James Cassel to Speak at ‘The Middle Market: Our World of Opportunity’

MIAMI – Dec. 21, 2012 – James Cassel, co-founder of Cassel Salpeter & Co., an independent investment banking firm that provides advice to middle-market and emerging growth companies in the U.S. and worldwide, will serve as a panelist in January at “The Middle Market: Our World of Opportunity in 2013” conference, sponsored by The Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA) and The CFO Alliance. Cassel’s roundtable presentation, “Middle Market Update,” will focus on the current status of and emerging trends in middle-market mergers and acquisitions and will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, at the Hilton Miami Downtown, located at 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Fla., 33132.

The conference will feature leading middle-market financial and strategic investors and advisors from around the world who will provide insights into the opportunities awaiting middle-market dealmakers in 2013. The panel is comprised of middle-market M&A industry professionals with extensive experience in the current M&A market and the areas of private equity, investment banking, lending, and data and research. Cassel and fellow panelists will discuss topics including: recent activity; current trends in valuation, leverage, restructuring and deal flow; and predictions on market activity for 2013. Moderated by Graeme Frazier with Private Capital Research/GF Data, the panel also includes: Randy Lampert, with Lampert Debt Advisors; Ken Jones, with Boathouse Capital; and Daniel Confino, with MergerID.

“While most middle-market business owners have been postponing any major business decisions until they’re seeing more clarity and confidence that the U.S. government can execute an effective plan for sustainable growth, they would be wise to begin considering now how to best position their companies for emerging challenges and opportunities as M&A activity begins to increase in 2013,” said Cassel, one of Miami’s best-known investment bankers. “Success in today’s market is all about staying ahead of the trends and working with trusted advisors to develop custom-tailored strategic plans to meet your unique business needs. Those who do can gain a tremendous competitive advantage.”

Nationally recognized for his investment banking expertise and a contributing columnist for The Miami Herald, Cassel frequently lectures on timely issues related to middle-market investment banking. Cassel has successfully negotiated, structured, and executed a broad spectrum of transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, corporate and transactional financings, and public offerings for clients nationwide and worldwide. He has extensive experience developing financial restructuring plans, negotiating with creditors, and guiding debtors through bankruptcy proceedings.

About the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA)
The Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA) is noted as the premier international organization serving the educational and resource needs of the middle market M&A profession. The Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors® (AM&AA) is the premiere International Organization serving the educational and resource needs of the middle market M&A profession. Formed in 1998 to bring together Investors, Advisors and  other Middle Market Transaction Professionals,  AM&AA’s 900+ professional services firms in 22 countries – including some of the most highly recognized leaders in the industry—draw upon their combined transactional expertise to better serve the needs of their middle market clients worldwide. AM&AA members represent sellers and buyers of businesses ranging from $5 to $500 million in transaction value. Their services are seller representation, buyer representation, due diligence, accounting, financing, business valuation, tax planning, legal, strategic advisory, and many other transaction services. For more information, visit www.amaaonline.org or email info@amaaonline.org.

About Cassel Salpeter & Co.
Cassel Salpeter & Co. is an independent investment banking firm that provides advice to middle market and emerging growth companies in the U.S. and worldwide. Together, the firm’s professionals have more than 50 years of experience providing private and public companies with a broad spectrum of investment banking and financial advisory services, including: mergers and acquisitions; equity and debt capital raises; fairness and solvency opinions; valuations; and restructurings, such as 363 sales and plans of reorganization. Co-founded by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter, the firm provides objective, unbiased, results-focused services that clients need to achieve their goals. Personally involved at every stage of all engagements, the firm’s senior partners have forged relationships and completed hundreds of transactions and assignments nationwide. The firm’s headquarters are in Miami. Member FINRA and SIPC. More information is available at www.CasselSalpeter.com

Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, Names Philip Cassel Associate

MIAMI — April 12, 2012 — Cassel Salpeter & Co., a growing independent investment banking firm, recently hired Philip Cassel to its professional staff. Philip will serve as an Associate and will focus on M&A and restructuring assignments.

“Philip’s wide range of expertise is particularly useful at a firm like ours,” saidJames Cassel, the company’s chairman and co-founder. “His background is exactly what we need to help our clients handle complex transactions.”

Philip, a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, previously held the positions of Associate at Rialto Capital Finance Group (a wholly owned subsidiary of public homebuilder Lennar Corporation) and Analyst at Alvarez & Marsal. In addition to his work in restructuring and private equity, Philip has also assisted with cash flow modeling, budget planning, and court filings.

