OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Wednesday, November 2nd

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OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Wednesday, November 2nd SHKZ, AMBS, BBX, BFCF, CBAI, LEAP Our Stocks to Watch tomorrow include Shaka Inc. (OTC: SHKZ), Amarantus BioSciences Inc. (OTCBB: AMBS), BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX), BFC Financial Corp. (OTC: BFCF), Cord Blood America Inc. (OTCBB: CBAI) and Leap Wireless International Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP).Visit http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L1&F=T to register for our Stocks to Watch Newsletter and Email Stock Watch Alerts.SHAKA INCORPORATED (OTC: SHKZ) “Up 121.05% on Tuesday” Detailed Quote:

http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L95&F=T Shaka is comprised of globalization and corporate strategies consultants whose global reach can optimize and expedite powerful end-results with M&A, Global Alliance Building and Political Strategies. Shaka`s diversified contact portfolio encompasses both International Economic and Legislative to open dialogue at any level and achieve the goals set forth by your Board of Directors, C-level staff or sole proprietor entrepreneur. BGS has the experience and alliances to take companies to the next level in IPO, International expansion or full corporate structuring. SHKZ News:November 1 – Shaka Completes First in Series of Three Strategic AcquisitionsCompany Begins Initiative to Develop Solar Industry Leader Powerhouse With Acquisition of Classic Conservatories and SolarShaka Inc. (OTC: SHKZ), a Pennsylvania based globalization and corporate strategies firm, is pleased to announce that the Company has successfully acquired Classic Conservatories and Solar; the first of three strategic acquisitions that will result in the creation of an immediate leader in the solar and renewable energy industry. Based in Union, New Jersey, Classic Conservatories and Solar is a world-renowned manufacturer of advanced technology sunrooms, with over 30 years of experience in building innovative, custom-designed conservatories and sunrooms. With many years and millions of dollars in sales, marketing and custom design-build experience, the Classic acquisition laid the foundation for Shaka to reach its goal, which is to become one of the largest providers of Residential and Commercial Solar Energy Systems in the Northeast by strategically partnering with the largest suppliers and integrators of solar in New Jersey.”We are thrilled to announce that we have taken this crucial first step in our mission to develop one of the most powerful business models for expedited, scalable and ongoing growth that Solar and Renewable Energy sector has ever seen,” stated James Scott, CEO of Shaka. “Classic has built tens of millions of dollars in Conservatories over the years and I am confident that the same will be accomplished under the final integrated entity.”The closing of the Classic acquisition instantly adds an experienced management and marketing team to Shaka; allowing for seamless financial, back office and sales integration. “With Chris Edwards and Peter Burley remaining on as senior management; we expect to see an immediate increase in sales and revenue without the need for a large capital investment, since the existing infrastructure of Classic fully supports our growth plan,” added Mr. Scott. “We are confident that we will be profitable in our very first quarter of operations, and look forward to announcing the additional acquisitions that are expected to close in the coming days.”Shaka was assisted with the strategic acquisition by J. Charles Nemes of ISD Financial Group, a West Palm Beach Florida M&A Consulting Firm. “Mr.

Nemes` prior experience as the Chief Operating Officer of a large Florida Solar Manufacturing and Installation firm clearly added valuable insight into the capabilities of Classic to rapidly enter into the solar energy space with the experience needed to employ scalability and efficiency in the Shaka expansion,” said Mr. Scott. Financial terms were not disclosed.AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: AMBS) “Up 57.89% on Tuesday” Detailed Quote:

http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L59&F=T Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. is a California-based development-stage biotechnology company founded in January 2008. The Company has a focus on developing certain biologics surrounding the intellectual property and proprietary technologies it owns to treat Parkinson’s disease and other human diseases. The Company owns the intellectual property rights to a therapeutic protein known as Mesencephalic-Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (“MANF“). AMBS News:October 31 – DC Brands International, Inc. Announces that the Fat Fighter Infomercial Will Begin Airing on Nov. 11 Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. (OTCBB: AMBS), a biotechnology company developing MANF, a first-in-class disease–modifying therapeutic protein, today provided shareholders with an update on its corporate strategy.

