radio host and author Jack Bouroudjian. ICG will become the official Sponsor of the nationally syndicated radio show "The Jack B. Show" and its sister-site TheJackBShow.com.

"Jack's years of experience in business and trading give him a unique perspective that really resonates with us," says Brian Nord, managing partner and co-founder of ICG. "His positive personality, caffeinated enthusiasm and personal mission to be a good steward of information are right in line with the ICG brand. We’re absolutely thrilled to be in the Jack B. business."

"The Jack B. Show" and TheJackBShow.com bring the best of audio, video and the internet together, featuring daily live broadcasts in 10 markets on the Salem Radio Network, as well as blogs, videos, podcasts, social media and other original content. 

Since 2000, ICG has evaluated and executed thousands of structured financing solutions in 20 countries around the world. By taking a unique, fully customized, non-recourse approach to lending, clients get the flexibility of liquidity at a reasonable cost without sacrificing potential upside in the future. 

For more information, please visit www.thejackbshow.com and www.icglending.com. 

About Jack Bouroudjian

H. Jack Bouroudjian is chairman of Bull & Bear Partners, a financial services holding company. He hosts the nationally syndicated radio program "The Jack B. Show" on the Salem Radio Network, is a regular commentator on CNBC and is the author of "Secrets of the Trading Pros."

Previously, Mr. Bouroudjian served as senior vice president of equity futures for Nikko Securities, the second-largest securities firm in Japan; senior vice president of Credit Agricole Futures (a wholly owned subsidiary of Credit Agricole, the 17th-largest bank in the world); and president of Commerz Futures (a subsidiary of Commerz Bank, the fourth-largest bank in Germany). Mr. Bouroudjian also served as the chairman of the Equity Indices Committee as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where he acted as chairman or co-chairman of several educational, product and regulatory committees during his term.

]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 <![CDATA[ICG invests in a market innovator in advanced call management technology]]> February 1, 2011 – International Capital Group has invested in TIP Solutions, Inc., a market innovator in advanced call management technology for smart phones, of Buffalo Grove, IL. ICG believes technological advancements in telecommunications are important, especially in a world where smart phones are an important link to family, friends and business contacts. 

"When introduced to the [call management] products TIP offers, I instantly started to think how beneficial they would be to individuals who manage several incoming calls, texts and emails via their smart phone on a daily basis," said Brian Nord, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of ICG, "and so I knew it would be a smart investment."

ICG operates with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Central, Hong Kong and has many contacts in between. The company is excited to support technology that will better their communication process, as well as others’ around the world.

About TIP Solutions, Inc.

TIP Solutions, Inc. is a market innovator in advanced call management technology for smart phones. TIP created a downloadable application for the Android Market called VIC, which assists users in filtering, answering and blocking calls, texts and emails. TIP also owns the IP for non-downloadable software that is changing the way the world uses and answers the phone. Learn more at www.tipsolutionsinc.com.

]]> Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 <![CDATA[ICG invests in Modus CSR, in support of Corporate Social Responsibility]]> January 3, 2011 – International Capital Group has invested in Modus CSR, a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) software, of Libertyville, Illinois. ICG appreciates Modus’ innovative approach to helping corporations organize and keep track of their social responsibility efforts. "Our investment in Modus CSR solidifies our belief in the importance of bettering the communities in which we live," said Todd Bergeron, Managing Partner of ICG. As a company, ICG enjoys taking part in organizations that help to make the world a better place, and so ICG is excited to support a platform that will assist in such efforts.

About Modus CSR

Modus is a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) software. The Modus platform offers four distinct CSR modules that allow corporations to enhance their social responsibility efforts in supplier diversity, community involvement, workforce inclusion and scholarship opportunities. Using these modules as a combined unit or separate programs, Modus assists corporations in organizing and tracking their efforts in CSR. This allows them to succeed in a business landscape where environmental and social concerns must be embraced and evidence of the efforts to better society must be provided. Learn more at www.moduscsr.com.

]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[We have solutions to bridge the cash flow gap]]> November 2, 2010 – To your clients, you are a trusted source that provides expert opinions and advice that often times, allow you to be included in decisions that impact their financial position. Therefore, you understand and know that today, many individuals and corporations are seeking cash flow options to bridge the gap between now and a hopefully brighter economy. Do you have a funding arm in place to help assist with this effort?

