Charles W. Weikel, Director, M&A,

is a management professional with extensive experience leading medium- and small-sized businesses in environments demanding change. His expertise is in strategic development issues that increase shareholder value, including acquisitions, divestitures, new-product development, corporate refocusing and entry into new markets. He has managed numerous corporate restructurings with creditors, including banks and vendors.

Mr. Weikel has broad experience in Asian manufacturing and agribusiness, especially in China, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and India. As President and owner of a leading U.S. handling-equipment manufacturer in the 1990's, he tripled sales to the region while establishing joint manufacturing and assembly operations with local partners and governments.

During this period, he consummated the design, co-manufacturing and delivery of handling equipment for Asia's largest rice mill in Korat, Thailand. As a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Grains Council, Mr. Weikel advised the Minister of the Bureau of Logistics (Bulog), Government of Indonesia on the first-ever delivery of grain on a Panamax-size vessel into the nation.

With seven years' experience in the financial services sector, at GE Capital and Bank of America, Mr. Weikel provided investment and commercial-banking services to Fortune 500 and middle-market customers.

Mr. Weikel earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance, with honors, from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was commissioned an officer, entered the U.S. Navy Nuclear Training Program and subsequently served as a Nuclear Officer aboard the USS Nimitz and the USS Mississippi in the Mediterranean and Caribbean areas.

He is registered securities agent and holds Series 62, 79 and 63 licenses.