Amarantus will utilize its core scientific understanding of Parkinson’s disease and related areas of neuroscience to identify and advance product development opportunities that fill gaps of significant unmet medical need.

The Company has initiated a corporate mandate to identify complementary assets to diversify and strengthen its pipeline and will work with its current stakeholders as well as experts in the field to execute upon this strategy.“Amarantus intends to seize upon the opportunities created by inefficiencies in the marketplace for Parkinson’s disease and Central Nervous System disorder-related product development programs to dramatically alter the paradigm for patients suffering from these terrible diseases,” said Gerald Commissiong, Amarantus’ newly appointed President and CEO. “By adjusting our corporate strategy to potentially bolster our pipeline, we hope to reduce our overall enterprise risk and shorten the time horizon of return on investment for shareholders.”Amarantus’ most advanced program is focused on developing MANF as a disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson`s disease. Amarantus is currently developing its strategic plan for MANF’s translational development in Parkinson’s disease and expects to update the marketplace with projected milestones and timelines in early 2012. The Company recently received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office covering MANF’s discovery and therapeutic applications, which complements the Company’s existing patent portfolio in Europe and global patent-pending portfolio.ABOUT MANF (MESENCEPHALIC-ASTROCYTE-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR)MANF (Mesencephalic-Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor) is a protein that corrects protein misfolding, one of the major causes of apoptosis (cell death). This property provides a compelling rationale for the research and development of MANF-based products as therapeutics for human disease. The lead MANF product development effort is centered on a therapy for Parkinson`s disease, currently funded by a research grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The Company also owns an inventory of 88 cell lines referred to as “PhenoGuard Cell Lines.” MANF was the first therapeutic protein discovered from a PhenoGuard Cell Line. It is anticipated that additional therapeutic proteins useful for various therapeutic approaches to the Central Nervous System will be identified from the Company’s inventory of PhenoGuard Cell Lines.BANKATLANTIC BANCORP (NYSE: BBX) “Up 110.97% on Tuesday” Detailed Quote:

http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L56&F=T BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for BankAtlantic that provides retail and commercial banking services in Florida. It generates various deposit products, including commercial demand deposit accounts, retail demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, various negotiable order of withdrawal accounts and individual retirement accounts, and Keogh retirement accounts. The company’s lending portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, standby letters of credit and commitments, consumer loans, small business loans, and residential loans.

As of December 31, 2007, it offered its services through approximately 100 branches in southeast and central Florida and the Tampa Bay area, primarily in the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Ft.

Lauderdale, Florida.BBX News:November 1 – BB&T to acquire BankAtlantic• Significantly accelerates BB&T`s expansion in Southeast Florida • Acquisition highlights:

• Expands BB&T`s franchise in Southeast Florida to No. 6 in Miami market • Contributes $3.3 billion in predominantly core, low-cost deposits • Adds 78 branches to BB&T`s community bank network • Agreement excludes non-performing and other criticized assets • Transaction is accretive to earnings per shareBB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT) announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based BankAtlantic, the wholly-owned subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX). The strategic acquisition of BankAtlantic expands BB&T`s presence in Southeast Florida, bringing in $3.3 billion in predominantly core, low-cost deposits to BB&T, boosting its market share to No. 6 in the Miami market.Under the terms of the agreement, BB&T will acquire approximately $2.1 billion in loans and assume approximately $3.3 billion in deposits for an estimated premium of $301 million above the net asset value of BankAtlantic at closing. This represents a 9% deposit premium based on Sept. 30 balances. The acquisition excludes all of BankAtlantic`s non-performing and other criticized assets identified at Sept. 30. No BankAtlantic Bancorp obligations are being assumed in the transaction.”I want to warmly welcome our new clients and employees to BB&T,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kelly S. King. “This acquisition of BankAtlantic is a compelling strategic expansion into important long-term markets in Southeast Florida. It significantly accelerates the build-out of our franchise in the Miami and Port St. Lucie markets. The bank, founded in 1952, has a reputation for strong retail-oriented deposit-gathering, which fits very well with BB&T`s culture.”The acquisition of BankAtlantic is accretive to earnings per share and comfortably exceeds our internal rate of return objective,” King said. “The agreement expressly excludes non-performing and other criticized assets, as well as other risks, which satisfies our criteria with respect to risk management.””Joining our banks is an exciting move for both BankAtlantic and BB&T,” said BankAtlantic Chief Executive Officer Jarett Levan. “BB&T`s community banking approach is a great fit with our client-focused model. Our combined organization will assume a leadership position in the South Florida market.

