Corb7 International April 3rd, 2024 Newsletter

International Business 

Publisher's Note

 Entrepreneur & Author

JeffCorbett.com  

A Unique Online Conference

Considering a move to Europe?   

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Our friends at International Living Magazine are sponsoring a very interesting online conference for anyone considering moving to Europe. I thought it important to bring it to your attention since I plan on streaming it.  If you’re looking to retire, relocate, or just relax and enjoy life, Europe might be the best place to do that.

Old World Europe...Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Greece will be highlighted.

International Living Magazine’s 2024
Fast Track Europe
Streaming April 13-15, 2024

From the comfort of your own home, you can stream every presentation from a two-and-a-half day 2024 Fast Track Europe Conference in the Algarve, Portugal.
 
For Details Click Here
 
To Register Click Here
 

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For more about my wonderings through Business, Lifestyle, Health, Aging & Travel  
please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com

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International Business 

Business Psychology

3 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

There is a worldwide mental health crisis.    

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Mental health issues have garnered considerable attention in recent years, but the scope of the global mental health crisis may be even greater than people realize.

A recent study co-led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland that was published in The Lancet Psychiatry in fall 2023 concluded that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. That makes mental health disorders a more common problem than cancer, heart disease and other physical ailments that tend to garner more attention than mental health issues.

Anyone experiencing mental health issues is urged to speak with a medical professional who specializes in such areas. Mental health issues may not manifest with symptoms like broken bones that common sense suggests require the assistance of a licensed medical professional, but that does not mean issues affecting the mind or a person's outlook do not require the help of someone trained to deal with them. Much like people can heal from a broken bone after seeing a medical professional, individuals confronting mental health issues have much to gain from working with a mental health specialist.

A 2021 study from the United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found 29 strategies people can employ to protect their mental health. The study considered mental health research and the views of mental health experts, but also input from the general public regarding ways they confront mental health issues. It's important that anyone dealing with mental health issues not conflate these strategies with treatment. Though they can help protect mental health, they should be seen as a supplement to treatment overseen by a licensed mental health professional. A rundown of the 29 strategies can be found at mentalhealth.org.uk, but the following are three recommendations that anyone can apply in their daily lives.

1. Spend more time in nature. The calming effects of nature have been noted for centuries, if not longer. The American Psychological Association notes that spending time in nature benefits both physical and psychological well-being in humans. Perhaps that's one reason why participants in the MHF study reported walks in nature was their preferred way to cope with stress stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Japanese practice of forest bathing has been noted for its positive effects on mental health, but even those without ready access to wooded areas should know that simply spending more time outdoors each day can positively affect mental health.

2. Avoid using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. The MHF notes that any relief offered by drugs and alcohol is temporary and can even exacerbate existing mental health issues. The American Addiction Centers reports that coping mechanisms are compulsions or habits formed over time that serve to hep people manage particular situations or issues, including stress. However, the AAC also notes that not all coping mechanisms are beneficial and some, including drug and alcohol use, are maladaptive and destructive. After a particularly stressful day, or during times when people are experiencing anxiety and/or depression, avoid looking at drugs or alcohol as means to coping.

3. Get enough sleep. The MHF notes that adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Some may see seven hours or more per night as a luxury, but it's important that such an outlook changes. The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry notes that there is now robust evidence to support a link between sleep and mental health. Insufficient or even poor sleep has been found to increase negative emotional responses to stressors. Perhaps even more noteworthy is that poor or insufficient sleep decreases positive emotions. So it's vital to recognize the important role that adequate, good-quality sleep has on mental health.

These are just a handful of approaches individuals can take to boost their mental health each day.

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International Business 

Cross-Border Business

Own Your Own Bank in Puerto Rico

Business for sale.  

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Relocating Owning a bank in Puerto Rico can offer several advantages:

     1. Tax Benefits: Puerto Rico offers attractive tax incentives, including favorable corporate tax rates and exemptions from certain federal taxes, making it an appealing location for banking operations.
     2. Access to US Markets: As a territory of the United States, banks in Puerto Rico have access to U.S. financial markets and can benefit from the stability and infrastructure of the U.S. banking system.
      3. Strategic Location: Puerto Rico’s geographic location between North and South America can provide opportunities for serving clients in both regions, facilitating international business and trade.
     4. Growing Economy: Despite recent challenges, Puerto Rico’s economy is diversifying, with growing sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and financial services, providing potential for banking growth and expansion.
    5. Regulatory Environment: Puerto Rico’s regulatory environment is overseen by both local and U.S. authorities, offering a balance between autonomy and oversight that can be advantageous for banking operations.
  6. Cultural and Linguistic Connections: Puerto Rico’s cultural ties to both Latin America and the United States can provide banks with unique insights and opportunities for serving diverse clientele.
 7. Potential for Innovation: With a relatively small and agile financial sector, there may be opportunities for banks in Puerto Rico to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market.

