SARASOTA, Fla. – (Oct. 25, 2007) – Michael Saunders & Company® of Sarasota and Halstead Property, LLC—of New York City—recently announced jointly an exclusive new trans-Atlantic affiliation with the European Real Estate Network—or “EREN”—the acronym by which the esteemed organization is familiarly known across the European continent. The strategic alliance is intended to cross-market properties between Southwest Florida, New York and the 10 European countries represented by EREN. It is the first time in EREN’s history that American companies have been invited to become affiliate members.“With an ever-increasing share of today’s buyers of luxury homes and condominiums in Southwest Florida coming to us from major European markets, this is yet another valuable international connection that brings our sellers into contact with a large and important pool of qualified, well-capitalized buyers,” said Michael Saunders, founder and president of the 31-year old real estate enterprise that bears her name. “This truly is an outstanding new opportunity to promote business without borders through a close and exclusive multi-national partnership.”In 2005, a group of 20 of the most prestigious European luxury real estate companies joined together to form EREN, whose principal mission is to promote business between its members. These long-established companies are widely considered the most prestigious and respected real estate firms in their respective countries. With the addition of their two new strategic partners in the United States, EREN will be comprised of 22 leading property firms, operating 53 offices in 10 countries. EREN is the only pan-European network of independent, top-quality brokerage companies who provide their clients with considerable real estate expertise, international contacts, and now trans-Atlantic exposure for all their listings.“We are very proud of this new alliance and think it is a very natural fit for all the companies involved,” said Jose Ribes Bas, a member of EREN’s Executive Committee, who was in Sarasota recently to put his signature to the alliance alongside Michael Saunders. Senor Bas, who is President of Spain’s Rimontgo Properties and a member of the advisory board of Christie’s Great Estates in Europe, also produces EREN’s stunning new international property and lifestyle magazine, Villae International. “We are completely committed to the success of the alliance and from now on whenever we want to refer customers to Florida or New York, we will contact Michael Saunders & Company in Sarasota, or Halstead Properties in Manhattan.”Diane Ramirez, president of Halstead Property concurs. “We are continuously looking for opportunities to expand our global reach. While attending the Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection International Symposium recently in Spain, Michael and I recognized a synergy between our companies and those that comprise EREN,” she said. “By working closely with EREN and Michael Saunders & Company, we are better able to target the European market which will have a tremendous impact on the luxury real estate markets in both New York and Florida. This shows our true dedication to providing the highest level of services internationally, as evidenced by our active participation in global affiliations like Luxury Portfolio and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.”About ERENFounded by long-established firms that enjoy a leading position and a reputation for quality and integrity within their respective regions and markets, EREN reflects the high standards, strategic marketing capabilities, and business ethics of its member companies. The first such European consortium of its kind, EREN is a pan-European network comprised of 20 prestigious real estate companies, staffed by top property professionals who guarantee the highest standards of service and the finest residential real estate throughout its member countries. With the recent addition of Michael Saunders & Company® and Halstead Property, LLC, EREN offers exclusive new trans-Atlantic connections to its European clientele.About Halstead PropertyAs the first firm in New York to bring real estate sales out of office buildings and into boutique retail storefronts, Halstead Property, LLC is one of the largest residential real estate brokerage firms in the metropolitan area. Headquartered at 770 Lexington Avenue, the firm has more than 600 sales and rental agents throughout eleven prime retail storefront offices in Manhattan, Harlem, Brooklyn, Riverdale and the Hudson Valley. In addition, the Development Marketing Division of Halstead Property is the exclusive sales and marketing firm for 65 new developments representing over 3,500 units in the tri-state area and through the Property Management Division, Halstead manages nearly 8,000 residential units within 80 buildings.About Michael Saunders & CompanyIn 2006, Michael Saunders & Company® began its fourth decade of service to Southwest Florida. Founded as a single small office in 1976, the company has grown to 17 full-service regional offices—with more than 500 professionally trained associates and 200 staff members. Powerful worldwide affiliations—including Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio, Christie’s Great Estates, The Board of Regents, Mayfair International Realty and, most recently, EREN—European Real Estate Network—extend the company’s message to qualified buyers globally, ensuring the broadest possible exposure for our properties. For more information, please visit michaelsaunders.com.