Wyndham International Inc fka WBR

[plfminthemiddle]

Any word on dividends on this stock
?

[smpathy4dadevil]

I like wyndham. eom

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indeed, WBR was good to me, but it could have been even better. Oh, well I am now left to play with TMTA even more...

[smpathy4dadevil]

:(

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yeah, party is kind of over...

[smpathy4dadevil]

Hedge funds have us by the gazoonkas! lol

[smpathy4dadevil]

WBR going up IMO !

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Wyndham Sells 25 Non-Strategic Assets to a Partnership Comprised of a Private Investment Fund Managed by Goldman Sachs and Affiliates of Highgate Holdings
Business Wire - December 31, 2004 08:00

Transaction Concludes Company's Planned Asset Disposition Program; Company Retains Wyndham-Branded Assets Pursuant to New Franchise Agreements

DALLAS, Dec 31, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 25 non-strategic hotels to a partnership comprised of a private investment fund managed by Goldman Sachs and affiliates of Highgate Holdings (15 Wyndham-branded and 10 non-proprietary hotels). The purchase price of the transaction is $366 million. As part of the agreement, all 15 Wyndham-branded assets will remain in the brand's portfolio pursuant to new franchise agreements. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2005.

"The sale of these 25 hotels completes our planned disposition program, a key component of our strategic plan announced in June 1999," stated Fred J. Kleisner, chairman, president, and chief executive officer for Wyndham. "Wyndham's positioning as a branded hotel operating company solely focused on our core Wyndham brand has been realized."

The 25 properties included in the agreement: the Doubletree Tallahassee, Fla.; Doubletree Des Plaines, Ill.; Doubletree Minneapolis; Marriott Atlanta North Central; Hyatt Lexington (Ky.); Hilton Denver; Hilton Newark, N.J.; Hilton Cleveland; Holiday Inn Houston; Radisson Town & Country (Houston); Wyndham Arlington (Texas); Wyndham Andover (Ma.); Wyndham Westborough (Ma.); Wyndham City Center (Washington, D.C.); Wyndham Commerce (Ca.); Wyndham Dallas Market Center; Wyndham Grand Bay - Coconut Grove (Miami); Wyndham Harrisburg (Pa.); Wyndham Las Colinas (Irving, Texas); Wyndham Newark Airport; Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport; Wyndham Syracuse (NY); Wyndham Toledo (Ohio); Wyndham Westshore (Tampa, Fla.); and the Wyndham Indianapolis.

As of Dec. 31, 2004, this transaction will result in a $49 million non-cash impairment to the book values of certain assets to be sold. Upon the close of the transaction in 2005 a gain of approximately $34 million will be recorded on the remainder of the assets in the portfolio.

Over the last five years, Wyndham has sold approximately 180 non-strategic properties for gross proceeds of over $2.5 billion while growing its core Wyndham brand portfolio to over 150 hotels across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The net proceeds from the asset sales have been used to reduce debt and overall Company leverage.

Kleisner added, "Now that our formal asset disposition program is complete, the reduction of our Company debt allows us to take advantage of the current capital market conditions and refinance our 2006 corporate debt maturities. The reduction of debt also allows us to invest in our remaining 33 owned assets through high return investment projects and access capital for brand growth in strategic markets."

Jonathan Falik of JF Capital Advisors, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. advised Wyndham on the transaction.

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Wyndham and Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners Form Joint Venture to Expand and Develop Summerfield Suites by Wyndham Brand
Business Wire - December 23, 2004 07:00

Wyndham Sells Six Properties and Partial Ownership of the Summerfield Suites by Wyndham Brand

DALLAS, Dec 23, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR) and Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners (LBREP) have formed a joint venture to expand and develop Summerfield Suites by Wyndham, Wyndham's upscale, extended-stay brand. The transaction, which closed on Wednesday, Dec. 22, included the sale of six Summerfield Suites by Wyndham properties and the sale of a partnership interest in its Summerfield brand to Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners for approximately $105 million.

"Summerfield Suites by Wyndham is a proven brand, and its RevPAR consistently outperforms the entire extended-stay segment. We have long believed that the brand strength of Summerfield Suites could be realized to its full potential through a joint venture partnership, and expect this joint venture with Lehman will enable the brand to grow exponentially in the next decade," stated Fred J. Kleisner, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Wyndham International.