“I am looking forward to working with a growing investment banking firm in Miami, especially one that gives me an opportunity to work alongside my father,” Philip added.

About Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC
Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC is a middle market investment bank focused on providing independent and objective advice to middle market and emerging growth companies. Our investment banking and advisory services include broad capabilities for both private and public companies: Mergers and Acquisitions; Restructurings, including 363 Sales and Plans of Reorganization; Equity and Debt Capital Raises; Fairness and Solvency Opinions; Valuations; and Financial and Strategic Advisory.

Our senior partners are personally involved at every stage of all assignments. Our success is based on unbiased advice; understanding each client’s business objectives; providing value added services; and our extensive relationships and expertise. We have forged relationships and executed transactions nationally and internationally.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cassel Salpeter is led by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Investment Banking Firm Cassel Salpeter & Co. Names Joseph “Joey” Smith Director

Joseph “Joey” Smith joins Cassel Salpeter & Co. as Director. He brings more than 20 years of middle-market investment banking experience and will foster new client relationships and integrate advisory services into existing relationships.

MIAMI — November 30, 2011 — Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, a rapidly growing independent investment banking firm, recently hired Joseph “Joey” Smith to its professional staff in the role of Director. He brings more than 20 years of middle-market investment banking experience to the firm.

“Mr. Smith’s career spans over two decades and has given him hands-on experience working in the capital markets and the securities industry on an international scale,” said James Cassel, the company’s chairman and co-founder. “We’re looking forward to Joey fostering new client relationships, integrating our advisory services into existing relationships, and continuing to work with institutional quality, lower middle-market private and public companies on capital raising and sell-side engagements.”

Mr. Smith most recently held the position of senior vice president at Catalyst Financial and was previously a principal and head of investment banking for Capital City Partners and a principal and managing director for First Equity Corporation of Florida. Over the course of his investment banking career, he has worked with middle-market and small cap companies along with institutional investors, family offices, advisors, intermediaries, and high net worth investors.

About Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC

Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC is a middle market investment bank focused on providing independent and objective advice to middle market and emerging growth companies.   Our investment banking and advisory services include broad capabilities for both private and public companies: Mergers and Acquisitions; Restructurings, including 363 Sales and Plans of Reorganization; Equity and Debt Capital Raises; Fairness and Solvency Opinions; Valuations; and Financial and Strategic Advisory.

Our senior partners are personally involved at every stage of all assignments.  Our success is based on unbiased advice; understanding each client’s business objectives; providing value added services; and our extensive relationships and expertise.  We have forged relationships and executed transactions nationally and internationally.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cassel Salpeter is led by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Bluegreen Corporation Signs Definitive Merger Agreement with BFC Financial Corporation

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE: BXG) (“Bluegreen” or “the Company”)today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with BFC Financial Corporation (“BFC”) (Pink Sheets: BFCF.PK) which provides for a merger that will, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement, result in Bluegreen becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of BFC.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by a special committee comprised of Bluegreen’s independent directors as well as the boards of directors of both companies, holders of Bluegreen’s Common Stock (other than BFC) will be entitled to receive eight shares of BFC’s Class A Common Stock for each share of Bluegreen’s Common Stock they hold at the effective time of the merger. BFC currently owns approximately 52% of Bluegreen’s Common Stock.

The consummation of the merger is subject to a number of closing conditions, including the approval of both Bluegreen’s and BFC’s shareholders and the listing of BFC’s Class A Common Stock on a national securities exchange at the effective time of the merger. The merger agreement provides for all six of the directors of Bluegreen who are not also directors of BFC to be appointed to BFC’s board of directors at the effective time of the merger. The merger agreement also contains other representations, warranties and covenants on the part of BFC and Bluegreen which are believed to be customary for transactions of this type. The companies currently expect to consummate the merger in the first half of 2012.

BFC is a diversified holding company whose principal holdings include a controlling interest in BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BBX), a controlling interest in Bluegreen, and a non-controlling interest in Benihana, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN). BFC and their affiliates have been Bluegreen shareholders since 2002 and Alan B. Levan and John E. Abdo, who have held the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of BFC, have held the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of Bluegreen since 2002.

John M. Maloney Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Bluegreen, commented, “We have had a close and beneficial relationship with BFC since April 2002, and the merger will not have any material impact on Bluegreen’s day-to-day operations. Bluegreen will continue to provide the same high levels of service, attention, and quality that have helped drive our growth and evolution to date. Above all else, we are dedicated to providing vacation experiences, marketing and resort management services that rank among the best in our industry.”

Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC acted as financial advisor to the special committee of Bluegreen’s board of directors.

