Coal Marketing Company Ltd. Selects Atlanta as U.S. Headquarters

ATLANTA, Dec 6, 2006 – Coal Marketing Company Ltd. (CMC), the exclusive marketer for coal produced in the Cerrejón mining complex in Colombia, has chosen Atlanta for the headquarters of its subsidiary, Coal Marketing Company (USA), Inc. 'Atlanta provides excellent transportation to both domestic and international business destinations. The Southeast location is also a good fit, as it is much closer to the majority of our U.S. customer base,' said Howard Gatiss, CEO of Coal Marketing Company Ltd. and president of its U.S. headquarters. 'With our Americas team established in Atlanta, we look forward to growing our sales and providing additional, timely customer support to all of our customers in the Western Hemisphere.' CMC Ltd. was originally based in Ireland. The company established and staffed the new headquarters at the end of September. The new Atlanta location at 1180 Peachtree Street is currently staffed by five employees. 'Coal Marketing Company (USA), Inc. has selected an ideal location to grow and thrive,' said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. 'The Southeast region is a world-class business climate and offers the perfect environment and infrastructure for a great company like this to succeed.' 'We are very pleased that this multinational company is joining the many others that have chosen Georgia for their U.S. headquarters,' said Craig Lesser, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'We commend the Metro Atlanta Chamber for its international outreach, which has helped put Georgia on the global radar for businesses.' Metro Atlanta's superior infrastructure, boasting an airport with the most departures and markets served in the United States, as well as its stance as the economic and corporate capital of the Southeast, appealing quality of life and moderate cost of living continue to draw companies and talent to the area. More than 5,300 jobs have been created by new companies that have relocated or expanded to metro Atlanta in 2006. Companies that have recently relocated to Atlanta or built new operations here include: Catlin U.S., Arby's Restaurant Group, Habitat for Humanity International, Kumho Tire, Mueller Water Products, Environmental Stoneworks, Kingwasong and Honda Motor Company.