At International Capital Group (ICG), we build relationships and lending solutions that facilitate non-dilutive financing to individuals and corporations. We customize every transaction to help meet the financial needs of your clients.

In addition to our client services, we enjoy developing long term partnerships that include frequent communications of our products and solutions. With each referral to ICG that results in a closing, our partners are immediately compensated. Our typical application-to-close cycle is completed within one or two weeks.

Partnering with ICG

  • helps your clients
  • builds your business
  • offers new products and services

Visit us at www.icglending.com for more information, or drop us a note at info@icglending.com.

]]> Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[Mark J. Smolenski named Vice President, Risk & Portfolio Management]]> October 21, 2010 – ICG would like to welcome Mark J. Smolenski, Vice President, Risk & Portfolio Management. Mark is responsible for oversight of all ICG loan portfolio and risk management. In addition, he is in charge of hedging operations, trading strategies, and is part of the loan underwriting team.

Mark is an accomplished financial professional with over twelve years of experience in venture capital, investment banking, and portfolio management. Prior to ICG, he co-founded Axios Investments, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on Midwest technology companies where he developed all internal processes, performed all due diligence, and held seats on the boards of its investments.

He started his career in the M&A group at A.G. Edwards & Sons. He then joined the venture arm of Rho Capital Partners, where he participated in the due diligence and investment into over a dozen technology startups, before leaving to run a long/short US micro-cap hedge fund for a high net worth family in Chicago.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. He has been a CFA charterholder since 2000.

]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[New transaction referral program available to existing clients]]> October 6, 2010 – Beginning October 2010 ICG will offer $500 VISA gift cards in appreciation for qualified* referrals that go on to transact business with us.

Participating is simple. Drop us an email at info@icglending.com or call us with the contact information of someone you believe could benefit from our lending solutions.

*Qualified referrals include individuals or companies where an introduction is facilitated by an International Group customer via email or documented phone call and acknowledged by an International Capital Group employee. Transaction amounts exceed $100,000 USD. Referrals that result in a qualified transaction will be mailed a $500 Visa gift car at the address on record at ICG within 30 days from the transaction completion.

]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group adds value for your clients]]> September 29, 2010 – Adding new ways to bring value to your clients just got easier. At International Capital Group (ICG), our solutions have always mattered. But due to the current market condition, now they really matter. At a time when banks are overleveraged, individuals and corporations are looking to gain quick liquidity without having to sell their stock, allowing them to keep the upside potential while protecting the downside risk. This non-recourse type of lending, known as lending against securities, is highly profitable for brokers and investment professionals.

We would like to introduce you to our four distinct revenue streams that facilitate lending against securities and increasing your profitability. These include trading commissions, originations fees, reinvestment fees from clients and execution of hedging strategies using optionality, Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) and short-term trading strategies.

At ICG we do not have a sales force. We rely and compensate our network of broker dealers for our deal flow. In exchange, you get fast turnaround times, quick closes, fast compensation – and a great team of get-it-done people to make it all happen.

]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group Launches "Got You Puzzled?" Campaign]]> September 7, 2010 – Directed to companies and individuals sitting on stocks, International Capital Group has launched the “Got You Puzzled?” Campaign, in which several scenarios are placed in a question format. ICG’s solutions serve as an answer to the question and a resolution to the company or individual.

The campaign will include ads on Crain’s ChicagoBusiness.com and local radio stations, a premium direct mail distribution and bi-weekly Newsletters.

]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group Offers Solutions to Corporations, Individuals]]> August 17, 2010 – Most companies turn to PIPE transactions as a way to bridge the gap. At International Capital Group, we have some better options. Companies that would like to retain the upside potential of their stock may raise capital through ICG’s stock loan platform. Through a loan, the company would use shares as collateral to get a loan which as a non-recourse provision in place to protect the client if the stock does not perform as expected. A loan also allows the company to retain the ability to get the stock back with an appreciated value.

In addition to stock loans, we can also make direct investments in companies by purchasing stock at a negotiated discount. With this option, companies do not have to carry the debt interest payment of a loan on their books. Other solutions include convertible debt transactions and improved terms using out-of-the-money warrants.

Furthermore, in addition to lending solutions we offer to companies, we also have solutions we create for individuals holding free-trading securities.

