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Global Investment Strategies from the Top of the World
March 12 – 13, 2008
Conference: Thursday, March 13
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue (between 37th and 38th Street), New York City
Registration and continental breakfast begins 8:15 am. Conference program: 9:00 am – 1:15 pm
Pre-Conference Networking Reception and Dinner: Wednesday, March 12 @7 pm
Nixon Peabody LLP and Kaupthing Bank cordially invite you to attend a pre-conference networking reception and dinner on Wednesday, March
12 for speakers and conference guests at the Union League Club on 38 East 37th Street, (corner of 37th Street and Park Avenue), New York City.
Cocktails in the Main Lounge at 7:00 pm. Dinner in the Library Room at 8:00 pm.
IACC Corporate Sponsors:
Icelandic Base, Global Reach
Even in times of economic uncertainty, traditional and alternative investment opportunities abound. And Iceland is well positioned to capitalize
on the right investment opportunities on an international scale. For a country small in geographic size and population, it is big on innovation,
competitiveness, and economic prosperity.
Attendees from last year’s conference walked away with ideas and network contacts for investing in Iceland. This year, we’re turning the tables.
The 2008 conference program focuses on Iceland’s expansion into the international finance arena, and the partnering investment opportunities
this creates for US and other foreign investors.
Conference presentations, panel discussion, and keynote address all focus on key issues and concepts pertinent to global investment partnering
in today’s economic environment. The impressive roster of speakers includes the Prime Minister of Iceland, leaders of Icelandic banks and
international investment firms, as well as leading economists and financial experts from the United States. Consider this:
••
Mr. Geir H. Haarde, Prime Minister of Iceland, briefs the audience on Iceland’s current economic environment.
••
Iceland’s three largest Icelandic banks – Glitnir, Kaupthing, and Landsbanki – are all international companies with market cap ranking among
top ten Nordic banks. Hear Lárus Welding, CEO, Glitnir Bank; Hreiðar Már Sigurðsson, CEO, Kaupthing Bank; and Sigurjón Árnason, CEO,
Landsbanki, present their companies’ 2007 performance results, their unique market positioning strategies and overview their funding and
investment portfolio priorities for 2008 and beyond.
••
Professor Gregory Miller of Harvard Business School, an authority on effective financial communications across key stakeholder groups,
shares his research findings on perspectives of Icelandic banks from non-Icelandic entities such as the major ratings agencies and international
press.
••
Thordur Fridjonsson, CEO, NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland, moderates the panel discussion engaging the Prime Minister, the banks’ CEOs
and Professor Miller on communication developments underway to help external entities develop a more nuanced view of Icelandic banks
and the Icelandic economy.
••
Senior Managing Director, Jonathan A. Knee, of leading US advisory and investment firm Evercore Partners, shares his insights on the new
mergers and acquisitions environment for multinational corporations and investors.
••
Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson, Executive Chairman, Baugur Group, an international investment company within the fields of retail, financial
investments and media, reveals his firm’s successful investment strategies and international expansion goals for 2008 and beyond.
••
Torsten Slok, Ph.D., Senior Economist, Global Economics, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., delivers the keynote luncheon address, Outlook for
US Economy and the Fed, a thought-provoking look into the impact that the credit, oil, and housing shocks will have on the US and global
economy.
This year’s conference is sure to provide attendees with tangible investment insights and valuable business contacts. Join us in New York March
12-13 to participate in this timely informational and networking forum.
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Conference Program:
Global Investment Strategies from the Top of the World
Location: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Pre-Conference Networking Reception and Dinner
Sponsored by Nixon Peabody LLP and Kaupthing Bank
Location: The Union League Club, 38 East 37th St, New York, NY 10016
7:00 pm –
10:00 pm
7:00 pm Cocktail Reception
8:00 pm Dinner
Meet and mingle with conference speakers and fellow participants during an enjoyable evening of excellent food, wine,
and conversation at the legendary Union League Club. Business Dress Attire.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Conference Program: Global Investment Strategies from the Top of the World
Location: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
8:15 am –
9:00 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by Glitnir
9:00 am –
9:10 am
Opening Remarks
Olafur Johann Olafsson, Executive Vice President, Time Warner, and Conference Chair, Chairman of the IACC
Mr. Olafsson sets the tone for the conference with an 0verview of the conference objectives and program, and IACC’s role
in facilitating business connections between Icelandic and American entities.