The joint venture, which will be equally controlled by both partners, will establish an independent, well-capitalized company focused exclusively on the Summerfield Suites by Wyndham brand. The new entity, which will be located in Dallas, will be actively engaged in property management, franchise sales and the development of new Summerfield Suites by Wyndham properties.

As part of the transaction, LBREP will seek opportunities to finance the development of additional Summerfield Suites by Wyndham properties. Raymond C. Mikulich, managing director of Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners stated, "Lehman Brothers is delighted to partner with Wyndham to expand the highly regarded Summerfield brand. We look forward to working with owners and developers to meaningfully expand the brand's distribution network."

LBREP will acquire the hotels and interest in the Summerfield Suites brand in partnership with the Gencom Group, a private, Miami-based hospitality investment firm.

Summerfield Suites by Wyndham offers upscale, all-suite accommodations complete with signature Wyndham amenities and services in a unique residential-style setting in urban and suburban markets. Currently, the brand consists of 23 properties located throughout the U.S. and one in the Cayman Islands.

The six Summerfield Suites by Wyndham hotels included in the transaction are located in Denver; Miami; Morristown, N.J.; Whippany, N.J.; Waltham, Mass.; and Seattle.

Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners is a full-service real estate merchant banking fund. This global real estate private equity fund makes direct private equity investments in properties, real estate companies, and service businesses ancillary to the real estate industry in domestic and international markets. As of Nov. 30, 2004, the fund had committed more than $1.8 billion of equity across 66 investments.

Based in Dallas, Wyndham International, Inc. offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Wyndham owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and guarantees that the best rates for its properties will be found on its proprietary Web site. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.wyndham.com or call 800-WYNDHAM. Wyndham is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (www.globalhotelalliance.com), a worldwide union of hospitality companies that provides guests with unique, personalized guest services.

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Just broke $1. Nice.

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12-06-04 1641ET

*DJ Viva Wyndham Resorts Buys Samana Resort For $20M

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Q3 Results:

Wyndham Intl 3Q Losses $15.6M Vs $89.1M

Wyndham Intl 3Q Rev $204.4M Vs $181.8M, +12%

Wyndham Intl 3Q Losses 35c A Shr Vs 76c

Wyndham Intl Sees Realignment Cutting Costs $10M-$12M/Yr

Wyndham Intl Backs Outlook

Wyndham Intl Still Sees Year Adjusted EBITDA $265M-$275M

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Q3 Results out. Looks very good on the first look.

[smpathy4dadevil]

WBR NEWS W/ Robert Diniro
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5405343/

New York City group to develop Wyndham restaurant
By Toya Richards Hill
Business First of Louisville
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET July 11, 2004

A New York City-based restaurant group that has actor Robert DeNiro among its restaurant investors has been hired to consult with the owners of the new hotel going in on West Main Street.

advertisement
Myriad Restaurant Group is working with West Main Museum and Hotel LLC to develop and bring to fruition the restaurant slated for a 90-room hotel that is being developed in a historic property at 700 W. Main St. West Main Museum and Hotel LLC is led by husband and wife Laura Lee Brown and Steven Wilson.

"We started to work with them, I would say, early this year," said Michael Bonadies, a partner in Myriad Restaurant Group. The company has been retained to help develop "the food and beverage business, conceptualize and help design the restaurant and bar," he said.

Myriad also will help staff the restaurant and assist with its opening, Bonadies said. "Then the hotel management will at some point take over," he said.

The hotel will be managed by Dallas-based Wyndham International Inc., and the property is expected to be completed by fall 2005.
Casual, relaxed atmosphere planned

Among the restaurants Myriad owns are Tribeca Grill and Nobu in New York City and Rubicon in San Francisco, all three of which have DeNiro as an investor.

Myriad also operates restaurants in such cities as Boca Raton, Fla., Washington, D.C., and Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Bonadies said that although Myriad's restaurants "are all different," the Louisville restaurant perhaps will be most like Tribeca Grill because of its location in a historic building.

He said the restaurant will be located on one level and will front on West Main Street. Bonadies said the hallmark of the restaurant will be its casual, "accessible" atmosphere in light of the fact that "fine dining is really dying."

"It will not be a special-occasion restaurant," Bonadies said. "It's not going to be uptight or stuffy or formal."

"It will be a place that you can go more than once a week," he said. And, there will be "food for the adventurous and food for people that aren't adventurous."
Group's entry into mid-America

Wilson, of West Main Museum and Hotel LLC, said he is pleased to be working with Myriad Restaurant Group.