ICG has solutions that have proven to be non-dilutive and inexpensive way for companies and individuals to raise capital. It send a great message to shareholders and the market that ICG is willing to help a company or individual leverage their stock for a loan with a non-recourse provision. The best part is that upon repaying the loan, the company or individual will receive their shares back at the current market value according to an agreed upon growth cap.

]]> Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group Seeking Finance Professional ]]> August 9, 2010 – International Capital Group continues to expand as we`ve been doing throughout the last two years. We are currently in the market for an open position:

Seeking:

  • post-college experience - degrees ranging from accounting, finance, math, etc
  • or similar work experience (banking, broker/dealer, investment banking, accounting)
  • financial modeling
  • company research
  • stock & market analysis
  • NetSuite platform experience a big plus!
  • Chicago area based
  • start asap
  • salary - negotiable based on experience

Please email info@icglending.com for more information.

]]> Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[Lending against securities increases in popularity for individuals and companies needing quick access to capital]]> June 14, 2010 – The prognosis for the economy and getting much needed capital through bank loans is still problematic. Ask any business owner and they`ll tell you: requests for a bank loan often hit a dead end.

Most conventional bank loans (say, $100,000 at a competitive rate) are usually only offered to businesses that can finance their growth without help from outside sources, such as guarantors. The worst candidate for a bank loan is a company that`s struggling to pay its bills. 

Compound this problem with CEOs, board members and large shareholders that garner much of their compensation from the value of a company’s stock. Most stocks are still taking a beating and the stock’s best days may be ahead of it. Cashing out now is not an attractive option to these shareholders and companies. 

These scenarios can benefit from lending against securities. Lending against securities is not a new concept, but it’s rapidly gaining popularity because it makes sense in today’s economy. This form of loan to free up capital quickly is attractive to individuals and companies alike. Primarily because it is a quick process (often done within a few weeks), does not require a credit check and the borrower does not give up the stock if the loan is paid back. These loans are especially attractive because they also offer a non-recourse option. If the stock no longer retains its value, the borrower can walk away from the loan entirely. 

Chicago based International Capital Group (ICG) (www.icglending.com) is the global leader in lending against securities. Brian Nord, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of ICG, said this method of lending will continue to be a go-to source of liquidity for the foreseeable future. Nord explained, “Stock loans are very relevant to public companies and large shareholders. Investors that have shares of unrestricted stock look at this as an asset they can lend against easily. This is especially true because stock loans do not involve lengthy credit checks, asset appraisals or graveling with banks. Our clients appreciate that we can customize a lending solution for them and that the risk of calling the loan is minimal. If their security performs poorly, they can simply walk away from the loan. That peace of mind is attractive to many of our clients.” 

Nord continued to explain that using stock loans to gain liquidity is one reason clients come to ICG. Another reason is because investors are looking for equity collars. Equity collars provide investors a vehicle to limit the downside risk of a stock position at little or no cost, or an investor who is willing to forego upside potential in return for obtaining this downside protection. Collars may also be of special interest to those investors who have one equity position that accounts for a large proportion of their net worth, and who may not be able to reduce the size of this position. For these investors, low cost protection may take precedence over maintaining upside potential. 

Whatever reason the investor needs access to capital, the need for lending against securities is sure to continue to be a hot area for investors holding large shares of unrestricted stock – a considerable option to leverage for financing personal needs and company growth.

]]> Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group expands its team]]> April 12, 2010 – To ensure International Capital Group provides a high level of communication and service, the company is consistently expanding its team. Therefore, ICG welcomes Linda Perucho, Director of Documentation, Joe Kelsch, Business Development, Jennifer Foley, Vice President of Finance and Michael T. Kleeman, Vice President of Institutional Sales.

Linda brings ten years of experience in loan audit control and documentation. Her experience as a documentation specialist and a commercial operations supervisor, with both small and large banking institutions, developed her knowledge base and expertise of audit control, standardizing loan documentation and loan due diligence in the pre- and post- funding phases. 

As a result of banking mergers, Linda also has an expertise in streamlining processes of documentation across different institutions that included inception to loan funding. 

Joe has over 24 years of Private Equity and Investment Banking experience, and is a trusted advisor to both institutional and ultra high net worth clients and families. 

Prior to joining ICG, Joe worked for an early stage software company that serves all constituents in the philanthropic marketplace. Joe was responsible for developing strategic partnerships with private banks, multi and single family offices, boutique wealth managers, and philanthropy consultants that serve foundations and ultra high net worth donors. In addition, he was responsible for direct sales to key private and corporate foundations. 

