For Wednesday, August 27th
MZTH, ECRO, SRDG, PERT, NCEH, MSTF
Our Stocks to Watch tomorrow include MZT Holdings Inc. (OTC: MZTH), ECC Capital Corp. (OTC: ECRO), Southridge Enterprises Inc. (OTCBB: SRDG), Permanent Technologies Inc. (OTC: PERT), New Century Equity Holdings Corp. (OTCBB: NCEH) and Monarch Staffing Inc. (OTC: MSTF).

MZT HOLDINGS INCORPORATED (OTC: MZTH)
"Up 152.53% on Tuesday"
Detailed
Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/MZTH.php
MZT Holdings, Inc. completed sale of substantially all of its assets to Milano Acquisition Corp. in December 2007. Previously, it was engaged in the development, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and licensing of cancer diagnostic technologies and products. The company was founded in 1987. It was formerly known as Matritech, Inc. and changed its name to MZT Holdings, Inc. in December 2007. MZT Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts.
MZTH News:
August 26 -
MZT Holdings, Inc. Clarifies Stockholders Eligible to Receive Initial Liquidating Distribution
MZT Holdings, Inc. (OTC: MZTH) (the “Company” or “MZT Holdings”), formerly known as Matritech, Inc., announced on August 20, 2008 that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a liquidating distribution of $0.15 per share on each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock. The Company made this distribution on August 25, 2008 to all stockholders of record of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on April 4, 2008, including to Cede & Co., a nominee of the Depository Trust Company, which is the record holder for stockholders who hold shares of MZT Holdings’ common stock through a broker.
In connection with the Company’s announcement of this initial liquidating distribution, Nasdaq established an “ex-date” of August 26, 2008. (An “ex-date” is a date on which a security is traded without a previously declared dividend or distribution.) As a result, the payment that the Company remitted to Depository Trust Company on August 25, 2008, which pertains to the shares held of record by Cede & Co. and owned by investors in street name, will be distributed by the Depository Trust Company to eligible brokers to allocate to client accounts based on the ownership of MZT Holdings’ common stock as of August 26, 2008.
As previously disclosed, this liquidating distribution represents a partial distribution to the Company’s stockholders of funds that the Company received in connection with the December 2007 sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. Subsequent to this sale, on January 18, 2008, the Company filed a certificate of dissolution with the Secretary of the State of Delaware. In addition, the Company’s closed its stock transfer books as of the close of business on January 18, 2008 and established a record date for liquidating distributions to the holders of its common stock of April 4, 2008. In establishing the amount of this initial liquidating distribution, the Company’s Board of Directors first established reserves in anticipation of any known, unknown or contingent future claims.
Prior to finally winding up its affairs under Delaware law, the Company intends to make at least one additional liquidating distribution to the holders of record of its common stock as of April 4, 2008. If the Company makes any additional liquidating distributions, Nasdaq will again set an ex-date for shares held by Cede & Co. Though the timing and amount of any future liquidating distribution or distributions are not yet known, the Company does not presently anticipate making a final liquidating distribution prior to the second quarter of 2012.
ECC CAPITAL CORPORATION (OTC: ECRO)
"Up 92.71% on Tuesday"
Detailed
Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ECRO.php
ECC Capital Corporation, a mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT), invests in residential mortgage loans in the United States. It owns and manages interests in securitization trusts, which issued securities collateralized by mortgages on residential real estate. The company qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, it would not be subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders. ECC Capital Corporation was founded in 2004 and is based in Irvine, California.
ECRO News:
August 25 -
ECC Capital Corporation Announces Common Stock Cash Distribution of $0.16 Per Share
ECC Capital Corporation (OTC: ECRO), a mortgage finance real estate investment trust, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash distribution of $0.16 per share of common stock. ECC Capital will make this distribution on Monday, September 22, 2008, to shareholders of record on Monday, September 8, 2008. The distribution will have an ex-dividend date of September 23, 2008.
This distribution and the prior distribution on March 21, 2008 were the result of one time events and changes in ECC Capital's perspective. These distributions should in no way be viewed as an indicator of future distributions. Several circumstances have contributed to ECC Capital's ability to make a $0.16 distribution on September 22, 2008. These circumstances include, but are not limited to:
* ECC Capital continues to experience higher levels of delinquency and losses on its mortgage loans held for investment in its securitization trusts. Therefore, ECC Capital estimates that the probability and amount of future cash from over-collateralization has been significantly reduced. Consequently, ECC Capital has significantly reduced the estimate of cash expenditure and investment directed toward maximizing future over-collateralization releases.
* ECC Capital has changed its perspective and reduced the amount of capital that should be retained to invest in its existing and new business opportunities. Management has not found any significant investment opportunities that provide returns that are commensurate with related risk. Therefore, a significant portion of ECC Capital's allocated investment capital will be returned to the shareholders.
* ECC Capital has settled certain liabilities, claims, contractual obligations and restrictions. In addition, ECC Capital sold certain real estate owned properties and collected on certain loans. Collectively, these events provided for a reduction in required cash reserves and an increase in cash.