"They've not done (a restaurant) in mid-America, so we are thrilled to have them," he said. Myriad is "one of the best restaurant consulting firms in the country."

Wilson concurred with Bonadies regarding the style planned for the restaurant. "We're hoping to have great food but be a friendly restaurant.''
© 2004 Business First of Louisville

[smpathy4dadevil]

Hold on we are going to $2 dollars!!

[smpathy4dadevil]

ABOUT Global Hotel Alliance

Welcome to the new hotel partnership known as the Global Hotel Alliance. World travelers know how challenging navigating the world can be and how choosing the right hotel can be the difference between an average and sensational trip! The Global Hotel Alliance is all about giving you peace of mind that you have made the right accommodation choice. Four prominent hotel brands – Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – have created an Alliance with the promise to deliver great service, recognition and value across the world.

Each of the founding partners is renowned in its respective homeland region as a quality hotel group with a genuine commitment to guest recognition and service. Kempinski Hotels & Resorts: Europe; Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts: Pacific Rim; Rydges Hotels & Resorts: Australia; and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: North America. The Global Hotel Alliance consists of over 235 hotels and resorts located in over 150 destinations in more than fifty-five countries with some 63,000 rooms worldwide.

The Global Hotel Alliance is striving to make sure that the barriers that can get lost in translation across cultures, countries and time zones do not impact your hotel experience. The Global Hotel Alliance partner’s have made a commitment to universally recognize members of each partner’s guest recognition program and treat them with extra-special care and attention. Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts have formed this Alliance because of their strong commitment to delivering great service and genuine hospitality across the world. For more details visit our Guest Programs section.

The Global Hotel Alliance’s one-stop Internet site is the gateway to access each partner’s Internet site and booking system. A unique Global Hotel Alliance logo has been created to make it easy for guests to recognize partner properties all over the world, so keep a look out for this new mark that will emerge on marketing material across all the partner brands.

PARTNERS

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts
Kempinski Hotels & Resorts is the oldest luxury hotel collection in Europe, acquiring its first property in 1897. While the group was founded in Germany, its portfolio is now spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia with luxury properties in locations such as Beijing, Berlin, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Dresden, Istanbul, Marrakech and St. Moritz. Rich in tradition, it comprises a fine collection of sumptuous hotels and resorts, from the truly historic to the breathtakingly avant-garde. Each luxurious retreat blends gracefully into its surroundings and offers elegant accommodation, exceptional cuisine and unrivaled facilities, complemented by impeccable personal service.

For both business and leisure travelers, the name Kempinski has long been synonymous with style, nobility and efficiency. Put simply, it is the first choice for the discerning individual.

Hotels in Germany, Europe, Asia, the Middle East/Africa, and South America

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to providing world travelers with an excellent choice of hotels and services in prime locations throughout the Pacific Rim, ranging from secluded island resorts to city-center hotels. Pan Pacific is a hotel group dedicated to personalized care because it genuinely cares. These simple words stand for a very big idea - that a large hotel group can also be personal. Pan Pacific holds true to this promise every time it meets the unique needs of an individual. It proves this by listening so well that it can sometimes anticipate requests, not just answer them. Pan Pacific takes pride in balancing the needs of all of its stakeholders - owners, guests, associates and the communities in which it operates. Pan Pacific is different where the differences count. With twenty-three hotels and resorts located in eleven countries, it blends the best of international service standards with a style of hospitality that reflects each property’s unique local culture.

Hotels in Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Palau, Canada, and the United States

Rydges Hotels & Resorts
Rydges Hotels & Resorts is a fresh and innovative Australian hotel brand that prides itself on a friendly, genuine approach to service and hospitality. The carefree and natural attitude that is synonymous with life “Down Under” is firmly entrenched in the character and personality of each Rydges hotel or resort. Over the past fifteen years, it has expanded to be the third largest hotel group in the Australasian region with a presence in key city and holiday destinations. With thirty-three hotels and resorts located in six countries, it provides a quality international standard of service and product that blends perfectly with the flexibility and charm of the local destinations.

Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, and the United Kingdom

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is an innovative, upscale hotel brand with properties in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Wyndham’s brand philosophy centers on listening and responding to the needs of all travelers through Wyndham ByRequestTM, its guest recognition program. Its underlying mission is to enrich lifestyle through superior hospitality experiences. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find the services and amenities you would expect at a world-class hotel, but it offers more than just physical comforts. Its people are ready and waiting to take care of every detail. With over 150 hotels and resorts located in five countries, Wyndham is recognized as one of the world’s premier hoteliers that truly reacts to the needs of all travelers.

Hotels in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom

Back to top

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Wyndham Expands Pennsylvania Distribution
Wednesday June 2, 2:30 pm ET
Wyndham Reading Joins Upscale Wyndham Brand

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 2004--Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR - News) announced today that it has entered into a long-term franchise agreement to brand a hotel located in Reading, Pa. The hotel is slated to convert to the Wyndham brand in the third quarter 2004, expanding the Company's distribution in a key, suburban market.

"The momentum behind our franchise program is reaching new heights," said Fred J. Kleisner, Wyndham's chairman and chief executive officer. "With the saturation of many larger brands in markets across the U.S., we're experiencing a large increase in franchise conversion inquiries, and our pipeline is full with upcoming franchise conversions as many hotel owners are making the decision to convert their assets to the Wyndham brand. These owners know their properties will be more distinguished behind the strength of our customer-focused programs and innovative distribution system. We welcome our new franchise partners to the Wyndham brand, and the addition of the Wyndham Reading to our brand portfolio."

Through a franchise agreement with Genesis Ventures I, the Lincoln Plaza Hotel in Reading, Pa. will be branded with the Wyndham name, expanding Wyndham's Pennsylvania presence. Originally opened in 1928, the 104-room Wyndham Reading is situated in the heart of downtown Reading, with easy access to nearby outlet malls, historic sites and the Pennsylvania Dutch Amish Country. In addition, the Wyndham Reading has been selected as the preferred hotel for the Sovereign Center and Sovereign Performing Arts Center, both within walking distance from the property.

"We are thrilled with the prospects that lie ahead for this historic property. Although the road has been rough, we are confident that the future shows great promise under the Wyndham flag. This property always deserved to be a focal point for the revitalization of downtown Reading, as it has always played an important part in the lives of so many people in Berks County. Both Richard Barnhart and I are happy and excited to play a part in positioning it so it can once again fulfill its role as one of the leading attractions in Reading," stated John Rosenthal, chairman and partner of Genesis Ventures I.

Inns of Distinction, a hotel management and consulting firm led by Frank D. Reagoso, Jr, will manage the Wyndham Reading. Inns of Distinction specialize in hotel development, marketing and hospitality management services.

The hotel features a fitness center, concierge services, complimentary airport shuttle and approximately 9,500 sq. ft. of meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 500 guests and an elegant onsite restaurant and tavern serving continental cuisine. The Wyndham Reading marks the company's eighth property in the state.

Prior to conversion, the property will undergo a renovation program that will include the addition of Wyndham's brand standards and brand-defining programs such as Wyndham's Room That Performs(SM) guest room experience program, which provides high-speed Internet access (free of charge to Wyndham ByRequest® members); a two-line cordless speaker phone; a high-performance, ergonomic, Herman Miller® desk chair; and upgraded Serta® plush top mattresses with luxury bedding. In addition, the hotel will offer Wyndham ByRequest, the brand's guest recognition program, developed by Wyndham to deliver on its brand philosophy of empowering guests to achieve a more customized hotel experience.

Based in Dallas, Wyndham International, Inc. offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Wyndham owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and guarantees that the best rates for its properties will be found on its proprietary Web site. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.wyndham.com or call 800-WYNDHAM. Wyndham is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (www.globalhotelalliance.com), a worldwide union of hospitality companies that provides guests with unique, personalized guest services.

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I myself have an average somewhere between $0.45-$0.5. Well, I guess a few cents won't make a difference ( I only post the price since u did). - mainly find this interesting as a high risk long term capital play, since current management strikes me as able enough to overcome their current troubles. Some positive events I imagine could trigger some sweet upward avalanche in the not so distant future. Actually, the higher the stock price the better the picture gets. Maybe if the price is high enough they could even tap the stock market to get rid of some of their dept without causing significant dilution.

Anyway, I myself will add occasionaly pieces to my position only in case I see the undervaluation striking enough to serve me a free lunch (lately the picture got better little by little).

What exactly reminds you of TIWI and CCK? Thanks.

S.