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9:10 am –
10:30 am
Session I: Icelandic Banks and the Economy
Mr. Geir H. Haarde, Prime Minister of Iceland
Lárus Welding, CEO, Glitnir Bank
Hreiðar Már Sigurðsson, CEO, Kaupthing Bank
Sigurjón Árnason, Group Managing Director & CEO, Landsbanki
Gregory Miller, Professor, Harvard Business School
Moderator: Thordur Fridjonsson, CEO, NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland
Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde will brief attendees on the state of Iceland’s economy, particularly as it relates to
developments in the global economy. The CEOs of each Icelandic bank will highlight their organization’s unique market
positioning, performance, and global funding objectives and strategies. Professor Miller will discuss perspectives of
Icelandic Banks from non-Icelandic entities such as the major ratings agencies and international press. Panel Discussion
and Q&A follow
10:30 am – Refreshment and Networking Break
11:00 am
11:00 am –
12:00 pm
Session II: Investment Strategies Jonathan A. Knee, Senior Managing Director, Evercore Partners
Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson, Executive Chairman, Baugur Group
Hear perspectives on corporate investment, merger and acquisition strategies that work in today’s uncertain global
economic climate from two senior executives of a prominent Icelandic international retail investment firm and a leading US
advisory and investment firm.
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:15 pm
Sponsored by Landsbanki
Keynote Address: Outlook for US Economy and the Fed
Torsten Slok, Ph.D., Senior Economist, Global Economics, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.
Dr. Slok’s presentation addresses the impact that the credit shock, the housing shock, and the oil shock will have on the US
and the global economy, with resultant challenges and opportunities related to global funding strategies
1:15 pm –
1:30 pm
Close of Conference
Olafur Johann Olafsson, Executive Vice President, Time Warner, and Conference Chair, Chairman of the IACC
Mr. Olafsson summarizes the conferences key messages and closes conference. Attendees with afternoon appointments
are directed to session locations.
1:30 pm –
4:00 pm
One on One Sessions
Meet with speakers one on one. A list of speakers available to participate in these sessions will be issued shortly before the
conference. Each session will last 45 minutes.
Advance sign-up is required; to indicate your interest in meeting with a speaker in this informal setting, send an
email to blax@mfa.is
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About the Speakers and their Organizations
Time Warner Inc. & Icelandic American Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Olafur Johann Olafsson, EVP, Time Warner & Chairman of IACC
Mr. Olaf Johann Olafsson, who serves as the chairman of IACC, is executive vice president of Time Warner, responsible for the company’s corporate
strategy, mergers, acquisitions and investments. Prior to that, he was vice chairman of Time Warner Digital Media where he was responsible for
developing strategic business plans for Time Warner’s diverse digital media businesses and identifying emerging growth opportunities for the
company in the digital realm.
Prior to joining Time Warner, Mr. Olafsson was president of Advanta Corporation, and served as a member of its board of directors beginning 1997.
Previously, as founder, president and chief executive officer of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Inc., a unit of Sony Corporation, Mr. Olafsson built
and managed its businesses in the United States and Europe. During his six-year tenure in this role, he directed the worldwide operations of Sony’s
entertainment software and hardware divisions and was responsible for the introduction of the acclaimed PlayStation. He held several other positions
at Sony, having begun his career at the company in 1985.
Mr. Olafsson is the author of several novels, including Absolution (Pantheon, 1994), The Journey Home (Pantheon, 2000), and Walking into the Night
(Pantheon, 2003). He was born in Reykjavik and studied as a Wien Scholar at Brandeis University, where he received his degree in physics.
