Thought Leaders of Hedge Fund Industry Gather to Discuss Global Economic Outlook of Industry

Chicago, January 4th, 2010 – Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. announced today that Karl D’Cunha will speak on the "M&A 2010 – Defining the nature of industry consolidation – grab fest or search for strategic partners?" panel during the 2010 GAIM USA conference titled "The Global Economic Outlook, Political & Regulatory Agendas," on January 20th, 2010. The conference will be held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, located in Boca Raton, Florida.

“During these unprecedented times, we have been able to successfully advise and guide our clients through consolidation and M&A challenges and opportunities,” said Karl D’Cunha, Senior Managing Director at Houlihan Smith. "I am excited to be speaking at this event- our experience as seasoned investment bankers in the Hedge Fund industry will bring an interesting perspective to the panel’s discussion."

Karl D’Cunha is a Senior Managing Director at Houlihan Smith and oversees the firm’s financial advisory practice. He is head of the firm’s Hedge Fund Advisory services group and a team leader of the firm’s Technical Standards Committee. Mr. D’Cunha has over 13 years experience in the alternative investments industry, including working with some of the largest hedge funds globally on valuation, restructuring and M&A issues. Mr. D’Cunha has been actively involved in alternative and asset management industry related services since 1997 and has prepared, supervised, and consulted upon assignments to US and International private equity, venture capital and hedge funds, investment advisors, mutual funds and other entities.