Press Release

Global Shares and Citi Smith Barney agree to jointly provide a new generation of Equity Plan Administration to their global clients

Citi Smith Barney, a leading provider of stock plan administration and execution, has entered into an agreement with Global Shares, an independent provider of stock plan administration and consulting services, whereby they will be working together to service select clients around the globe.

Citi Smith Barney continually seeks to identify and partner with those firms who can augment and improve the services provided to its corporate clients and through this agreement, Citi Smith Barney and Global Shares can continue to extend their combined reach into the expanding global marketplace. Both Citi Smith Barney and Global Shares are pleased with the agreement, which was announced today, by Michael Martin T.D., the Irish Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

With more than 700 corporate clients, Citi Smith Barney is an industry leader in the administration of equity compensation plans. With a worldwide presence, including call centers on three continents, they service clients in 90 countries who trade on 11 exchanges.

Global Shares is based in West Cork, Ireland with operations in the United States, United Kingdom and China. It is currently supporting corporate clients on 4 continents, including the US, UK, China, South America and throughout Europe.

“By combining the talent and experience of two companies committed to excellent customer service, we have developed a partnership which should yield tremendous value to our joint clients both now and in the future. I appreciate the Minister joining us in New York to personally make this announcement”, said Carine Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Global Shares.

The partnership between the two firms will position both to meet the increasingly complex needs of global companies and their key executives.

Dave Schrohe, Managing Director of Citi Smith Barney Corporate Client Group stated; “We are truly excited about the opportunity to partner with Global Shares and believe that this combination leverages the talent and resources of Citi Smith Barney and Global Shares to focus on delivering scalable, cost effective solutions to our clients.”

Maoiliosa O’Culachain, Chief Operating Officer of Global Shares adds, “Global Shares greatly appreciates the support the company has received from the Minister and from Enterprise Ireland when setting up and developing a world class service for companies globally from West Cork, thereby providing excellent career prospects for many well educated young people in Ireland and the United States and the other countries in which Global Shares has operations.” For additional information please contact: Global Shares, Robin Silke, 925-216-0404, .

About Global Shares
Global Shares’ mission is to support all companies that provide equity to their employees through administration and related consulting services to optimize the benefits for both the companies and their employees, by combining world class expertise, leading edge technology with excellent client service and total flexibility. Headquartered in West Cork, Ireland, it has operations in the US, UK and China.

(from left) Dave Schrohe, Managing Director of Citigroup, Carine Schneider, CEO of Global Shares,
& Michael Martin, Irish Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Emploment

(from left) Michael Martin, Irish Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Employment,
Dave Schrohe, Managing Director of Citigroup,
Director of Enterprise Ireland, New York, and Frank Ryan, Director of Enterprise Ireland