About Time Warner
Time Warner Inc (NYSE: TWX) employees approximately 86,000 people worldwide across its various businesses: AOL, HBO, Time Warner Cable, New
Line Cinema, Turner Broadcasting System, Time Inc. Warner Bros. Entertainment. (www.timewarner.com)
About IACC
The Icelandic American Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization founded in New York in 1986. The chamber promotes the development
of business and trade between the United States and Iceland through membership networking events, business conferences and other occasions in
which leaders of the business and government participate.
(www.iceland.org/us/nyc/consulate-general/chamber-of-commerce/)
Mr. Geir H. Haarde, Prime Minister of Iceland
Mr. Geir H. Haarde has been Prime Minister of Iceland since June 15, 2006, Chairman of Iceland’s Independence Party since 2005, and a member
of the Icelandic Parliament, Althingi, since 1987. His current position caps an illustrious political career, in which he has held numerous influential
positions in both Icelandic and the Arctic Region political arena. Among them: Minister for Foreign Affairs (2005–2006); Minister of Finance
(1998–2005); Vice-Chairman of the Independence Party (1999–2005); Vice-President, OECD Ministerial Meeting (2004); Chairman, Nordic Council
of Finance Ministers (2004 and 1999); Member, International Monetary and Financial Committee of the International Monetary Fund (2002–2004);
Chairman, Parliamentary Group of the Independence Party (1991–1998); Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee of the Althingi (1995–1998); President
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of the Nordic Council, 1995. Member, Presidium of the NC, 1991–1998; Member, Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (1994–98,
VP 1995–97); Chairman, Conservative Party Group in the Nordic Council (1995–1997); and Chairman, Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the
Arctic Region (1995–1998).
Early in his career he served as the Political Advisor to the Minister of Finance (1983–1987) and as an Economist, International Department, Central
Bank of Iceland (1977–1983).
Prime Minister Haarde received his undergraduate and graduate university education in the USA, earning a B.A. magna cum laude, Economics from
Brandeis University in 1973; an M.A. with distinction, International Relations, from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies
in 1975; and an M.A. Economics, University of Minnesota in 1977.
Among his honors, Prime Minister Haarde was awarded Alumni of the Year Award 2006 from Brandeis University and Doctor of Laws h. c., University
of Minnesota in 2007.
State of the Icelandic Economy
Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde will brief attendees on the state of Iceland’s economy, particularly as it relates to developments in the global economy.
About Iceland
Iceland is a Republic with an elected parliamentary government, Althingi. The Prime Minister serves as the head of government, presiding over
political, operational and administrative services. Althingi and the President of Iceland jointly exercise legislative power. Key facts:
•
Iceland is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1994 and has adopted most EU legislation, the same as applies in the UK (has the
same status as Norway)
•
Iceland is an OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) country and is the sixth richest economy in the OECD as ranked
by GDP purchasing power by capita.
•
Iceland Sovereign has the highest possible credit rating from Moody’s at Aaa with a strong fiscal position.
•
The Icelandic economy benefits from sectors unaffected by the current downturn, such as food production, technology, natural resources and
energy production.
•
Iceland has a fully funded pension system, whereby the largest pension fund assets to GDP was Iceland at 132.7% according to OECD.
(www.government.is)
Glitnir Bank
Mr. Lárus Welding, CEO
Mr. Lárus Welding, Chief Executive Officer, Glitnir Bank hf., holds a degree in business administration from the University of Iceland, is a licensed
securities broker and a graduate in Corporate Finance from the UK Securities Institute. Prior to joining Glitnir Bank in April 2007, Mr. Lárus Welding
worked at the Landsbanki London Branch as a General Manager with operations primarily in Corporate and Investment Banking. Previously, he
worked for Icelandic Investment Bank (FBA) hf. (1999-2003). FBA merged with Islandsbanki in 2000, which is now Glitnir Bank. Earlier, Mr. Lárus Welding
worked at the Central Bank of Iceland (1998) and at JHR ehf. accounting firm (1997-1999).
Niche Market Expertise Fuels International Expansion
Having established its firm international base, Glitnir continues to grow solidly. Mr. Welding’s presentation will focus on how Glitnir Bank, as a Nordic
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bank, provides a broad range of services to its customer and drives its international expansion, providing corporate banking and integrated services,
based on two specialized industry sectors: seafood and sustainable energy, having developed significant industry expertise within these sectors.