* ECC Capital has benefited from reduced operating costs.
ECC Capital has evaluated and will continue evaluating several alternatives to facilitate the realization of any remaining shareholder value, which include, but are not limited to:
A) A sale of some or all of its assets.
B) A sale of the company.
C) Investment in business opportunities that may defray the cost of its remaining operations.
D) Use of technology to oversee and maximize the value of its remaining mortgage portfolio or produce revenue from third parties.
E) Outsourcing of various functions.
F) Partnering and/or joint venturing to reduce cost or increase revenue.
ECC Capital has retained Milestone Advisors as its banker and advisor to assist in this process. There are no assurances that these efforts will result in additional distributions. In the absence of a transaction that allows otherwise, ECC Capital plans to retain the necessary capital to maintain its reduced ongoing operations in addition to meeting the obligations of creditors. Further, since ECC Capital must retain enough cash to operate and to meet creditor obligations it will continue to look for investments or pursue opportunities that it believes may grow shareholder value. Any remaining shareholder value may be impacted by potential losses on investments, expenses associated with ongoing operations, its existing liabilities, the adverse changing and unpredictable environment in which it operates. Therefore, ECC Capital cautions that there may be no further distributions.
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: SRDG)
"Up 66.67% on Tuesday"
Detailed
Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/SRDG.php
Southridge Enterprises is a renewable energy company with a mission to become the ethanol producer of choice. The Company is focusing its efforts in an area which offers abundant supplies of corn, superior transportation infrastructure and expedited permitting processes. The Company is actively acquiring and developing ethanol production facilities and anticipates start-up of the first phase of these operations in 2009. Southridge Enterprises is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
SRDG News:
August 25 -
Southridge Receives $7.5 Million for Brazil Ethanol Plant
Southridge Enterprises, Inc. (OTCBB: SRDG) (the "Company") announced that the Company's subsidiary, Southridge Brasilia Corp. ("SBC"), has received a total of $7,500,000 from its project partners for the construction of the ethanol facility in Brazil.
Southridge director, Mr. Marcio Santos, has been working closely with our Brazilian partners Durmundo Carasca SA (DCSA) and Briskul Transaccao LTDA (BTL) in the development of the Company's plant in Brazil. DCSA has now completed their $5,000,000 contribution for their 15% interest in the new facility. In addition, BTL has exercised their option to increase their position in SBC for an additional $3,270,000, bringing their total interest to 35%.
The ethanol industry in the United States is facing diminishing profit margins that have put many viable and well-funded projects in an increasingly difficult position to continue operations. Due to the high commodity prices for corn and natural gas in United States, Southridge management has decided to put both the Mississippi and Texas ethanol plants on hold until market conditions improve the viability of these projects. As a result, the Company has refocused and accelerated the development of the El Salvador and Brazil plants, as well as increased the revenue from our ethanol sales efforts.
Dallas-based Southridge is developing ethanol plants in El Salvador and Brazil.
PERMANENT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED (OTC: PERT)
"Up 63.64% on Tuesday"
Detailed
Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/PERT.php
Permanent Technologies is the inventor and manufacturer of the award winning TineLok Fastening System — a family of fasteners that are designed to hold tight in the most demanding, extreme and harshest conditions, environments and applications. The TineLok Fastening System’s vibration-proof, self-locking technology is an affordable alternative to traditional fasteners when increased safety, reliability, operating life and reduced maintenance is desired or required. The Company has been granted numerous patents both in the U.S. and internationally for the TineLok technology.
PERT News:
August 25 -
U.S. Navy Requires Use of TineLok in LCAC Naval Transport Vehicle
Permanent Technologies TineLok Vibration-proof Fastening System has been specified for use in the U.S. Navy's Newest Advanced Hovercraft — the LCAC
Permanent Technologies, Inc. (OTC: PERT) announced that its TineLok Vibration-Proof Fastening System will be specified for use by United States Navy’s on their Hovercraft, the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC). New specification by the Navy requires TineLok to be used on the new skirt design for the LCAC vehicle.
The LCAC is a high-speed, over-the-beach fully amphibious landing craft, used to transport heavy cargo and personnel. These craft give the U.S. Military additional options for crossing difficult terrain and expands potential landing zones.
TineLok fasteners will be installed on the Hovercraft skirt, a main component needed to generate the enormous thrust and power required to lift and maneuver the craft. This is also an area that takes considerable operational damage and requires ongoing routine maintenance to keep the LCAC running properly.
“The Hovercraft skirts present a two-fold problem. The skirts are exposed to harsh environments on land and sea, as well as extreme vibration from the thrust needed to lift and power the LCAC. When the skirts tear they must be replaced for the Hovercraft to operate efficiently” says Loren Ball, President and CEO of Permanent Technologies, Inc.
“Historically large sections of the skirt had to be replaced for even minor damage, however with the Navy’s new skirt design which will specify the TineLok Fastening system for this critical component, the repair, replacement, and maintenance will be faster, safer, and less costly than ever before.”
