New International Debt Collections Handbook Advises UK Businesses on Debt Recovery in Foreign Countries

CARDIFF, Wales, August 31, 2010 - Atradius Collections, the global expert in domestic and international
debt collections, releases the latest edition of the International Debt
Collections Handbook. The International Debt Collections Handbook is an
essential tool for export-oriented UK businesses making decisions around debt
recovery in foreign countries. In total the handbook covers 26 countries and
covers the different stages of amicable settlement, financial regulations
around collections, legal proceedings and insolvency procedures.

Many of UK's businesses engage in export. Therefore, businesses need to
be aware of essential differences in amicable settlement, financial
regulations around collections, legal proceedings and insolvency procedures
in these countries. "Having access to country-specific information can
significantly change decisions. In the United States debt collectors are
required to engage in amicable negotiations before trial whereas in Germany
cases are quickly taken to court. Just the example of these two countries
shows that the process is entirely different," says Rudi de Greve, Executive
Manager Operations from Atradius Collections. "As the US and Germany are the
two main export countries for the UK, you can see these two countries alone
have very unique rules and processes that every business should be fully
aware of."

Looking at the UK's most important trade partner, the United States,
significant differences can also be found in how debt collections are
handled. Familiarity with the US law is required when attempting to recover
debt. United States law clearly distinguishes between an amicable phase and a
legal phase. Unlike in many other countries, attorneys are required to make
amicable efforts before filing a lawsuit. Normally collectors will limit
their amicable efforts from 7 to 30 days. Once a lawsuit is filed, only the
amount due can be pursued unless there is an agreement with the debtor
stating otherwise. Filing a case can cost a lot of time in the United States.
Depending on the court backlog, it can take from 6 months to 5 years to
obtain a trial date, as oldest cases are tried before newer cases. Through
the court and local sheriff or bailiff, a creditor can seize and sell
property. Bankruptcies are controlled by federal law, which prevents any
collection effort or litigation from proceeding, as long as the bankruptcy is
still pending.

Germany is the UK's second largest trade partner. Unlike commonly
expected, German debtors are used to paying late payment interests. Rates and
the interest payment is often negotiated. Civil legal procedures can take
from 6 to 12 months until a final verdict is reached. Responsible courts also
differ. In the case of a non-German company seeking payment from a German
debtor, the case must be filed at a dedicated court located in Berlin,
whereas German/German cases are handled in various local courts throughout
the country. Once a judgement is achieved, the enforcement is exclusively
started by bailiffs and requires the involvement of a judge who initiates
seizing of assets. An insolvency process in Germany is a collective approach
for all creditors trying to obtain payment from a particular debtor. The aim
is to pay each creditor an equal amount after business liquidation. Debt
collection costs that arise during the process are fully charged to the
debtor.

The full details around the United States and Germany, as well as other
major export partner nations, can be found in the International Debt
Collections Handbook, issued by Atradius Collections. It can be immediately
downloaded at www.atradiuscollections.com.

About Atradius Collections:

Atradius Collections, a business unit of Atradius Group, provides
efficient, quick and flexible solution to recover domestic and international
trade debts. With a global network of collections specialists, lawyers and
insolvency practitioners worldwide, Atradius Collections serve over 14,000
customers handling on average 100,000 cases a year. Over 80 years of
worldwide credit management industry experience uniquely position Atradius
Collections as a global leader in business-to-business debt collections.

For more information, please contact: Corinna M. Lohse Corinna.Lohse at atradius.com Phone: +31(0)20-553-3028