Jennifer began her career with KPMG Peat Marwick, accumulating invaluable experience working directly with Fortune 500 clients in the financial services arena. Jennifer has a diverse industry background, providing controllerships for multi-national companies headquartered in the Chicagoland area. In addition, as a certified public accountant with a specialization in taxes, Jennifer has also founded and operated a thriving tax practice while offering business consulting services to small business entrepreneurs. 

Michael spent the last eight years as a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual. During his tenure there, Michael achieved the company’s Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum performance awards. He also achieved membership into the Million Dollar Round Table, founded in 1927 and the industry’s premier association of financial professionals.

]]> Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[International Capital Group expands to Hong Kong]]> March 27, 2010 – International Capital Group is proud to announce the establishment of a second office in Hong Kong, known as ICG Finance Limited. Hong Kong, a major financial, business, and communication center in the Asia-Pacific, offers a solid base for providing individuals and companies of the region an opportunity to lend against securities. International Capital Group is also proud to announce Julian Herbstein has been named Chief Executive of Asia and is in charge of expanding the ICG platform in Asia.

Julian brings over 15 years of experience in finance, operations and business development and has been actively involved in starting, growing and restructuring companies around the world. 

Julian was previously a principal with the private equity group of Soros Fund Management in New York, where he evaluated investment opportunities primarily in Asia and Latin America. Julian began his career in the M&A group at Lazard Frères in New York. He then joined News Corp`s Sky TV platform, and later co-founded software company, govWorks. 

ICG Finance Limited welcomes the addition of George Fong, Director of Business Development, Issac Lee, Manager of Operations and Accounting and Paul Lai, Financial Analyst to the ICG Finance Limited team. 

George is a Certified Public Accountant in Hong Kong with over 20 years experience in accounting, audit and taxation. Before starting his own practice, George spent eight years with KPMG in Hong Kong, during which time he was the in-house specialist for the retail and banking verticals. George has also assisted numerous PRC corporations in both IPO and pre-IPO financings. 

Issac brings over ten years of finance, operations and accounting experience at a range of small- and medium-sized firms in greater China. Previously, Issac was finance manager for the Hong Kong arm of a Chinese lending company. In that role, he served as the liaison between borrowers and the lender, controlled and operated loan procedures and oversaw collections. 

Before joining ICG, Paul worked as an Equity Derivatives Trader at an asset management group where he was an options market maker on the SEHK. In addition, he was responsible for the development and implementation of various trading and hedging strategies.

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[Artfest signs funding agreement with International Capital Group]]> February 8, 2010 – Artfest International, Inc. (OTC.BB:ARTS -News) is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a financing agreement with International Capital Group, LLC (ICG). The terms of the funding are that Artfest International, Inc. will receive a $900 Thousand non-recourse structured loan against securities, with a three-year term bearing an interest rate of 5 percent. The terms of the financing also has a growth cap of 300 percent over the term of the agreement, which is an important benefit to the Company. The financing agreement with International Capital Group will enable Artfest International to expand its business model in the fine art and sports memorabilia and collectibles market and develop business relationships with major sports franchises in major metropolitan areas across the country. Artfest International currently has partnership agreements with several stadiums, as well as other professional and NCAA division I college sports teams to market and sell fine sports art, collectibles and memorabilia both online and at the sports venues.

International Capital Group provides individuals and institutional clients with safe and secure funding using publicly traded securities as collateral. The company is diligent in establishing sound partnerships with only the most reputable leading financial institutions and marketing partners. International Capital Group is one of the leaders in lending standards, customer service, and transaction execution for borrowers around the globe.

"The financing agreement with International Capital Group will create a situation where not only can Artfest International start structuring agreements with sports teams in major cities, but the Company and our shareholders are going to benefit with the anticipated increase in price per share of Artfest International over the next several years," stated Edward Vakser, CEO of Artfest International, Inc.

For more information about International Capital Group, please visit their website at: www.internationalcapitalgroup.com.

About Artfest International, Inc.

Artfest International, Inc. brings together artists, investors, decorators, designers, private collectors and art galleries. Artfest International`s corporate site is www.artfestinternational.com. Artfest`s subsidiaries are Art Channel, Inc. (www.artchannel.tv), and Art Channel Galleries, Inc. (www.ArtChannelGalleries.com), offering the most exciting product and rewards program in the history of direct sales marketing.

