WorldVest to Launch Banco WorldVest International

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - August 10, 2009) - WorldVest, Inc. WOVT, a global merchant bank, announced that today that it has signed a binding Letter of Agreement ("LOA") to acquire 100% equity ownership of Banco Porto Seguro, S.A. ("BPS"), a Brazilian multiple license bank that allows for both commercial banking and investment "merchant" banking. The terms of the LOA call for a multi-stage closing allowing WorldVest to immediately begin operating the bank through a Joint Operating & Profit Sharing Agreement while waiting for final acquisition approval by the Central Bank of Brazil. WorldVest anticipates completing the first closing within 30 days and will begin operations under the name of Banco WorldVest International ("Banco").

At first closing, through the Joint Operating & Profit Sharing Agreement, WorldVest will immedately begin receiving 100% of all profits from banking activities while waiting for final closing, which should occur in approximately eight months. Through Banco, WorldVest will offer a variety of commercial, retail and investment banking services to Brazilian companies and consumers, while using Banco to facilitate its global merchant banking transactions.

WorldVest CEO, Garrett K. Krause commented, "With the acquisition of Banco, WorldVest will have a strong competitive advantage in its ability to source and deploy capital internationally during this very challenging global economic environment. Due to the strength of the Brazilian financial system, which is widely recognized for its solvency and overall level of sophistication, we regard Brazil as an extremely attractive and potentially lucrative international banking market. This transaction positions WorldVest with a greatly enhanced ability to complete transactions on a global basis and ultimately create tremendous upside value for our shareholders."

Validating the reputation for strength enjoyed by the Brazil Financial System, the World Economic Forum 2008-2009 Report ranked the Brazilian banking system as the 20th "soundest" worldwide, ahead of such developed nations as Germany, Japan, China, India, and the United States. Additionally, the current government administration has made a point of implementing policies to further strengthen the financial system.

Further enhancing the appeal of the Brazilian banking market is The Fundo Garantidor de Créditos (the "FGC"), a deposit guarantee system that provides each individual "time deposit account" with principal and interest coverage of up to BRL$20 million (approximately US$10 million). The International Association of Deposit Insurers recognized the Brazilian FGC in 2007 as the Deposit Insurance Organization of the Year. Currently, as measured by the ratio of capital reserves to total capital insured, the FGC is in a significantly stronger financial position than the majority of similar entities worldwide, as illustrated by a coverage ratio of approximately 20 times greater than the FDIC in the United States.

Mr. Krause further commented, "The completion of this acquisition uniquely positions WorldVest to attract significant amounts of bank capital based on the strength of the FGC. Banco is currently approved to issue a maximum BRL$5 billion (USD$2.5 billion) of FGC insured Time Deposits and is positioned to deploy its capital not only within Brazil, but also internationally through the WorldVest global merchant banking infrastructure. Additionally, WorldVest will look to take advantage of global arbitrage by investing in opportunities in the US, Brazil, China and Korea while pursing public listings for its investments in the U.S. capital markets."

About WorldVest:

WorldVest is a global merchant bank that offers not only traditional investment banking, asset management and advisory services, but also makes direct investments as a principal in select high-growth transactions on a global basis. Recognizing the disconnect that exists between the needs of companies and the limitations of traditional investment banking, private equity, and venture capital institutions, WorldVest seeks to set a new standard, emerging as a partner and solution provider where one did not previously exist. WorldVest is a majority controlled subsidiary of WorldVest Equity, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: WVVEF) an international financial holding Company.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this release and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including market acceptance of the Company's services and projects and the Company's continued access to capital and other risks and uncertainties outlined in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated herein by reference. The actual results the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on our current expectations and speak only as of the date of such statements.