In addition, BB&T shares our focus on financial literacy, education and a long-standing commitment to support the communities in which we operate.”BankAtlantic is one of the largest banks based in Florida with a network of 78 branches between Port St. Lucie and Miami. This transaction improves BB&T`s market share in the Miami metropolitan statistical area (MSA) from No. 14 to No. 6 and significantly accelerates BB&T`s expansion in the region.Nearly 90% of BankAtlantic`s deposits are core, low-cost funds. The premium paid by BB&T is subject to adjustment based on actual deposit balances at close, but in no event will it exceed $316 million. BB&T expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings per share in 2012, excluding one-time merger costs, and to comfortably exceed BB&T`s internal rate of return target.The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Federal and state regulatory approvals will be required.Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. provided financial advice and Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP provided legal counsel to BB&T in this transaction.ABOUT BB&TAs of September 30, 2011, BB&T is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S. with $168 billion in assets and market capitalization of $14.9 billion. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company operates approximately 1,800 financial centers in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and offers a full range of consumer and commercial banking, securities brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services. A Fortune 500 company, BB&T is consistently recognized for outstanding client satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, the U.S.

Small Business Administration, Greenwich Associates and others. BFC FINANCIAL CORPORATION (OTC: BFCF) “Up 83.33% on Tuesday” Detailed Quote:

http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L57&F=T BFC Financial Corporation is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in investments and acquisitions of middle market companies.

The firm also invests in mergers and acquisition, add-on acquisitions, divestiture, taking public companies private and private companies public, leveraged buyout, partnership, recapitalization, and restructuring. It typically does not invest in industries or companies whose ultimate returns are event driven. The firm seeks to invest across a broad range of industries ranging from service to manufacturing businesses. The firm prefers to acquire controlling interests in its portfolio companies and can also consider minority investments. BFC Financial Corporation was founded in 1980 and is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.BFCF News:November 1 – BankAtlantic Bancorp Signs Definitive Agreement To Sell BankAtlantic to BB&T CorporationBankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BBX) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its wholly owned subsidiary, BankAtlantic, to BB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT).In acquiring BankAtlantic, BB&T will acquire approximately $2.1 billion in loans and assume approximately $3.3 billion in deposits. BB&T will pay approximately a $301 million premium plus net asset value of BankAtlantic at close. The estimated $301 million deposit premium represents 9.05% of total deposits at September 30, 2011. The deposit premium shall be increased or decreased based upon the average daily closing balance of deposits during a specified pre-closing period, provided the deposit premium shall not exceed $315.9 million.As part of the transaction, BankAtlantic will distribute to BankAtlantic Bancorp specifically identified assets, including certain performing and non-performing loans and tax certificates, real estate owned, and related reserves, which in the aggregate are recorded on the balance sheet of BankAtlantic at approximately $623.6 million as of September 30, 2011. At September 30, 2011, the assets to be distributed were comprised of approximately $271.3 million of performing loans, $315.2 million of non-performing loans, of which $96.5 million were paying as agreed, $18.7 million in tax certificates, $83.4 million of real estate owned, and reserves related to these assets totaling $81.9 million. Additionally, BankAtlantic Bancorp expects to pay all accrued interest to its Trust Preferred Securities holders at the next scheduled payment date subsequent to closing.“With the strength of BB&T, one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies, we are confident that BankAtlantic’s customers and employees will be served well by this transaction,” commented Alan B.

