Blue Star Regulatory News (BLU)

6 Jan 2010 08:18



6 January 2010

BLUE STAR CAPITAL PLC

"Blue Star" or the "Company"

Announces strategic relationship with the Chertoff Group

Blue Star Capital, the London investment company focused on the Homeland Security sector, announces that it has entered into a strategic relationship with the Washington-based Chertoff Group.

The Chertoff Group formed by Michael Chertoff, previously Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, advises government and corporate clients on risk management, crisis management and M&A activities. Secretary Chertoff has been joined by some of America's and the UK's most experienced intelligence and security professionals.

The relationship provides a framework for both companies to jointly address a range of investment and consulting based opportunities in security and risk management focused in the UK and mainland Europe. The Chertoff Group will work with Blue Star on due diligence for certain revenue generating opportunities in the homeland security, defence and intelligence markets, de-risking investments in this high growth sector. Equally this relationship will allow Blue Star to earn revenues, without diverting its investment focus, by working with Chertoff Group to co-operatively develop, and benefit from the provision of, a range of emergent high value combined transatlantic solutions. These solutions are likely to include deployment of both its existing and forthcoming leading edge technology investments.

The combined team brings together international experience including the US Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Defense, US Central Intelligence Agency, and National Security Agency, plus UN Security expertise, UK Police, Scotland Yard Counter Terrorism expertise, Special Forces, Security Services, commercial defence companies, and global mergers and acquisitions investment banking experience.

Richard Leaver, CEO of Blue Star Capital, said: "We are delighted and excited to have the opportunity to work with Secretary Chertoff and his team and to developing joint business opportunities both in the UK and mainland Europe. 

There is an excellent synergy between our two companies and we look forward to driving forward a number of new initiatives together during 2010 and beyond. "

Michael Chertoff, Founder and Chairman of the Chertoff Group, said: "I believe there are many areas of opportunity within the Homeland Security, Intelligence and Defence sectors in the UK and mainland Europe where the synergies between Blue Star and the Chertoff Group will provide real value. I look forward to working with Richard and his colleagues."

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Notes for Editors

About Blue Star Capital plc

www.bluestarcapital.co.uk

Blue Star Capital is a UK AIM listed public company focussed on making investments in the fast growing Defence and Homeland Security sectors. Blue Star is chaired by Lord Dear, former HM Inspector of Constabulary with National responsibility for Crime, Drugs, Criminal Intelligence, Overseas Liaison and Forensic Science. Since 2006 he has been a Cross-bencher in the House of Lords, taking an influential role in Home Affairs, Criminal Justice and Rural Affairs. The company is based in London.

About Chertoff Group

www.chertoffgroup.com

The Chertoff Group is a security and risk management advisory firm that counsels corporate and government clients. The firm, which is led by the Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, assists clients with addressing threats related to terrorism, fraud, cyber security, border protection and supply chain security. The firm is based in Washington D.C. with offices in New York.