An operating international bank in the US territory of Puerto Rico is for sale for $4 million. This is a fully operational bank with correspondent accounts, SWIFT, and 6 employees,.

As an international bank operating in Puerto Rico you are allowed to accept deposits from anyone anywhere in the world (within reason, of course) except persons or companies in Puerto Rico. That’s to say, you can’t compete with the general banks licensed in Puerto Rico. 

The tax rate for an international bank operating in Puerto Rico is 4%. There is no US Federal Income Tax.  This bank has midlevel correspondent accounts and a basic core system. It is ready to file for Fedwire after an improvement of the core and hiring a few compliance specialists. This international bank has a well qualified team of employees which allows a buyer to take over and hit the ground running. The seller has done an excellent job in moving this bank from the startup stage, which is a 36 to 48 month process in Puerto Rico, to a bank with clean audits that is ready to take the next step.

Regulators will require at least $5 million in paid in capital. Thus, to close this transaction, you will need a minimum of $9m in cash available.

For More Information:
If we can be of further assistance, I would suggest setting up a time when we can speak over the phone during which we can explore if this is the correct vehicle for you to reach your own unique business objectives.

Call +1-310-415-3545 
or 
Email: contact@corb7.com 

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International Business

Business Etiquette

Be Happy One Moment at a Time

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette 


Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

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Being happy creates a meaningful moment for anyone experiencing it.  In that moment, we feel light and free, not weighed down by cumbersome worries.

Remember the song by Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?”  The lyric points to the unpredictability of the future, so taking one day at a time, dealing with things as they happen, not worrying about the future is the way to go into the next moment, which is the only next moment guaranteed to us.

Negativity Bias

Humans exhibit a negativity bias, and we are predisposed in experience to the fact that something positive will generally have less of an impact on our thinking and feeling than something equally emotional but negative.  A quote from Chuck Palahniuk puts this in perspective: “It’s so hard to forget pain, but it’s even harder to remember sweetness.  We have no scar to show for happiness.”

“For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

At the same time, sages and health professionals today advise us that it is costly to be negative.  When we experience negativity, our body chemistry is affected.  Cortisol, the stress hormone, releases into the body and brain. Over time with frequent stressful experiences, cortisol weakens the body’s ability to calm stress down altogether.  To live a happier, healthier life it’s important to “Accentuate the Positive,” as another famous song encourages.

Research in neuropsychology confirms that we have to overcome the brain’s negativity bias.  But it doesn’t happen on its own.  

Neuropsychologist Dr. Rich Hanson claims “The inner strengths we have such as the feeling of happiness, positive emotion, determination, feeling love, confidence—the executive functions—are all built out of the brain… The question is:  How do we get these things into the brain?  Most of the inner strengths that help us cope with life are built from positive experiences of those strengths…  If you want to feel more confident, have more experiences of accomplishment or coping, if you want to have a more loving heart, practice more moments of compassion or kindness to others…”

Being Happy Requires Intention

Taking in the good and remembering to practice what it feels like need to become habits if being happy is our priority.  Commitment to an etiquette-ful life of manners, which embody the kindness and respect we extend to every person, regardless, helps us gain more pleasure and joy.  When we choose to embrace concern for the welfare of others, we feel happier.  

As the etiquette and manners proponent, Amy Vanderbilt, reminds us, “Good manners have much to do with the emotions.  To make them ring true one must feel them, not merely exhibit them.”

You can put this into practice with a daily "Positive Experience Enhancement" exercise:

• When you wake up in the morning, scan and notice the thoughts that are on your mind.  Select a positive thought and focus on it intentionally.  Let your mind notice all of the positive aspects, thus extending more of the experience into awareness.
• Mid-day take another thought scan.  Find one pleasant, anger-free or worry-free thought and focus on it.  Breathe, relax and explore it.  Take the time to feel it and to make it an experience in goodness.
• Do an end of the day thought scan.  Purposefully note the positive actions you took today, actions that were kind, considerate, respectful.  Create an experience in looking closely at how you felt good.  