Levan, BankAtlantic Bancorp’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.”This transaction is a very unique structure which maximizes value for both BB&T and BankAtlantic Bancorp. BB&T acquires a strong deposit franchise and loans, without criticized assets, and BankAtlantic Bancorp retains assets at net book value which it can monetize over time.“We believe this transaction will be very attractive to BankAtlantic Bancorp`s shareholders. Upon closing, BankAtlantic Bancorp`s total tangible equity is expected to increase based on the excess of the net book value of the net distributed assets at closing over Bancorp’s investment in BankAtlantic. Based on the September 30, 2011 balances, BankAtlantic Bancorp’s equity would increase by approximately $300 million.“Post-closing, BankAtlantic Bancorp will adopt a new name as it will no longer be a savings and loan holding company. The Company is then expected to focus its operations on the assets retained in the transaction, along with specialty finance, and commercial lending,” Mr. Levan concluded.BFC Financial Corporation (OTC: BFCF), a holder of approximately 53% of BankAtlantic Bancorp’s Class A Common Stock, supports this transaction.BankAtlantic’s financial advisors in the transaction were Sandler O’Neill & Partners, LP and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.The closing of this transaction is subject to regulatory approval and certain other customary closing conditions.CORD BLOOD AMERICA INCORPORATED (OTCBB: CBAI) “Up 19.15% on Tuesday” Detailed Quote:

http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L7&F=T Cord Blood America is the parent company of CorCell, which facilitates umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation for expectant parents and their children. Its mission is to be the most respected stem cell preservation company in the industry. Collected through a safe and non-invasive process, cord blood stem cells offer a powerful and potentially life-saving resource for treating a growing number of ailments, including cancer, leukemia, blood, and immune disorders. CBAI News:October 31 – Cord Blood America Says Referral Program a Success: 21 Percent of Total SalesCord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB: CBAI), the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company focused on bringing the life-saving potential of stem cells to families nationwide and internationally, announced that since it launched a Referral Rewards Program on July 7, 2011, referral sales have risen from 8 to 21 percent of total sales.The program, announced by CorCell, its domestic brand for cord blood stem cell collection and storage, offers $200 to anyone making a referral and a $200 discount on the enrollment fee for the family.”We believed this program would be a success, and that friends would tell friends about the importance of saving a baby`s stem cells at the time of birth, but even we didn`t envision the program succeeding this well,” said Erin Tecca, Business Development Manager. “Quarter over quarter, the new enrollee sales are increasing by five percent.””We always have had a great number of referrals, most from within our customer base, but with the new Referral Rewards Program we are receiving referrals from a much larger network of people,” Ms. Tecca said. Cord blood stem cells are used today to treat 75 diseases including leukemia, severe anemia, metabolic blood disorders and immune deficiencies, with ongoing research worldwide to treat many of the world`s most serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke.LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED (NASDAQ: LEAP) “Up 10.94% on Tuesday” Detailed Quote:

http://otcpicknews.com/emailmarketer/link.phpM940&N73&L58&F=T Leap Wireless International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides digital wireless services under the ‘Cricket’ brand name in the United States. The company offers unlimited local and the U.S. long distance services from various Cricket service area and unlimited text messaging services, as well as mobile Web, 411 services, navigation, and data back-up. It also provides BridgePay, a flexible payment option for customers to use and pay for the company’s cricket wireless service; handsets and devices with various features; cricket broadband service, an unlimited mobile broadband service that allows customers to access the Internet through their computers; Cricket PAYGo Service, a pay-as-you-go unlimited prepaid wireless service designed for customers who prefer the flexibility and control offered by traditional prepaid services; and Muve Music Service, an unlimited music download service for mobile handsets in select cricket markets. In addition, the company offers voice and data roaming services. It markets its cricket handsets and services, primarily through company-owned retail stores and kiosks, as well as through authorized dealers and distributors, including premier dealers, local market authorized dealers, national mass-market retailers, and other indirect distributors. As of December 31, 2010, the company offered services in 35 states and the District of Columbia to approximately 5.5 million customers. Leap Wireless International, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.LEAP News:October 31 – Leap Reports Third Quarter Results* Operational and Financial Progress Drive Solid Results ~

