Diligence, LLC Expands Into the Middle East; New Subsidiary Focuses on Security in Iraq and Launches Comprehensive Information Services in Region.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Diligence, LLC announced today the establishment of a new subsidiary in the Middle East, focusing on security services for Iraq and growing the company's full array of information collection and analysis services in the Persian Gulf region.

The new subsidiary -- Diligence Middle East, LLC (DME) -- will build on the success of the firm's Baghdad office, which opened in July to provide security services to companies involved in Iraqi reconstruction.

Diligence's activities in Iraq have grown to encompass payroll protection and delivery around the country, personnel and facilities security, due diligence on potential Iraqi business partners and companies, screening of local potential hires, vetting, training and management of security personnel for guard work and close protection services, and the provision of daily intelligence briefs.

"We are able to provide the highest quality information and security work available in Iraq because we have a core staff of more than 150 Iraqis with local knowledge, operating as full time project managers, security trainers, intelligence officers and security staff," said Mike Baker, CEO of Diligence, LLC. "By doing so, we are creating a solid, long-lasting, truly Iraqi company with a vested interest in its own success."

As it expands its operations, Diligence Middle East will benefit from the business experience and regional expertise of its newest partner, the Kuwaiti- based Al-Mal Investment Company, whose chairman is Mohammed Al-Sagar. Mr. Al- Sagar is a leading member of the Al-Sagar group of companies. Al-Mal joins in partnership with DME alongside DME's other partner, the Washington based New Bridge Strategies.

"The opportunity for business growth in the Middle Easthas never been better," said Richard Burt, chairman of Diligence, LLC. "Based on the success we've seen already in Iraq, we are excited about the role that Diligence Middle East will play in the entire region." Burt will serve as co-chairman of the new subsidiary along with Joe Allbaugh, who previously served as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Bush Administration.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Miami, London and Geneva, Diligence LLC specializes in the provision of timely and accurate commercial and competitive information, analysis, due diligence and security services to Fortune 500 companies and leading financial institutions around the world. For more information, visit http://www.diligencellc.com/.

CONTACT: Mike Baker, U.S., [phone], or Nick Day, U.K., [phone], both of Diligence, LLC

Web site: http://www.diligencellc.com/