NEW YORK, July 23, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference, LLP (SRFF), has maintained its position as the leading issuer law firm of private investments in public equity (PIPE) transactions, garnering the top spot in PlacementTracker's First Half 2008 PIPE Market League Tables. During the first two quarters of 2008, SRFF completed 16 transactions raising a total of $79.5 million.

This top position is not new to SRFF, as it marks the 50th consecutive month the firm has ranked #1. The ranking also reflects the strong growth SRFF has demonstrated over the last four years. In 2007, the firm represented 62 issuers in transactions totaling $346 million for an average of $6.2 million per transaction. When initially ranked #1 in 2004, the firm represented 39 issuers in $155 million of PIPE transactions averaging $4 million each. Numbers the following year rose to 60 deals totaling $234 million and averaging $4 million, and in 2006, the firm represented 70 issuers in transactions valued at $276 million and averaging $4 million.

``It has been a very tough market over the last several months. Nevertheless, we have continued to get a significant amount of transactions completed and maintain our position as the leading issuer law firm in PIPE transactions, which I believe is directly attributable to our distinct mix of industry and transaction expertise and our dedication to meeting our clients' needs,'' commented Gregory Sichenzia, founding partner of SRFF.

PlacementTracker is a flagship product of Sagient Research Systems, and well recognized as the leading provider of research, data, and analytics covering the PIPE market.

About Sagient Research Systems

Sagient Research Systems is a publisher of independent research. It develops, produces, and sells proprietary research products to mutual funds, hedge funds, and investment banks. Its business strategy is to continue to leverage our development, technology, and marketing expertise to solidify our position as a leading provider of independent research to the financial services and institutional investment communities. For more information, please visit http://www.sagientresearch.com.

About Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP (SRFF)

Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP (SRFF) provides experienced, professional representation in all matters involving the securities industry, as well as in all general corporate and litigation matters. SRFF's clients range from start-ups to established, listed companies. They include private and public corporations, partnerships, broker-dealers, bank-affiliated broker-dealers, investment advisors, registered personnel, public and corporate customers and investors, partnerships and other entities. SRFF also advises institutional investors on transactions involving complex securities law considerations. The firm's practice includes the representation of clients located in the United States and throughout the world, including Argentina, Austria, Australia, Canada, China, Vietnam, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit http://www.SRFF.com.

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