* Net Additions Increase by More Than 200,000 Year-Over-Year * Churn Improves to 3.8 Percent due to Enhanced Devices, All-Inclusive Plans and Successful Promotions * ARPU Increases by More Than $4.00 Year-Over-Year, Primarily Due to Smartphone CustomersLeap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP), a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless communications services, today reported operational and financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Service revenues for the third quarter of 2011 increased 19.4 percent over the prior year quarter to $717.3 million. The Company reported $154.3 million of adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) for the third quarter, a 25.2 percent increase over the third quarter of 2010. Third quarter 2011 operating loss was $16.1 million compared to an operating loss of $478.1 million for the third quarter of 2010 (which included an impairment charge of $477.3 million related to goodwill and other assets). Net loss for the third quarter of 2011 was $68.8 million, or $0.90 per diluted share.The Company reported approximately 666,000 gross customer additions for the quarter. The Company also reported a net gain of approximately 73,000 voice customers and a net loss of approximately 64,000 broadband customers, resulting in a net gain of approximately 10,000 customers, compared to a net loss of approximately 200,000 customers in the third quarter of 2010.

Churn for the quarter was 3.8 percent, down from 5.5 percent for the third quarter of 2010. Third quarter voice churn was 3.4 percent, down from 5.2 percent for the third quarter of 2010.”Our third quarter results reflect the benefits of the devices, service plans and nationwide 3G voice and data network coverage that we have introduced,” said Doug Hutcheson, Leap`s president and chief executive officer. “Our voice net additions improved by more than 245,000 customers year-over-year, reflecting continued improvements in gross customer additions and voice churn of 3.4 percent, a 180 basis point improvement year-over-year. In addition, ARPU increased to $41.25, reflecting the adoption of smartphones and Muve Music™ devices and related service plans by a third of our voice customers. We continue to pursue initiatives to build on this customer growth, including efforts to increase our distribution presence, enhance our already-compelling device line-up, improve customer awareness through a new nationwide marketing campaign and expand awareness and distribution of our successful Muve Music offering. We are pleased with our progress and believe we have attractive service plans and devices as we move into our stronger selling seasons.”OTCPicks.com is located at 3533 Twin Lakes Drive, Prosper, TX 75078, Telephone: (972) 546-3740, Email: Publisher@OTCPicks.com.This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it..DO NOT BASE ANY INVESTMENT DECISION UPON ANY MATERIALS FOUND ON THIS REPORT. We are not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser either with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or with any state securities regulatory authority. We are neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. OTCPicks.com makes no recommendation that the purchase of securities of companies profiled in this web site is suitable or advisable for any person or that an investment such securities will be profitable. In general, given the nature of the companies profiled and the lack of an active trading market for their securities, investing in such securities is highly speculative and carries a high degree of risk. You are receiving this email because you have registered on OTCPicks.com or one of our affiliate companies. The information contained in our report should be viewed as commercial advertisement and is not intended to be investment advice. The report is not provided to any particular individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. The information contained in our report is not an offer to buy or sell securities. We distribute opinions, comments and information free of charge exclusively to individuals who wish to receive them. Our newsletter and website have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used as a complete source of information on any particular company. An individual should never invest in the securities of any company profiled based solely on information contained in our reports. Individuals should assume that all information contained in the report about profiled companies is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Any individual who chooses to invest in any securities should do so with caution. Investing in securities is speculative and carries a high degree of risk; you may lose some or all of the money that is invested. Always research your own investments and consult with a registered investment advisor or licensed stock broker before investing. Information contained in our report will contain “forward looking statements” as defined under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Subscribers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties outside of our control that could cause actual operations or results to differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that could affect performance include, but are not limited to, those factors that are discussed in each profiled company`s most recent reports or registration statements filed with the SEC. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward looking statements included in the report and not place undue reliance upon such statements.

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