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
In addition to a daily practice of being happy, keep these propositions in mind.

• Each of us is the source of our own happiness.  It’s up to us.
• Self-understanding and mindfulness are part of the happiness equation.  
• Helping others is foremost.
• Every person has special gifts to contribute to the common good, and acknowledging others helps them locate their talents.
• Seeking to find the positive amidst the negative is possible with practice.

There is no prescription for being happy. But we can dwell more intentionally on the circumstances and conditions that have created joy, especially those shared with other people, so that we might create opportunities to repeat those moments.    

And remember: being etiquette-ful is happiness-promoting! 

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International Business

Business Relocation

Why You Need a Local Real Estate Agent

by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move

The freedom to move. 

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Starting out on your journey towards buying your dream home, or even your starter home, is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a complex maze of decisions! 
 
One key compass that can guide you through this labyrinth is a skilled local real estate agent. In this blog post, we'll delve into the significance of finding a good agent, particularly one who specializes in the area you're eyeing for your new home!
 
Local Insight:
 
A real estate agent specializing in your target area is akin to having a local expert by your side. They are intimately familiar with the neighborhoods, school districts, amenities, and market trends. This insider knowledge can be invaluable in steering you towards the best-fit community for your needs.
 
Market Dynamics: 
 
Every real estate market has its unique nuances. A local real estate agent isn't just familiar with the current market conditions; they understand the historical trends and can potentially predict potential shifts. This foresight is particularly crucial when considering new builds, where the market dynamics can play a significant role in your decision-making.
 
New Builds: 
 
If you're contemplating a new build, having an agent well-versed in new construction is a game-changer. They can help you navigate through all of the options including builders, floor plans, and customization options. Their insights can prevent potential pitfalls, you will know that you have someone in your corner (because the builders' agents are working for the builder, not for YOU!), and you can feel confident that your new build experience is smooth from conception to key handover.
 
Networking with Builders:
 
Local agents often have established relationships with builders and developers in the area. This direct line of communication can provide you with exclusive information on upcoming projects, pre-construction pricing, and any special incentives. It's the kind of advantage that can save you both time and money.
 
Tailored Recommendations:
 
A good real estate agent prioritizes your needs and preferences. They don't just present you with a list of available homes; they curate options based on your lifestyle, preferences, and future goals. This personalized approach ensures that every property you view aligns with your unique vision, needs, and price range.
 
Negotiation Expertise:
 
Negotiating with builders and sellers can be a nuanced process. A local agent skilled in negotiations can advocate on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible deal. Whether it's negotiating price, inclusions, or even upgrade packages, closing costs, rate buy-downs, etc., their expertise can significantly impact the overall value of your new home!
 
Stress Mitigation: 
 
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of having a local real estate agent is stress mitigation. Their experience in handling transactions, understanding of legalities, and ability to foresee potential issues ensures a smoother home buying process. This peace of mind is priceless, especially when making such a significant investment and decision!
 
In the intricate world of home hunting, a local real estate agent is your trusted guide. Whether you're exploring established neighborhoods or venturing into the realm of new builds, their expertise is the compass that can steer you towards a home that not only meets your current needs but aligns seamlessly with your future aspirations. 
 
So, as you embark on this journey, consider the value a local expert brings to your quest for the perfect home. Happy house hunting! 

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International Business   

Investment Strategies

Your Spring Garden as an Investment?

$70 yields $600.

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Buying Inflation has garnered countless headlines in recent years, and much of that news has focused on the notably higher cost of food.

Though the cost of some items at the grocery store has gone down in 2024, many items remain significantly more expensive than they were as recently as three or four years ago. In an effort to overcome rising food costs, some consumers have thought about gardening. According to Washington State University, the average household with a food garden spends around $70 per year on seeds and garden supplies. The reward for that small investment is roughly $600 worth of food.

Though the financial investment associated with a food garden might be minimal, it's important for prospective gardeners to recognize that the commitment of time required to establish and sustain a food garden can be significant. 

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Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.  

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Lifestyle

Fitness, Health & Longevity

Brain Health

Protect your brain. 

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Cognitive decline is a condition that is often associated with aging, but even middle-aged people can experience memory loss or cognition issues.

The Alzheimer's Association says that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. By 2050, that number could rise to as high as 16 million people. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, says the Canadian Alzheimer's Association.

Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes.