About Glitnir
Glitnir Bank hf. (NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland: GLB) is a Northern European bank, headquartered in Iceland with operations in 11 countries with
total assets of of ISK 2,949 billion. Glitnir´s home markets are in Iceland and Norway, which generated 71% of the bank´s profit before taxes in 2007.
Glitnir offers a broad range of financial services including corporate banking, investment banking, capital markets, investment management and
retail banking. The bank is also gaining ground as one of the leading players in the Nordic Equity and Brokerage market. Along with headquarters in
Iceland and offices in Norway, the bank has operations in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, UK, Luxembourg, US, Canada, China and Russia. Glitnir drives
its international expansion, based on two specialized industry sectors: seafood and sustainable energy, where the bank has developed significant
industry expertise built on our Icelandic and Norwegian heritage. (www.glitnir.is)
Kaupthing Bank
Mr. Hreiðar Már Sigurðsson, CEO
Mr. Hreiðar Már Sigurðsson was born in 1970. He graduated in Business Administration from the University of Iceland in 1994 and joined Kaupthing
upon his graduation. He was appointed Deputy CEO of Kaupthing in 1998. He established and served as Managing Director of Kaupthing New York
from 2000 to 2001. In 2003 he was appointed CEO of Kaupthing Bank. Since then he has led the transformation of Kaupthing from a small regional
bank in Iceland to a medium-sized European Bank through organic growth and strategic acquisitions in Iceland, Denmark and the UK.
Insight into a Fast Growing Financial Group
Mr. Sigurðsson’s presentation highlights Kaupthing Bank’s ability to perform in challenging markets. He will also address the bank’s increasing income
stability through a prudent growth approach and how Kaupthing is transforming its funding profile.
About Kaupthing
Kaupthing (NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland: KAUP; Stockholm: KAUP SEK) is a Northern European bank with assets of $85 billion, and equity of
$5.5 billion at year end 2007. Kaupthing is listed on NASDAQ OMX Exchange in Iceland and Stockholm. In recent years, Kaupthing has been one of
the fastest growing financial groups in Europe, offering comprehensive corporate and investment banking services to individuals, companies and
institutional investors. The Bank is a leading player in all the main areas of the Icelandic financial market, and in addition to Iceland, the Bank’s key
markets are Denmark and the United Kingdom. The Bank is focused on the growth and development of its international activities and aims to be one
of the leading banks in Northern Europe. (www.kaupthing.com)
Landsbanki Íslands hf.
Mr. Sigurjón Árnason, Group Managing Director & CEO
Mr Sigurjón Árnason is the Chief Executive Officer of Landsbanki. Prior to joining Landsbanki, he had been Managing Director of Administration and
Operations at Búnadarbanki Íslands hf. since 1998. From 1995-1998, he was Senior Manager of Economics and Budgeting at Búnadarbanki, and a part
time lecturer at the University of Iceland from 1995-1997. He holds a BSc degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iceland, as well as
an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota. He studied economic engineering at Technische Universität Berlin 1994-1995.
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Mr Sigurjón Árnason is Chairman of the Board of Landsbanki’s subsidiary Kepler Equities and head of the Icelandic banks’ Negotiation Committee. He
has been a Director of Landsbanki’s subsidiaries; Heritable Bank, Landsbanki Luxembourg SA, Landsbanki Securities (UK) Ltd, Merrion Capital Group,
Landsbanki Guernsey Ltd and Lex Life and Pension.
Deposits Transforming the Balance Sheet
Mr. Árnason will overview Landsbanki’s strong 2007 performance, and its further growth and diversification following a balanced business model.
Focused on providing an integrated set of financial services for mid-cap corporations in Europe, Landsbanki’s unique product line includes access
to both debt and equity markets and agency brokerage services to institutional investors on a multi-local basis.
