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BNP Paribas' estimated* 2007 net income rises 7% to €7.8 billion

BNP Paribas saw 2007 revenues grow by 11% and net income group share by 7%, against a backdrop of very difficult economic and market conditions over the second half of the year. In 2007, all business lines achieved many notable sales and marketing successes. The Group continued to expand both organically and through acquisitions, in particular in retail banking in Europe and in emerging markets (over 400 branches opened or acquired and 1.7 million new customers in 2007).

Despite the deepening crisis, in the fourth quarter of 2007 BNP Paribas recorded an estimated gross operating income of €2.2 billion and an estimated net income group share of €1.0 billion.

All of the Group's core businesses, including Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), have positively contributed to this result. CIB has generated an estimated fourth quarter revenue of €1.4 billion, after deduction of €589 million relating to the direct impact of the crisis (mainly as a result of the rise in counterparty risk on monoline insurers). The impact of the crisis on the evolution of the Group's cost of risk amounts to €309 million in the fourth quarter (138 for CIB, whose net subprime exposure is nil, and 171 for BancWest which brings down its net subprime exposure to approximately €300 million).

Thanks to the Group's good 2007 results, the Tier 1 capital increases by approximately €4.7 billion, after payment (subject to approval based on the final set of accounts) of a proposed €3.35 dividend per share, up 8% compared to the previous year. The Group's financial strength provides it with the means to pursue its growth policy.

Commenting on these results, Baudouin Prot, CEO, said “Despite the severity of this crisis, BNP Paribas is pursuing its development drive and confirming its leading positions. Our very satisfying performance in 2007 can be explained by our stringent risk policy and our strong growth dynamic at the service of our clients and the wider economy.”

Context

· BNP Paribas' 2007 accounts closing process is proceeding in a satisfactory manner. Neither any loss nor any other matter has been revealed, whose importance would justify a market warning.

· Given the exceptional level of concerns presently disrupting the markets, BNP Paribas decided to present the group's estimated results (unaudited) for 2007 to its Board of Directors yesterday and to the market today.

The Board of Directors will close the yearly accounts on 19th February and the detailed presentation will take place as scheduled on the 20th February.

*Unaudited

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