[69charger]

been here since the recent dip to .67 and buyin on dips.this one reminds me of TIWI and CCK.chris

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Somebody still here?

[smpathy4dadevil]

Wyndham International Successfully Amends Senior Credit Facilities
Monday June 2, 8:07 am ET
Maturities To Be Extended To 2006


DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 2003--Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR - News) announced today the successful amendment of its senior corporate credit facilities with a consortium of lenders led by J.P. Morgan Chase, as administrative agent. Pursuant to the terms of the amendments, the maturity date of Wyndham's increasing rate loans (IRLs) and revolving credit facility, which are currently scheduled to mature on June 30, 2004, will be extended to April 1, 2006, upon satisfaction of certain conditions. As a result of the extensions, there would be no significant corporate facility maturities until 2006.
To effect the maturity extensions, Wyndham must repay certain levels of existing debt under the corporate credit facilities, among other requirements, within nine months. Excess proceeds of financings and asset sales will be applied to meet the target repayments. Over 95 percent of the IRLs and revolving credit facility lenders voted in favor of the amendment, and the loans held by the non-consenting lenders will retain the original maturity date.

"This amendment is a significant achievement for our company," stated Fred J. Kleisner, Wyndham's chairman and chief executive officer. "This, coupled with our continued focus on operational initiatives, positions us to take full advantage of the economic recovery when it occurs. We especially appreciate the vote of confidence from our lenders whose support is instrumental to our success."

Wyndham International, Inc. offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Based in Dallas, Wyndham International owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com. For reservations, call 800-Wyndham.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including projections about future operating results. The Company's results, expectations and objectives could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the availability of equity or debt financing at terms and conditions favorable to Wyndham; risks associated with the course of litigation; Wyndham's ability to effect sales of assets on favorable terms and conditions; Wyndham's ability to integrate acquisitions into its operations and management; risks associated with the hotel industry and real estate markets in general; competition within the lodging industry; the impact of general economic conditions; travelers' fears of exposure to contagious diseases; the impact of terrorist activity or war, threats of terrorist activity or war and responses thereto on the economy in general and the travel and hotel industries in particular; risks associated with debt financing; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the company's annual, quarterly and current reports, and proxy statements.



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Contact:
Wyndham International, Inc.
Analyst Inquiries:
Elizabeth Williams, 214/863-1389
[e-mail]
or
Media Inquiries:
Darcie Brossart, 214/863-1335
[e-mail]



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Source: Wyndham International, Inc.

[smpathy4dadevil]

WBR rated BUY Zacks Research.


Rate a BUY buy Zacks


http://my.zacks.com/reports/reports.php3?&ticker=WBR&type=20


WBR Whyndham book value 6
http://biz.yahoo.com/p/w/wbr.html


WBR Wyndham hotel getting 425 million from Lehman brothers


LEHMAN lends WBR cash


http://biz.yahoo.com/oo/030430/78616.html


Excellent Quarter. news


http://biz.yahoo.com/cc/0/29350.html





after market quotes


http://quotes.nasdaq.com/quote.dll?mode=frameset&kind=&symbol=WBR&FormType=&mkttype=...

[smpathy4dadevil]

PENNY SHOCK:
Almost 100 penny stock companies claim that they are the victims of naked short selling being facilitated by the big brokerage firms. The taking of a short position without first borrowing the stock is at issue.
- Getty Images

May 18, 2003 -- Gary Valinoti had a crazy idea in the late 1990s - create a broadcast channel to compete with CNBC.
It turned into his worst nightmare. Valinoti, CEO of Jag Media Holdings, which runs stock-market Web site JagNotes.com, now may be creating a nightmare for the Street's largest brokerages and settlement firms.

Almost 100 penny stock companies - Jag Media included - have claimed that in the past that they are the victims of naked short selling, which is being facilitated by the big brokerage firms: the taking of a short position without first borrowing the stock.

Owners of the penny stocks claim brokerages are lending shares that don't exist to short sellers, who in turn are driving down the companies' stock prices.


Many have ordered trading in their stocks to be done through "certificate only" trading, meaning that to trade or short the stock, the brokerages must obtain the actual stock certificate.

Valinoti' going a step further: Jag Media filed a lawsuit last summer in District Court in Harris County, Texas, that accused more than 150 of Wall Street's biggest brokerages of improperly closing short trades and failing to identify borrowed shares.

