AUSTIN, Texas – CreditCards.com, an online marketplace where consumers can shop for the best credit cards, said Friday it plans to raise as much as $115 million with an initial public offering. The CreditCards.com web site aims to allow consumers to search for the best deals on credit cards and helps credit companies solicit applications online. The company said it derives its revenue from credit-card issuers or their affiliate marketing agents. The company is 66% owned by venture firm Austin Ventures.

ATLANTA – IBT Enterprises announced yesterday an agreement to take over Design Build Concepts, merging two of the leading bank branch building operations. The combination of the two businesses will create a full-service financial center development firm, from ground-up construction to in-store construction to storefront design and branch consulting. The two companies will remain at their respective Atlanta headquarters. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

RICHMOND, Va. – Hedge fund Pirate Capital LLP continued to rattle its saber and called again for the break-up of venerable cash security provider Brink’s. Pirate, which won a seat on the Brink’s board earlier this year after accumulating a 9% stake in the company, renewed its call for a spin-off of Brink’s well-known financial institution security business from its home security operations. In a letter to Brink’s CEO Michael Dan, Pirate Managing Director Michael Hudson said a survey conducted of Brink’s shareholders indicated broad support for the spin-off and threatened Dan with a campaign to have him removed from the company’s board if he doesn’t pursue a separation of the company. "While a sale of the company, as opposed to a tax-free split-up, could be more lucrative to you under your change in control agreement with Brink's, potentially enriching you with millions of dollars, I believe the survey is conclusive as to the large shareholder preference for a split-up," the Pirate Chief wrote to the Brink’s CEO. Brink’s said last week it sold its money-losing cash handling operations in the United Kingdom to Loomis UK Limited, a unit of Securitas AB.

The article in the July 23 edition of the Credit Union Journal by Jim Blaine puts me to shame. In the article, Mr. Blaine recalls the persistence of Hubert Hoosman's solicitation for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Mr. Blaine calls on CEOs of credit unions to summon the courage to approach their boards for a donation to the MLK Memorial.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Look for biometric security to make its mark on credit unions within the next few years, from the branch to the Web to the payments industry-despite the fact that only about 1% of all CUs currently use some form of biometrics with employees or members.

LAS VEGAS - In the next generation, a credit union website will be a "hub" that helps members manage their important financial work, according to a technology industry insider.

LAS VEGAS - The next generation of technology can help credit unions reach the much-sought-after next generation.

DES MOINES - A new alternative for credit unions wanting to sell their credit card portfolios emerged last week with the Iowa CU League's The Members Group launching an agent issuing program of its own.

It's a fact. Credit unions are not just for personal accounts anymore. Today, savvy institutions are aggressively targeting the small business and micro-business market with a full range of products and the personal attention this underserved group has been lacking.

CHICAGO - Geeks have their own version of Shopzilla.com.

U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) receives teller line instructions from Charlotte Metro Credit Union teller Amber Brown. He served as a teller at the CU as part of his "Trading Places" program designed to help him keep in touch with his constituents. (c) 2007 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com

LAS VEGAS - The next generation of technology can help credit unions reach the much-sought-after next generation.

CHICAGO - Geeks have their own version of Shopzilla.com.

Events

CU Journal asked CUNA Technology Council Conference attendees: What is on your technology wish list? What technology would you add to your credit union and why?

CFS Introduces Small CU Consortium

CALGARY, Alberta - The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has elected a new board and chairman.

Sterlent Credit Union, Pleasanton, Calif., named Sue Raines CEO.

Credit Union Journal encourages reader feedback. Letters to the Editor can be sent to Managing Editor Lisa Freeman at lfreeman cujournal.com. Letters can also be faxed to 561-832-2939 or submitted online at www.cujournal.com. (c) 2007 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa credit union pioneer and former Iowa Credit Union League CEO A.W. "Al" Jordan celebrated his 100th birthday here on Aug. 5. Jordan, who retired as league president in 1981, is one of few remaining leaders from the credit union movement's earliest days.