John B. Wilson

Franklin Universal Trust is a closed-end investment trust. It invests in debt, equity, precious metals, and natural resources securities. Its investment objective is to provide high, current income consistent with preservation of capital. Its secondary objective is growth of income through dividend increases and capital appreciation. The company was founded on September 23, 1988 and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA.

Franklin Ltd. Duration Income Trust is a closed-end investment company. It seeks to provide high, current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation to the extent possible and consistent with the Fund?s primary objective, through a portfolio consisting primarily of high-yield corporate bonds, floating rate corporate loans and mortgage- and other asset-backed securities. The company was founded on August 27, 2003 and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA.

Northwest Airlines, Inc. provided commercial transportation services for passengers and cargo. The firm owned and operated domestic and international route networks and serves more than 750 cities in 120 countries. The company was founded in 1926 and was headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.

Bain & Co., Inc. provides management consulting services. It offers advisory services to the companies on their critical issues and opportunities: strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology and mergers and acquisitions, across all industries and geographies. The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

Staples, Inc. engages in provision of workspace supplies. Its products include document printing, business cards, marketing materials, and envelopes and stationery. It also offers print and marketing services, online notary services, and technology services. The company was founded by Thomas G. Stemberg in 1985 and is headquartered in Framingham, MA.

Part of Staples, Inc., Staples Europe BV is a Dutch company that wholesales stationery and office supplies. The company is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company was founded in 1991. The CEO is Rudolph J. Westerbos.