National Fleet Leasing Company Names Paul Barkworth as CFO

Manchester, N.H., April 24 -- Merchants Leasing is pleased to announce that Paul Barkworth, FCA, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at Merchants Automotive Group, Inc. of Hooksett, NH.

Most recently Paul was CFO for Cetacean Networks, Inc and Rivulet Communications, Inc., both venture funded start-up companies. Barkworth's extensive managerial and financial experience also includes serving on the board of Baptist Insurance Company, PLC.

Of his appointment at Merchants Auto, Barkworth says: "I am excited by this opportunity to work with this innovative and successful company, particularly at a time when well managed businesses like Merchants have the unique opportunity to prosper in a difficult economy."

Barkworth was born in London, England, emigrated to the U.S. in 1997 and became a U.S. citizen. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and spent much of his U.K. career in public practice. He has held various management positions at Coopers & Lybrand, Grant Thornton and with affiliates of BDO International. Immediately prior to moving to the U.S., Barkworth was a senior partner with Solomon Hare, of Bristol, England, now part of Smith Williamson. For many years Barkworth served as a Magistrate in the English criminal courts and he has a strong record of public service and commitment to non-profit organizations.

Paul plays the flute, has an abiding interest in historical biography, supports the England Rugby team from afar and is an avid Formula One enthusiast. He lives in East Hampstead, NH with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Helen.