The defending brokerAges - including Merrill Lynch, and units of J.P Morgan and Goldman Sachs - have sought dismissal of the Texas lawsuit, and the judge is expected to make a decision shortly.

To press the issue, Jag Media announced a special dividend in mid-March, but available only to those shareholders who could produce their stock certificates.

"We just wanted the brokerage firms to open their books and show us who owns our stock," Valinoti said.

The announcement sent shareholders to their brokers, who in turn went to the depository trust companies, both here and in Canada, that house all companies' stock certificates in this age of computer transfer.

Jag Media tried this ploy before, sending shareholders scurrying for their certificates. And like before, the result confirmed suspicions.

Many brokerages didn't have the certificates. Instead they just had IOUs for them, mostly from other brokerages and settlement firms.

A.G. Edwards, UBS PaineWebber, Spear Leeds (the settlement unit of Goldman Sachs) and several others came up short in the number of stock certificates shareholders were asking for, according to several e-mails between Jag Media and a number of brokerages, which were made available to The Post.

In an April 17 e-mail to Jag Media, A.G. Edwards reported a 520,000 share shortfall in the number of Jag Media certificates it had on hand. The firm blamed the depository trusts and other brokerages for not being able to locate the certificates.

"I have spoken to other firms and they are having the same problems that we have due to other firms also owing the shares," the e-mail stated. A.G. Edwards refused to comment on the situation.

Several e-mails also indicated Spear Leeds was facing a similar shortfall. A Goldman Sachs spokesman said the firm resubmitted its certificate requests to the depository trusts on Thursday and is awaiting delivery.

Given these shortfalls and the short interest in Jag Media stock, which Valinoti estimates is five times its 37 million outstanding shares, it appeared firms were trading shares without eventually establishing ownership via the stock certificates - a violation of regulatory requirements.

"Naked short sellers are destroying [us], and I caught them," Valinoti said, adding that if the big brokerages are allowing naked short selling to happen, they are leaving themselves on the hook for shares they can't produce.

"If that happens, the entire settlement system is going to collapse."

His suggestion? Force the brokerages to buy the missing shares - a solution that could inflate the stock prices of many penny stocks, including Jag Media.

Now that sounds like a dream.


http://www.nypost.com/business/75908.htm

[smpathy4dadevil]

Wyndham International Develops New Franchise Partnership With Aimbridge Hospitality
Thursday May 8, 4:54 pm ET
Eight Wyndham Garden Hotels Mark First Agreement Between the Two Companies


DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2003--Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR - News) announced today a new franchise partnership with Aimbridge Hospitality, a newly formed, Dallas-based hotel management company, led by former Wyndham executives, Les Bentley and Dave Johnson. The management of eight Wyndham Garden Hotels recently purchased by Crow Holdings marks the first agreement between Wyndham and Aimbridge Hospitality, and serves as Aimbridge's maiden voyage into the hotel management arena.
"Many of the senior people at Crow Holdings and Aimbridge Hospitality were instrumental in building the Wyndham brand, and more specifically, developing the Wyndham Garden Hotel concept," stated Wyndham International Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fred J. Kleisner. "As franchise partners, we now look forward to building these former associate relationships into mutually successful business futures."

Aimbridge Hospitality Chief Executive Officer, Dave Johnson stated, "While leaving Wyndham after 15 years with the company was a difficult decision, this was an opportune time to build a hotel management company by capitalizing on the industry's current cycle. Additionally, the new franchise partnership allows me to keep my Wyndham affiliation close at hand while expanding my efforts into other upscale, hotel brands."

Wyndham properties now managed by Aimbridge include:

Wyndham Garden Hotel - Charlotte, N.C.
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Brookfield, Wis.
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Novi, Mich.
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Dallas Park Central
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Pleasanton, Calif.
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Wood Dale, Ill.
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Schaumburg, Ill.
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Overland Park, Kan.

This new partnership between Wyndham and Aimbridge is the Wyndham brand's largest franchise agreement to date.

Crow Holdings, Aimbridge's capital partner for the eight Wyndham Garden Hotels, is a group of international holding companies that own and direct the investments of the Trammel Crow family and its invested partners. The Crow family founded Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in 1981, and remains one of the company's largest shareholders.

Wyndham International, Inc. offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Based in Dallas, Wyndham owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com. For reservations, call 800-WYNDHAM.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Wyndham International, Inc.
Darcie Brossart, 214/863-1335
[e-mail]