Auriemma Consulting Launches Cardbeat in the United Kingdom.

WESTBURY, N.Y. -- Auriemma Consulting Group (ACG) will launch a United Kingdom edition of Cardbeat([R]) in early 2007. Cardbeat is ACG's industry-leading syndicated market research survey. The UK edition Cardbeat will be published quarterly in support of the firm's consulting efforts based out of its newest office in London's West End.

Similar to the US edition, Cardbeat-UK will compile brand perceptions and credit card usage patterns of consumers. The first report, based on data collected in January 2007, will be available to subscribers in mid- to late February.

"We are looking forward to the launch of Cardbeat-UK, specifically because it will provide our UK clients with timely, concise and actionable consumer-level data that can be used to validate existing and developing strategies," says Michael Lenora, Managing Director of ACG's UK business.

Each issue of Cardbeat features Trend Database and In Focus sections. Trend Database tracks historical consumer opinion of the metrics that shape the credit card industry, including pricing and relationship patterns (activity, volume, etc.) on consumers' most frequently used cards. A new In Focus topic is generally commissioned by subscribers each month and reflects consumer opinion of a pertinent topic. Recent topics covered in the In Focus section of the US edition have included rewards program valuation, identity theft, debit rewards, solicitation opt-outs, and online account servicing.

"In addition to approximately 50 pages of fresh and compelling consumer data each quarter, Cardbeat-UK subscribers have access to ACG's Knowledge Management team for further insight to survey results. They also may request specific In Focus questions as part of their subscription fee," says Megan Bramlette, Managing Editor of both the US and UK editions of Cardbeat.

In January 2007 issue, Cardbeat-UK will ask British consumers the same questions the 12-year-old US edition asks American consumers. As a special bonus to celebrate the launch, Cardbeat-UK and Cardbeat-US subscribers will receive both editions of the January issue so that they may compare and contrast British and American public opinions.

Cardbeat is a syndicated market research study from Auriemma Consulting Group that provides insight into how consumer perceptions impact credit card acquisition and usage. ACG is a management consulting firm in the payments and lending industry with offices in New York and London. For further information, contact Megan Bramlette at 516.333.4800 or [e-mail].