About Landsbanki
Landsbanki (NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland: LAIS) is a growing European bank with total assets of ISK 3,058 billion (EUR 33.4 bn) at year-end 2007
and a market capitalization of ISK 301 billion (EUR 3.05 bn) as of 28 February 2008. Through its extensive distribution network of 2,640 employees in
17 countries, Landsbanki is set to deliver targeted financial services based on local expertise for mid-cap corporations in Europe. Landsbanki provides
retail and corporate banking, investment banking, capital markets services, asset management and wealth management for private banking clients.
Landsbanki’s unique product line includes access to both debt and equity markets and its research department is among the most comprehensive
in Europe, including some 100 analysts covering close to 950 European stocks. Headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, Landsbanki Islands hf. is traded
on the NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland under the ticker LAIS. Landsbanki is rated by Moody’s (Aa3 / P-1 / C (under review) / Stable) and Fitch (A /
F1 / B/C / Stable). (www.landsbanki.com/IR)
Harvard Business School, Harvard University
Mr. Gregory S. Miller, Professor
Gregory S. Miller is an associate professor of business administration in the Accounting and Control Area of the Harvard Business School. His research
investigates financial communications, the process through which managers explain the firm to the external stakeholders. While capital providers
are the primary audience for this information, effective financial communication should also consider other stakeholders, such as customers,
employees and regulators. In addition to considering the audience, effective financial communication is designed to consider the information
intermediaries that follow the firm, the impact of the firm’s visibility and the importance of managerial credibility. Professor Miller’s research focuses
on examining the role of each of these components, as well as considering their complex interactions. His research has been published in peer
reviewed journals such as Journal of Accounting Research, The Accounting Review and Journal of Accounting and Economics. His second year MBA
elective “Accounting and Financial Communication” brings these issues into the classroom.
He has taught in the MBA, Doctoral and Executive education programs at Harvard Business School and in the Undergraduate program at the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Professor Miller received a B.S. in Accounting from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1990 and a Ph.D. in Business
Administration from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan) in 1998 and is a CPA. Prior to returning to school for his Ph.D., Professor Miller
worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. in the attestation services division.
Icelandic Banks: Perception versus Reality
Professor Miller will discuss views of Icelandic Banks from non-Icelandic entities such as the major ratings agencies and international press. One
goal of the discussion is to consider current views. More importantly, the presentation will address factors (such as language and cultural variables)
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that make it difficult for external entities to develop a confident understanding of Icelandic firms. Finally, Professor Miller will review some positive
developments that suggest external entities are beginning to develop a more nuanced view of Icelandic banks and the Icelandic economy.
About Harvard Business School
Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 200 offers
full-time programs leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 70 Executive Education programs. For almost a century, HBS faculty
have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who have
shaped the practice of business around the globe. (www.hbs.edu)
NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland
Moderator: Mr. Thordur Fridjonsson, CEO, NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland
Mr. Thordur Fridjonsson is CEO, NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland. Previous positions include roles as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
NOREX Alliance, General Director of the National Economic Institute, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, economic: advisor
to the Prime Minister, and lecturer at the Economic Department of the University of Iceland. On Iceland’s behalf, Mr. Thordur Fridjonsson has among
other things been a member of the Economic Policy Committee at OECD, an Alternate Governor at IMF and EBRD, and Chairman of the Nordic Project
Fund. Mr. Thordur Fridjonsson holds an M.A. degree in economics from Queen’s University in Canada and a Cand.oecon. degree from the University
of Iceland.
About Nasdaq OMX Exchange Iceland
The NASDAQ OMX Exchange Iceland is a stock exchange, operating in Reykjavik and is a part of the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. The daily turnover on the
Exchange is approximately USD340 million which is divided about equally between the equity and fixed-income markets. The market capitalization of
the 25 listed companies is USD35 billion which is about 180% of GDP, placing the Icelandic stock market among the largest in the world relative to the
size of the economy. The Icelandic market has experience tremendous growth in recent years with market capitalization of equities growing five-fold
and turnover 22-fold since 2001. (www.nasdaqomxgroup.com)
Evercore Partners
Jonathan A. Knee, Senior Managing Director
Jonathan Knee is a Senior Managing Director of Evercore Partners’ corporate advisory business. Prior to joining Evercore, Mr. Knee was a Managing
Director and Co-head of Morgan Stanley’s Media Group. He was previously Publishing Sector Head in the Communications, Media and Entertainment
Group at Goldman Sachs. Prior to becoming an investment banker, Mr. Knee was Director of International Affairs at United Airlines and served as
Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern University.
