CHICAGO, Ill. (October 15, 2008) – Palisades Financial, a leading real estate investment banking and advisory firm headquartered in Fort Lee, N.J., was named Real Estate Manager of the Year at the Emerging Managers Summit, sponsored by Opal Financial Group.

The conference, held annually in Chicago, brings together a diverse group of performance-oriented investment professionals to explore the benefits and opportunities offered by investing in emerging managers as well as new strategies for implementing their programs. The event also serves as a networking opportunity, bringing together a variety of emerging managers as well as minority-owned manager funds and other high-potential smaller investment firms.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our achievements at this summit,” said Ira Bergstein, principal of Palisades Financial. “We have been able to build a cohesive team at Palisades Financial that understands investment opportunities and identifies real estate with significant potential. Our flexible capital structure also allows us to quickly capitalize on new opportunities.”

Bergstein spoke about the best asset classes and investment styles for an emerging manager and when to consider niche investment strategies. Bergstein attended the conference along with Palisades Financial’s associate Martin McGinley.

“This conference is one of the most well attended in the country, bringing together some of the best and brightest from all areas of investment,” McGinley said. “Having the opportunity to learn from and network with some of the nation’s most connected investment professionals is a truly great opportunity.”

The judging panel for the Real Estate Manager of the Year Award was composed of industry specialists as well as leading institutional and private investors. The award recognized emerging managers with proven results and high potential.

Palisades Financial
Palisades Financial, an investment banking and advisory firm specializing in commercial real estate and secured corporate lending has successfully completed over $2 billion in transactions in 14 states. In 2002, Palisades Financial launched its first real estate private equity fund, Palisades Regional Investment Fund I, which invested in transactions valued at over $500 million. The company subsequently launched its second fund, Palisades Regional Investment Fund II, and is raising $200 million to invest in transactions ranging from $2 million to $50 million plus.

Palisades Financial originates bridge and mezzanine financings secured by a variety of property types, including land, retail, multi-family, office, light industrial and specialty use properties. Borrowers have utilized Palisades Financial proceeds for acquisitions, development, construction and recapitalizations. Palisades Financial also invests directly in real property and acquires non-performing mortgages. Both Palisades Financial and the Palisades Regional Investment Funds are based in Fort Lee, New Jersey. For more information, call 201-894-5000 or visit www.palfi.net.