DIFC Investments to acquire Smartstream Technologies from TA Associates, management and employees

Notes and media contacts

For further information, please contact the following:

DIFC Corporate Communications
Elizabeth Maclean
Tel: +971 4 361 1986
Fax: +971 4 362 2236

Tom Wyatt
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7758 2800
Direct: +44 (0)20 7758 2812

Amira Abdulla
Tel: +971 4 362 2433
Fax: +971 4 362 2236

TA Associates
Marcia O'Carroll
Tel: + 1 617-574-6796

Philip Nunes
BackBay Communications
Tel: + 1 617-536-0366

Charlotte Townsend
Lawson Dodd Communications Management
+ 44 (0)20 7535 1364

SmartStream
Alastair McGill
Tel +44 (0)20 7847 8021

About the DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which acts as a gateway for international capital flows between Western Europe and East Asia, was established as an onshore hub for global finance. More than 450 firms have joined the DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented by world-class regulations and standards. The DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits, and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition, their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards. For further information please refer to: www.difc.ae

About DIFC Investments
Operating under the umbrella of the DIFC, DIFC Investments administers commercial activities such as the operation and management of any current and future subsidiaries, the development of the centre's investment strategy and relevant policies, and any other strategic investments or alliances that will further the goals and objectives of the DIFC and contribute to the fulfillment of its vision. The broad mandate of DIFC Investments also includes responsibility for all non-public administration activities previously carried out by the DIFC Authority, the body of the DIFC charged with developing overall strategy and providing direction and supervision to the centre.

About SmartStream
SmartStream provides enterprise-wide, real-time Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM) solutions to 1,000 clients, including more than 75 of the world's top 100 banks. SmartStream's solutions enable clients to tackle the barriers to Straight Through Processing (STP) and create more efficient, customer focused, cost-effective, compliant operations. Founded in 2000, SmartStream has expanded and evolved from a dedicated focus on reconciliations to become a leading provider of software solutions that bring automation and control to the middle and back office. SmartStream is headquartered in the UK with direct operations in London, Bristol, Paris, Vienna, Zurich, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, New York, Singapore, Beijing, Sydney and Mumbai. For more information about SmartStream please refer to: www.smartstream-stp.com

TA Associates
Founded in 1968, TA Associates is one of the largest and most experienced private equity firms. With offices in Boston, London and Menlo Park, the firm manages $10 billion in capital and has invested in more than 380 companies. TA provides management buyout, leveraged recapitalization and growth equity capital primarily for technology, financial services, business services, healthcare and consumer businesses. TA has been an active investor in the European markets with numerous investments, including eDreams, GlobeOp Financial Services, ION Trading Group, Jupiter Asset Management, M and M Direct, Sophos Plc and Tempur-Pedic International. The firm opened its London office in 2003 and is continuing to expand its investment efforts in Europe. More information about TA Associates can be found at www.ta.com.