In recent notable transactions, Mr. Knee was involved in The Hearst Corporation’s investment in FitchRatings, the recapitalization of Freedom
Communications, the purchase of CBS MarketWatch by Dow Jones, NTL’s acquisition of Telewest, the purchase of Sprint’s directories by R.H. Donnelley,
the stock merger of Instinet with Island, the purchase by Thomson of Primark, the purchase of Harcourt General by Reed Elsevier as well as the sale of
VNU to the private equity consortia, J.D. Power and Associates to The McGraw-Hill Companies, Times Mirror to Tribune, Nielsen Media Research to VNU,
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World Color Press to Quebecor and Simon & Schuster to Pearson. Other transactions include the initial sale, subsequent IPO and two subsequent
resales of Petersen Publishing and the IPO of BSkyB.
Mr. Knee is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business where he teaches Media Mergers and Acquisitions
and Media Strategy and serves as the Director of the Media Program. Mr. Knee at present serves on the Board of Directors of Art Connection, Citizens’
Committee for Children of New York, National Women’s Law Center, New Alternatives for Children and the Yale Law School Fund. Mr. Knee received
a J.D. from Yale University, an M.B.A. from Stanford University, an M.Sc. from Trinity College, Dublin, and a B.A. from Boston University.
The New Mergers & Acquisition Environment
Continuing US and global macroeconomic issues are redefining the playing field for today’s multinational corporations engaged in significant
mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings and other strategic corporate transactions. Mr. Knee provides perspective on how to successfully
navigate through the challenges and realities of the new M&A environment.
About Evercore Partners
Established in 1996, Evercore Partners is a leading investment banking boutique providing advisory services to prominent multinational corporations
on significant mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings and other strategic corporate transactions. Evercore also has a successful investment
management business through which it also manages private equity and venture capital funds for sophisticated institutional investors. Evercore
serves a diverse set of clients and investors around the world from our offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Mexico City and
Monterrey. (www.evercore.com)
Baugur Group
Mr. Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson, Executive Chairman
Mr. Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson, Executive Chairman of Baugur Group, graduated from the Commercial College of Iceland in 1989. That same year he
founded the retail chain Bónus along with his father, Jóhannes Jónsson, on the premise that it would always offer the lowest prices on the Icelandic
food market. With new methods in retail operations, the company revolutionized the Icelandic food sector and was repeatedly voted Iceland’s
most popular business enterprise. In 1998 Mr. Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson became CEO of Baugur hf. In June 2007, Baugur announced organizational
changes designed to help position the Group for its next stage of expansion and international growth. Mr. Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson was appointed
Executive Chairman allowing his vision, drive and ability to identify new opportunities to be fully developed. In this position, he takes a leading role
in developing the retail market internationally, and in taking advantage of the extensive integration opportunities that will occur worldwide in the
coming years.
Breaking the Boundaries Through eCommerce and International Expansion
Building upon its solid portfolio, this Icelandic-based international retail investment firm is rapidly expanding into new markets. Mr. Jóhannesson
reveals the strategy to position the Group for its next stage of expansion and international growth via the online potential for its brands as well
developing its portfolio organically and through acquisition. The key, as always, is to find best of breed local partners and agents as well as coinvestors for joint ventures and franchises to build long-term, symbiotic relationships.
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About Baugur Group
Baugur Group is an international investment company focusing on investments within the fields of retail, financial investments and media in Iceland,
the UK, and Scandinavia. Privately owned, it has grown strongly over the past 10 years in its domestic and European markets, outperforming rivals
and delivering superior returns. Companies related to Baugur Group employ some 75,000 people worldwide in over 3,900 stores with a total
turnover of £9.8 billion. The CEO of Baugur Group is Gunnar Sigurðsson and the Executive Chairman is Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson.
