LJ International Outlines Expansion Strategy in Special Letter to Shareholders

LJ International Inc. (LJI) (NASDAQ: JADE), a leading jewelry manufacturer and retailer, today announced that it has issued a Special Letter to Shareholders outlining its growth strategy for both its wholesale and retail business divisions. Text of the letter is as follows:

“Dear Fellow Shareholder,
The recent global financial crisis, as you well know, has been challenging for LJ International (LJI) (Nasdaq: JADE) and for the jewelry business in general. The view looking forward is significantly brighter, however, and I am writing you today to share it with you. If I have one message above all, it is that LJI has been one of the few jewelry companies able to not only survive the recent global recession but emerge from it stronger than ever.

Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. Reports Strong September 2009 Sales Up 8% Year over Year

Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. (AMEX: TLF) reported today that sales for the month of September were $4.4 million, up 8% from September 2008 sales of $4.0 million. 2009 year-to-date sales total $39.4 million which matches year-to-date sales in 2008.

Retail Leathercraft’s sales rose 16% to $2.2 million compared to September 2008 sales of $1.9 million. The 72 comparable stores’ sales were up 14% for the month compared to the same period last year. The 3 stores opened since September 2008 added September sales of $60,000. Year-to-date sales for Retail Leathercraft are $19.7 million this year, an 8% increase over sales of $18.3 million for the same period of 2008. For the year to date, the 72 comparable stores’ sales were up 5% compared to sales reported for the same period in 2008.

Sunair Announces Proposed Merger With Massey Services

Sunair Services Corporation (AMEX: SNR) today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Massey Services, Inc. pursuant to which Massey would acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Sunair in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.75 per share, which represents a premium of approximately 47% over the stock's closing price on September 25, 2009. Massey's operations would merge with Middleton Pest Control, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunair with headquarters located in Orlando, Florida, which provides pest control and lawn care services to both residential and commercial customers. The transaction is expected to close in November subject to the approval of Sunair's shareholders, customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Following the closing, Harvey L. Massey will be the Chairman and CEO of the combined companies, which will be privately held.

Sara Lee Receives Binding Offer of EUR1.275 Billion From Unilever for its Global Body Care Business

Company Plans to Use Proceeds to Invest in Core Businesses and Repurchase Stock; Board Authorizes a $1.0 Billion Share Repurchase Program

Sara Lee Corp. (NYSE: SLE ) announced today it has received a binding offer of EUR1.275 billion from Unilever to acquire its global body care and European detergents businesses. Where permissible, Sara Lee has agreed to accept the binding offer upon satisfaction of certain conditions. In fiscal 2009, these businesses generated annual sales of approximately EUR750 million ($1.0 billion) and accounted for approximately 55% of the adjusted operating segment income[1] for the International Household and Body Care business. The global body care and European detergents businesses encompass a wide variety of popular brands, including Sanex, Radox and Duschdas.The proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances, is anticipated to close during calendar year 2010.