International Monetary Systems to Acquire National Trade Association and its subsidiary, Illinois Trade Association

Merger Creates Barter Industry Giant

New Berlin, Wis., August 31, 2006 -- International Monetary Systems, Ltd. (OTCBB:INLM), a worldwide leader in business-to-business barter services, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire National Trade Association (NTA), the parent company of Illinois Trade Association (ITA).

Illinois Trade Association, with offices in Niles, IL, has been in business since 1983 and has long been recognized as America's largest independent trade exchange. Combining the ITA operation with International Monetary Systems will create a barter industry giant, with a client base of approximately 15,000 members and 22,000 cardholders.

Don Mardak, CEO of IMS, stated: "This merger of America's two leading trade exchanges will add a whole new dimension to our company. NTA/ITA owners Jack Schacht and Joan Varner are two of the most respected people in the barter industry. Through the years, their visionary leadership has set new standards for all of us and has established a level of excellence that few have been able to emulate. We couldn't be more pleased than to be associated with two people of the caliber of Joan and Jack, both of whom will work with us during the transition and will continue to share their wisdom with us in the future. From the perspective of International Monetary Systems, NTA/ITA is the 'Jewel in the Crown' among our acquired trade exchanges. This transaction will have a greater impact on our revenue and trade volume than any others have in the past."

Mr. Mardak continued: "During recent years, Illinois Trade Association has been IMS' largest reciprocal trading partner, even though we have been competing with each other in the Greater Chicago marketplace. Operating now as one company, we should witness an even greater volume of trading between our clients. In addition, utilizing the personnel of NTA's National Trade division, we have an instant entree into the world of corporate barter, where larger transactions are consummated between manufacturers, major hotel chains, airlines and national advertising venues."

This transaction is contingent upon approval by the independent fiduciary of the NTA Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Additional details can be seen in the form 8-K filed by International Monetary Systems at www.sec.gov.

About International Monetary Systems

Founded in 1985, International Monetary Systems (IMS) currently serves more than 10,000 customers representing 15,000 cardholders in 37 U.S. markets. Based in New Berlin, Wis., IMS is one of the largest publicly traded barter companies in the world and is continually expanding its exchange locations. The company's proprietary transaction network enables businesses and individuals to trade goods and services throughout North America. Using an electronic currency known as trade dollars, IMS exchanges allow companies to create cost savings and to improve operations by taking advantage of barter opportunities in their business models. Managed by seasoned industry veterans, IMS is a recognized member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE) and the International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA). Further information can be obtained at the company's Web site at: www.internationalmonetary.com.

Contact:

International Monetary Systems, Ltd., New Berlin, WI
John Strabley, 800-559-8515
http://www.internationalmonetary.com

Source: International Monetary Systems, Ltd.