Among Baugur’s principal retail investments are the supermarket chain Iceland, the toy retailer Hamleys, Woodward Foodservice, the jewellery
chain Goldsmiths, fashion chains MK One and Jane Norman, the health products chain Julian Graves, fashion company Mosaic Fashions, renowned
UK department store chain, House of Fraser, Hagar, Iceland’s largest retailer, the famous Danish department store chain Magasin du Nord and Illum,
one of Denmark’s largest department stores. Baugur also has a substantial, but non-controlling, indirect stake in the AIM-listed wholesaler Booker
Group.
Baugur’s main investments within the Media & Technology division are the media company 365 and the electronic communications and IT company
Teymi. Baugur Group is also a major shareholder in the Icelandic investment company FL Group. (www.baugurgroup.com)
Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.
Mr. Torsten Slok. Ph. D, Senior Economist, Global Economics
Mr. Torsten Slok joined Deutsche Bank Securities in the fall of 2005 and is a senior member of the Global Economics Team. Prior to joining the firm,
Mr. Slok worked for the OECD in Paris in the Money and Finance Division, as well as the Structural Policy Analysis Division. Before joining the OECD
he worked for four years at the IMF in the Division responsible for writing the World Economic Outlook and the Division responsible for China, Hong
Kong, and Mongolia.
Mr. Torsten Slok studied at University of Copenhagen and Princeton University. He has published numerous journal articles and reviews on economics
and policy analysis.
Keynote Address: Outlook for US Economy and the Fed
Torsten Slok will discuss the impact that the credit shock, the housing shock, and the oil shock will have on the US and the global economy.
About Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the
bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With 78,291 employees in 76 countries, Deutsche Bank offers
unparalleled financial services throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding
clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people.
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC, is the investment banking and securities arm of Deutsche Bank AG in the United
States. (www.db.com)
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Registration and Accommodation Details
How to register? Where to stay? Want to sign up for a one-on-one session? What to wear? Please see details below.
Registration
To register, contact Begga Laxdal via email at blax@mfa.is or by phone at 646-282-9362.
Please indicate if you are registering for both the pre-conference networking event and the one-day conference, or the conference only
The conference fee is $250 for IACC members; $300 for non-members. Preferred payment method is by credit card. Registration fee includes the
pre-conference networking reception and dinner on March 12, breakfast and luncheon the day of the conference, and all conference materials.
Registering for One on One Sessions
Following the conference, speakers will be available for one-on-one sessions by appointment only. The list of speakers available to participate
in these sessions will be issued shortly before the conference. Each break-out will last 45 minutes. Advance sign-up is required; to indicate your
interest in meeting with a speaker in this informal setting, send an email to Begga Laxdal’s attention at blax@mfa.is
About the Networking Reception and Dinner on March 12
Nixon Peabody LLP and Kaupthing Bank cordially invite you to a pre-conference networking reception and dinner at the Union League Club
(38 East 37th Street). Meet conference speakers and fellow participants during an enjoyable evening of excellent food, wine and conversation.
Cocktail reception begins at 7:00 pm in the Main Lounge. Dinner is in the Library Room at 8:00 pm.
What to Wear
Business dress (suits for men; suits/business dresses for women) is required for the pre-conference networking reception and dinner at the Union
League Club. Either business casual or business dress is acceptable attire the day of the conference.
Conference Hotel
A block of rooms have been reserved at the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel at the group rate of $329.00 per night for a Standard Room. Standard
rooms have a King or Queen bed, accommodate 1-2 people, and are high-speed internet access equipped.
Millennium UN Plaza Hotel
One United Nations Plaza
44th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenue)
New York, New York 10017
T: 1 (212) 758-1234
F: 1 (212) 702-5051
Reservations: Call 1.866.866.8086 or email unres1@mill-usa.com
Group code: ROICE
Reference group code ROICE to receive the group rate. Method of room guarantee is credit
card. Group rate may not be valid after February 28th if room block has sold out.
.
www.millineumhotels.com
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