Additional Information and Where to Find it:

BFC will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, in which a joint proxy statement/prospectus concerning the merger will be included. The joint proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the shareholders of BFC and Bluegreen, who are advised to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is finalized and distributed because it will contain important information. Shareholders of BFC and Bluegreen will be able to obtain a copy of the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC free-of-charge from the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov or by directing a request by mail to BFC Corporate Secretary, 2100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309, or by calling 954-940-4900.

BFC, Bluegreen and certain of their directors and executive officers may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the merger. Information concerning the interests of the persons who may be considered “participants” in the solicitation as well as additional information concerning BFC’s and Bluegreen’s directors and executive officers will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the merger. Information concerning BFC’s and Bluegreen’s directors and executive officers is also set forth in their respective filings with the SEC.

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of such securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to appropriate registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

ABOUT BLUEGREEN CORPORATION

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE:BXG) is a leading timeshare sales, marketing and resort management company. Bluegreen Resorts manages, markets and sells the Bluegreen Vacation Club, a flexible, points-based, deeded vacation ownership plan with more than 160,000 owners, over 57 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Bluegreen also offers a portfolio of comprehensive, turnkey, fee-based service resort management, financial services, and sales and marketing on behalf of third parties. For more information, visitwww.bluegreencorp.com.

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, those relating to the merger, the potential benefits of the merger and the risk that the merger may not be consummated in accordance with the contemplated terms, including in the contemplated timeframe, or at all. These risks and uncertainties are not exclusive, and shareholders are referred to the other risks and uncertainties detailed in reports filed by Bluegreen with the SEC.

Read more:http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111114005822/en/Bluegreen-Corporation-Signs-Definitive-Merger-Agreement-BFC

Investment Banker Calls on Corporate CFOs to Seize Growth Opportunities

James Cassel of Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, Moderates CFO Alliance Panel About the CFOs Role as Chief Investor

MIAMI — August 4, 2011 — James Cassel, co-founder and Chairman of Miami-based investment banking firm Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, moderated a panel comprised of financial experts who discussed how CFOs can direct and accelerate their companies’ growth. Hosted by The CFO Alliance and the University of Miami School of Business Administration, the presentation titled, “The CFO as Chief Investor: It’s Time to Make the ‘Right’ Investments and Do Deals,” incorporated a presentation, open discussion among panelists, and an audience question-and-answer session.

“Even the most successful companies are apprehensive about investing in expansion during this uncertain period, but the time is ripe for growth” says Cassel. “Many CFOs feel they can’t grow their companies through organic growth alone. Our panel members provided valuable insight about how, when, and where to invest capital.”

After the discussion, Cassel and the other panelists hosted a networking session.

“We finally see that capital is available in the market, and we know that investors want it to be deployed,” says Cassel. “The problem as it pertains to valuation is that many owners and CFOs only hear about the bigger deals – such as LinkedIn and Facebook – so they have unrealistic expectations. I made a point of discussing the value of smaller deals.”

“The CFO as Chief Investor” took place late June, at the Coral Gables Country Club.

About Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC
Cassel Salpeter & Co. is an investment banking firm with professionals who have more than forty years of financial experience. They deliver smart, straight-forward advisory services to middle market companies across America. With a thorough understanding of their clients’ industries and a keen sense of the economy, the Cassel Salpeter team provides independent, timely advice so clients can capitalize on a rapidly changing global environment. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cassel Salpeter is led by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter. Member FINRA and SIPC.

About The CFO Alliance
Established in September of 2007 to promote connectivity through a professional community of leading financial executives, The CFO Alliance brings together the experience, knowledge, and collective wisdom of peers, subject matter experts, and academic authorities to enable senior financial leaders and decision makers to be more effective and act with greater confidence throughout their career. By fostering relationships among those with common objectives, interests, opportunities, and challenges, financial leaders can make long term investments in their companies and their careers through sharing expertise and gaining confidence in their roles. Based on the success of the initial Philadelphia-based chapter, The CFO Alliance has established a national expansion, with a current presence in nine U.S markets: New York, Boston, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Connecticut, Charlotte, Phoenix, South Florida, and Philadelphia. For more information, please visit www.theCFOalliance.org or AchieveNext.com and follow The CFO Alliance Community on twitter @theCFOAlliance.

Miami-Based Investment Banking Firm Defies the Odds of a Down Economy

Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC Celebrates Successful First Year

MIAMI — August 4, 2011 — Starting a business under any circumstance is challenging, especially in the current economy. But investment banking firmCassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, overcame the obstacles of a sluggish economic recovery and rounded out its first year having completed more than 30 mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, fairness and solvency opinions, and valuations.

