Thomas Portig

smart-invest GmbH is an independent asset management firm headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. The firm was spun off in 2007 from the independent asset management company Sand und Schott GmbH, which was founded in 1994. smart-invest serves as the fund manager of smart-invest HELIOS AR and smart-invest GLOBAL EQUITY. In addition, further investment advisory mandates for funds as well as for institutional clients are carried out.

UniCredit Bank AG (Private Banking) (UniCredit PB) is the German private banking division of UniCredit Bank AG, ultimately owned by UniCredit SpA (MI: UCG, ADR: UNCFY) in Italy. Formerly known as HVB AG Private Banking, the firm is headquartered in Munich. UniCredit PB provides advisory services to high-net worth private customers.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (MLPF&S) is a global investment banking firm, SEC-registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, and futures commission merchant headquartered in New York City. The firm is a subsidiary of BAC North America Holding Co., ultimately held by Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC). MLPF&S provides investment advisory services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations and other types of business.