Exercise

Becoming more active can improve brain volume, reduce risk for dementia and improve thinking and memory skills. The journal Neurology found that older people who vigorously exercise performed better on cognitive tests than others of the same age, placing them at the equivalent of 10 years younger. Increased blood flow that occurs with physical activity may help generate new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory.

The Harvard Medical School says aerobic exercise may help improve brain tissue by improving blood flow and reducing the chances of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in blood vessels.

Quit smoking

The Alzheimer's Association indicates that evidence shows smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. Smoking can impair blood flow to the brain and cause small strokes that may damage blood vessels.

Eat healthy foods

Foods that are good for the heart and blood vessels also are good for the brain. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Neurologists state that, while research on diet and cognitive function is limited, diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to a lower risk of cognitive issues.

Consume caffeine

Caffeine may help boost memory performance and brain health. A Journal of Nutrition study found people ages 70 and older who consumed more caffeine scored better on tests of mental function than those who consumed less caffeine. Caffeine may help improve attention span, cognitive function and feelings of well-being. Information from Psychology Today also indicates caffeine may help in the storage of dopamine, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition, compounds in cocoa and coffee beans may improve vascular health and help repair cellular damage due to high antioxidant levels.

Work the brain

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can create new brain connections and more backup circuits, states Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Working the brain through puzzles, reading and participating in social situations can stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule essential for repairing brain cells and creating connections between them.

A good way to combine these lifestyle factors is to take an exercise class with friends, mixing the social, stimulation and exercise recommendations together.

Cognitive decline can come with aging, but through healthy habits, people can reduce their risk of memory loss and dementia.

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Lifestyle  

Spirits & Cuisine

Chicago Deep Pan Pizza

An iconic Chicago Pizza shipped to your front door.  

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Chicago deep pan pizza – it is iconic. Perhaps no one establishment is more famous for it than Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. This eatery has much more than just a Chicago following since they had the foresight to start shipping pizza across the United States more than 30-years-ago. Now with 60 locations scattered around the Greater Chicago area, Malnati’s offers six varieties of its 9-inch authentic deep-dish pies for your pleasure and is considered America’s largest pizza shipper...

Click Here  

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Lifestyle 

Leisure

Ideas to Brighten Rainy Days 

A few ideas for "April Showers."   

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Age-old adages about weather can feel outdated at times. "April showers bring May flowers" used to be a given, but many people now note that rain in April or blooming flowers in May are no longer sure bets.

During the winter of 2024, January. February & March saw record rain in parts of the southwestern United States. Despite that, meteorologists notes that spring still tends to be the most rainy season of the year in the northern hemisphere.

"In the upper atmosphere, jet streams remain strong and the air holds on to some winter chill," says Chicago-based meteorologist Tom Skilling. "At the surface, sunlight is strong, warming the ground, water and lower atmosphere. Warm, moist air is less dense than cold, dry air, causing it to rise into the colder upper atmosphere, squeezing out moisture into precipitation."

With the potential for more rainy weather ahead, it can be beneficial to plan for days when spending time outdoors is unlikely. These rainy day ideas can brighten even the soggiest, cloudiest afternoons.

· Visit an indoor water resort. Plan a day trip or an overnight stay to a popular local water resort. These indoor facilities boast lazy rivers, wading areas, wave pools, slides, and much more in a climate-controlled environment.

· Spend a day at the museum. Museums and science centers are perfect places to wait out the rain. Visit new exhibits and sign up for informative IMAX or 3-D movie experiences. Students and children may enjoy free or low-cost entry.

· Head to the mall. A little retail therapy can lift the spirits. Shopping malls also can be ideal places to get some cardiovascular exercise on days when the weather is unforgiving.

· Try an indoor sports center. From tennis to soccer to rock walls, indoor sports centers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Children and adults can bounce on trampolines, shoot goals or defy gravity in such facilities.

· Hit the ice. Enjoy a few hours at an ice rink. Skating is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that the entire family can enjoy.

Make the most of rainy days by visiting entertaining indoor escapes.

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Lifestyle

Travel

Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

Bringing your best friend along for the trip.  

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According to a AAA/Best Western survey, 85 percent of dog owners travel with their dogs. The most popular vacations to let pooches tag along include going to the beach, camping and hiking. As a greater number of people are engaging in more activities with their pets, businesses in the travel and hospitality sector are taking notice and have become more accommodating to four-legged guests. However, there's still plenty to learn when taking a dog along as a travel companion. Explore these dog travel tips.