“When we opened our investment banking firm, we didn’t know what to expect from a market that was supposedly in recovery,” explains Chairman James Cassel. “Here we are a year later, still waiting for the market to come back, and we’re on a remarkable trajectory.”

Cassel Salpeter leveraged the economic environment by recognizing that even a gloomy market holds opportunities. For example, when Gulfstream Airlines filed for bankruptcy, Cassel Salpeter assisted in a $30 million sale to Victory Park Capital.

President Scott Salpeter sees the potential for continued success, even as unemployment and uncertainty remains present. He points to the growing number of middle market companies whose owners are looking to sell (whether a majority or a minority interest), raise capital, or grow through acquisitions. “We’re hearing from owners who are interested in understanding the current market opportunities,” Salpeter explains. “There is a significant amount of capital to invest in high-quality assets – that is good news for our clients, and good news for us.”

About Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC
Cassel Salpeter & Co. is an investment banking firm with professionals who have more than forty years of financial experience. They deliver smart, straight-forward advisory services to middle market companies across America. With a thorough understanding of their clients’ industries and a keen sense of the economy, the Cassel Salpeter team provides independent, timely advice so clients can capitalize on a rapidly changing global environment. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cassel Salpeter is led by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, Names Laura Salpeter Analyst

MIAMI — August 4, 2011 — Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, a Miami-based investment banking firm, added analyst Laura Salpeter to its professional staff. Ms. Salpeter will draw on her legal background to contribute to the firm’s M&A, restructuring, and financial advisory services.

“Like me, Laura’s experience in the legal sector taught her how to analyze even the most complex transactions,” said James Cassel, the company’s Chairman and co-founder. “Her skills will help us address our growing volume of transactional work with thoroughness and efficiency.”

Laura is a member of both the Florida Bar and the District of Columbia Bar. Prior to joining Cassel Salpeter, she worked at Conrad & Scherer and Ephraim Roy Hess, P.A., and clerked at the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Broward County for the Honorable Judge Paul Backman.

“With legal experience, financial services connections, and her finger on the pulse of the economic market, Laura is a triple threat,” says Cassel. “She’s a ‘next gen’ investment banker.”

About Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC
Cassel Salpeter & Co. is an investment banking firm with professionals who have more than forty years of financial experience. They deliver smart, straight-forward advisory services to middle market companies across America. With a thorough understanding of their clients’ industries and a keen sense of the economy, the Cassel Salpeter team provides independent, timely advice so clients can capitalize on a rapidly changing global environment. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cassel Salpeter is led by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Cassel Salpeter & Co. Will Focus On M&A And Advisory Services For Middle-Market Companies

MIAMI — June 8, 2010 — A team of seasoned investment bankers who worked for Ladenburg Thalmann & Company launched their own investment banking firm, Cassel Salpeter & Co. LLC, announced the chairman of the start-up venture, James S. Cassel. His colleague from Ladenburg and a name partner at the new firm, Scott E. Salpeter, will serve as president.

In keeping with the professional team’s depth of experience, the new firm will provide a broad range of investment banking services with special emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, fairness opinions, valuations, corporate restructuring and financial advisory. Likewise, the Cassel Salpeter team will focus on serving those types of clients it has previously worked with so extensively: middle-market, public and privately-held companies.

“Scott and I have proven to be a dynamic team, both at Capitalink and more recently as colleagues at Ladenburg Thalmann,” said James Cassel. “We had a great run at Ladenburg, but leading a boutique investment banking firm is much closer to our roots and better allows us to provide independent, unbiased advisory services that leverage our knowledge, experience, and extensive contacts on behalf of our clients.”

“Between Jim and me, we have a huge network of professional advisors – lawyers, accountants, private equity firms, and fellow investment bankers – who have seen us in action and who respect the good work we do. As a result, the interest in our new firm, even at this nascent phase, has been reassuring and predictive of a very exciting future,” said Scott Salpeter.

In addition to Messrs. Cassel and Salpeter, Marcus Wai formerly of Ladenburg Thalmann & Capitalink has joined the firm as a vice-president and Chris Mansueto, formerly of Ladenburg Thalmann and Kaufman & Rossin, has joined the firm as an associate.

The new company will be located at One Brickell Square in downtown Miami’s Brickell Avenue corridor. The company’s website address is www.casselsalpeter.com. For more information, contact James Cassel (jcassel@cs-ib.com or 305-438-7701) or Scott Salpeter (ssalpeter@cs-ib.com or 305-438-7702) .