NEW CENTURY EQUITY HOLDINGS INCORPORATED (OTCBB: NCEH)
"Up 41.18% on Tuesday"
Detailed
Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/NCEH.php
New Century Equity Holdings Corp. holds interest in ACP Investments L.P (Ascendant), which provides asset management services. It intends to redeploy its assets to enhance stockholder value and is seeking, analyzing, and evaluating potential acquisition and merger candidates. The company, formerly known as Billing Concepts Corp., was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
NCEH News:
August 26 -
New Century Equity Holdings Corp. Announces Agreement to Acquire Wilhelmina International, Ltd.
New Century Equity Holdings Corp. (OTCBB: NCEH) announced that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Wilhelmina International, Ltd. and its affiliated companies, including Wilhelmina Models, Wilhelmina Miami, Wilhelmina Film & TV and Wilhelmina Artist Management.
Wilhelmina Models, founded 40 years ago by successful model Wilhelmina Cooper, is today one of the largest and most successful model management companies in the world representing women, men and children through its offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. As an innovator in the industry, Wilhelmina Models became the first fashion company to develop a specific division to exclusively represent premier talent in the worlds of music, sports and entertainment. Today, that division, called Wilhelmina Artist Management, is one of the top in the industry with a roster that includes music superstars Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Ciara, Brandy, and many others. In addition, the sports roster has golf teaching legend David Leadbetter and the recently created Wilhelmina 7. Wilhelmina Artist Management helps create, develop, and maintain the brand identity of artists and athletes by securing major fashion campaigns, endorsements, marketing opportunities and tour sponsorships. The Division has secured commercial endorsements, fashion campaigns and sponsorships for its artists with companies such as Candie's shoes, Coca-Cola, Cover Girl, Dessert Beauty, Donna Karan, Hershey's, Hugo Boss, L'Oreal, Mattel, Nautica, Nestle, Nike, and Pizza Hut.
At the closing of the transaction, New Century is expected to change its name to "Wilhelmina International, Inc." Wilhelmina will become New Century's principal operating business.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, New Century will acquire Wilhelmina for consideration of $30 million, consisting of $15 million in cash and $15 million in shares of New Century common stock. The aggregate purchase price is subject to certain adjustments tied to the performance of Wilhelmina's core modeling business in 2008 and earnout payments tied to the performance of each of Wilhelmina Artist Management and Wilhelmina Miami. The transaction is subject to the approval of New Century shareholders, together with other customary conditions, and is expected to close in the 4th quarter of 2008.
In connection with the execution of the transaction agreement, Newcastle Partners, L.P., an affiliate of New Century's Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer, Mark E. Schwarz, has agreed to provide to the company up to $5 million in additional equity financing on terms commensurate with the valuation of shares to be issued to Wilhelmina's owners in the transaction. These funds will be used by New Century to complete the transaction. The financing arrangements have been approved separately by an independent committee of New Century's Board of Directors.
Mr. Schwarz, commented, "After four-plus years of patience and perseverance in seeking to identify an exceptional opportunity for New Century shareholders, we are pleased to announce the acquisition of Wilhelmina, one of the absolute top names in the model management industry worldwide. Wilhelmina is a truly unique company that possesses a long-established record of success. As a publicly-held company, Wilhelmina will be positioned to grow in a number of exciting areas, including artist management, television production and through possible future acquisitions."
New Century will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K containing additional information concerning the Wilhelmina purchase agreement.
MONARCH STAFFING INCORPORATED (OTC: MSTF)
"Up 60.00% on Tuesday"
Detailed
Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/MSTF.php
Monarch Staffing, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides healthcare staffing services to commercial and government sector customers in the United States. It furnishes personnel to perform a range of pharmacy technician, nursing, and other health care services in support of the operations of government and commercial facilities. The company is based in Irvin, California.
MSTF News:
August 25 -
Monarch Staffing, Inc. Launches Nurse Consultants to Build Its Nurse Staffing Business
New Operating Division Will Be Led by Industry Veteran and Based in Fresno
Monarch Staffing, Inc. (OTC: MSTF), and its wholly owned subsidiary Drug Consultants, Inc., a provider of healthcare staffing services, announced the launch of Nurse Consultants, a new operating division focused on the nurse staffing business.
Nurse Consultants will be lead by Edwina Chong, Executive Vice President, a nurse staffing industry veteran. Prior to joining Drug Consultants, Inc., Ms. Chong built one of the largest local nursing recruitment and staffing firms in the country. From 2001 to 2007, she was Area Manager with Supplemental Health Care where she grew annualized revenues in excess of $21 million. "I am extremely excited to lead the growth of our new operating division," commented Ms. Chong.
Nurse Consultants has opened a new office in Fresno, CA to house its sales & marketing, recruiting and scheduling operations.
"The launch of Nurse Consultants and the opening of a new operating office in Fresno advances our plan to penetrate the growing nurse staffing business. Additionally, we expect the launch will help diversify Monarch Staffing's service offerings and customer base," commented David Walters, Chairman.
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