· Invest in a crate. Even if the dog does not need a crate at home, it's best to have one for travel. Crates often are required for airline travel and can keep dogs safer in cars. Many hotels also require that dogs be crated in the rooms to keep them out of trouble and prevent damage. A crate should be large enough that the dog can stand, turn and lie down, according to the American Kennel Club.

· Carry copies of pet-related documents. It's important to prove that the dog is healthy and current on vaccinations. Officials may ask to see documentation when traveling abroad. Some travelers also may want to investigate pet passports. The USA does not require a pet passport, but the European Union pioneered pet passports to enable animals to move more freely throughout its member nations.

· Plan a short excursion first. If you have never traveled with a dog before, make the first trip a short one, such as an overnight or two-day stay. This way, if the trip turns into a fiasco, checkout isn't a week away. Shorter trips also help people figure out what works and what will need to change the next time.

· Expect some fees. Most hotels charge a fee for doggy clients. A fee of $25 to $50 is pretty standard. There also may be a designated pet floor to minimize the chances that guests without pets will be forced to interact with animals.

· Normal behavior may go out the window. A dog who is calm at home may be out of sorts while traveling. It's not uncommon for a dog unphased by people at home to suddenly be anxious and bark at sounds in a hotel hallway.

· Look into pet-friendly restaurants. Smarter Travel says that some hotels won't allow a guest to keep the dog alone in the room. That means meal time can be tricky. Find restaurants nearby that allow pets. Many that have outdoor seating may enable a leashed pet to stay near the seating perimeter.

· Bring water from home. When packing food, pack a few gallons of water as well, even though it can be cumbersome. Some dogs with delicate digestive systems may be upset by drinking the local water. A case of diarrhea is compounded further by having to make it into an elevator and outside the hotel in time.

· Tire the dog out. Exercised dogs tend to be well-behaved dogs. Make time to go on long walks, visit a dog park or engage in other activities that will make the pup tired so it's less likely to cause problems at the hotel.

Learn the ropes of traveling with a dog to increase the opportunities for having lots of fun with Fido in tow. 

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Business Services

Business Acquisitions

Corb7 International, Inc.

Think Seven Continents, Think a World of Opportunity!



 

The Ultimate Vehicle for Uncertain Times!

Cutting-edge ideas.  

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Asset Protection from Political Uncertainty!

European Profit Center! 

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Profit, Privacy & Asset Protection

A Private Trust Company is specifically organized around the purpose of performing broad and discretionary fiduciary, administrative and financial services for its owners. Swiss Trust Companies are unique. While there are many international financial models to choose from an STC is a distinctive structure. STCs allow each owner or shareholder to implement an exact model according to personal preferences and strategies. There are, nevertheless, a few universal benefits to be obtained through acquisition.
 

Those benefits include:

· PROFIT: It is a perfect alternative to owning a Captive Bank & will save you time and money.
· ASSET PROTECTION:  You will obtain a vehicle to protect your wealth.
· PRIVACY:  Lower your financial profile and protect yourself. 
· GAIN CONTROL: Safe time and money by improving efficiency.
· EXIT STRATEGY: Roll existing businesses into STC and then list on a foreign exchange. 
· PORTFOLIO MANAGMENT: Manage portfolios of Real Estate and/or Securities creating additional avenues of profit, enhancing existing client relationships, and augmenting your corporate profile.

Please note that additional licensing may be required depending upon
new ownership’s business objectives and activities.  

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Swiss Trust Companies for Sale!

Immediately available with outstanding local administration in Zurich via one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms in Switzerland.

Synopsis: 

2001 Swiss Trust Company:
* 23-years-old with full authority - turnkey
* Year Incorporated 2001
* Place of Incorporation: Zug, Switzerland
* Corresponding Bank Relationship: Client’s Choice
* Acquisition Investment: $95,000
* Excellent administration with a prestigious law firm located in Zurich
* Administration first year fees included in acquisition price
* Initial legal retainer also included

For More Information:
If we can be of further assistance, I would suggest setting up a time when we can speak over the phone during which we can explore if this is the correct vehicle for you to reach your own unique business objectives.

Call +1-310-415-3545 
or 
Email: contact@corb7.com 

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Corb7 International, Inc.
a Business Advisory & Publishing Firm
www.Corb7.com  

"Challenging Traditional Thought to Gain Elite Performance"