Safe Harbor Statement -- This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approvals for anticipated actions. Such statements are based on management`s current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to or implied by such statements. In addition, actual or future results may differ materially from those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including continued maintenance of favorable license arrangements, success of market research identifying new product opportunities, successful introduction of new products, continued product innovation, sales and earnings growth, ability to attract and retain key personnel, and general economic conditions affecting consumer spending. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ARTS does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law.

]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[ICG invests in Fisker Automotive, in support of the world's first luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle]]> January 15, 2010 - International Capital Group is pleased to announce that through a relationship with Momentum Capital Partners LLC, they have invested in Fisker Automotive. “Momentum Capital Partners are experts in identifying companies that invent and deliver disruptive technologies that address large market opportunities. Fisker Automotive is a firm that does just that, and we are excited to be supporting their aspirations in delivering luxury eco-friendly automotive solutions,” said Todd Bergeron, Managing Partner, International Capital Group.

About Fisker Automotive:
Fisker Automotive, founded in 2007 by Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies, is a privately owned American car company producing premium green automobiles. North American corporate headquarters are located in Irvine, CA with Henrik Fisker as the Chief Executive Officer. The company has backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Palo Alto Investors and QIA. To learn more visit www.fiskerautomotive.com.

About Momentum Capital Partners, LLC:
MCP provides growth capital on terms that are attractive to portfolio companies and their venture backers, as well as to sophisticated, high-net-worth investors. Through relationships with some of the world's leading venture capital firms, whose technology acumen is well-established, we can offer the high-net-worth-individual timely access to what we believe are some of the most coveted investment opportunities available today in emerging technology companies.

Additional information is available atwww.momentumcapartners.com.

]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:00:00 <![CDATA[ICG invests in Focal Point Ventures Fund]]> January 15, 2010 – International Capital Group has invested in Focal Point Ventures Fund. ICG appreciates Focal Point Ventures management team, their thought leadership and diversification within their fund. This diversification includes a focus on leading information technology and green technology companies. “We view our investment in Focal Point Ventures as not only strategic to our own aspirations, but as a long-term relationship that grows with the companies ultimately receiving funding,” said Larry Russell, Co-founder and managing partner of ICG.

Focal Point Ventures and its team have invested in a wide range of rapidly growing technology companies. The companies they support include:









About Focal Point Ventures
Focal Point Ventures is a firm that focuses on leading information technology and green technology companies. Focal Point Ventures works hand-in-hand with the world’s brightest entrepreneurs and renowned venture capitalists to build companies seeking to become global market leaders and leverage our extensive network of relationships across the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East to deliver strategic gainful opportunities to the portfolio. Learn more atwww.focalpointventures.com.

]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 <![CDATA[New web presence enhances client experience]]> December 29, 2009 – Schaumburg, IL – International Capital Group (ICG) launched a new web presence that enhances their client’s experience, and will shortly expand their reach to French and Chinese speaking clientele. “In addition to just having straightforward information about lending against securities, we wanted a web that was functional for our clients to allow them electronic access to their loan documentation, our new web allows us to share our latest lending products, news about our firm, and document sharing repositories so our clients can access it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world, “ said Greg Share, Vice President, Private Client Services, ICG.

]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 <![CDATA[ICG Global Headquarters Expands]]> December 1, 2009 – Schaumburg, IL – International Capital Group (ICG) expands its headquarters office in Schaumburg by 2000 square feet to accommodate the firm’s impressive growth. “Our firm is growing, as the need for securities based lending is the perfect solution for many borrowers in today’s economy. The growth in physical space is reflective of the demand for our services, and the space will accommodate our expanded staff so we may serve our clients effectively,“ said Larry Russell, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, ICG.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:00 <![CDATA[Greg Share named Vice President, Private Client Services]]> September 2, 2009 – Schaumburg, IL – International Capital Group (ICG) names Greg Share Vice President, Private Client Services. Greg’s role will be continuing to develop processes and programs that streamline effectiveness and efficiencies in lending and provide additional services to ICG’s client base.

Prior to Greg’s new role, he was a Manager with Capital Stock Lending for six years and consulted with borrowers to determine options for customized loans which best suited their needs. “Greg’s experience as a lending professional, coupled with the perspective of marketing partner made him the ideal candidate for our new Vice President, Private Client Services, “ said Todd Bergeron, Managing Partner, ICG.

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