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BNP Paribas, final of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, September 15 and 16, 2007

Russia will take on Italy in the final of the 2007 edition of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas at the “Luzhniki” stadium in Moscow, on September 15 and 16, 2007

This confrontation between Russia and Italy is very important for the BNP Paribas Group, because these two countries are strategic territories in the Bank's international development. End of September, the bank will celebrate the 5-year anniversary of its banking license in Russia, the first anniversary of Arval's activity (a BNP Paris company specialized in long-term leasing of multi-brand company vehicles) and the launch, end of August, of Cetelem's activity (a pioneer in consumer credit), a wholly owned subsidiary of the BNP Paribas Group. In addition, after the acquisition of BNL (Banca Nazionale del Lavoro) in 2006, Italy has become the second domestic market of BNP Paribas Group's retail banking in Europe.

BNP Paribas has been involved in tennis throughout its history. Indeed, for 34 years, the bank has been supporting this sport and has not ceased to strengthen its commitment. Tennis is an intrinsic part of the bank's genetic code. If this relationship is so beneficial, it is because tennis is a strong communication vehicle for the bank. Indeed, this sport allows for the values and brand image of the BNP Paribas Group, which is present in 85 countries, to be promoted throughout the world. Moreover, these major tennis competitions allow BNP Paribas to conduct many PR operations in countries where the Group has a significant presence.

The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas, a partner of all tennis players, became the international sponsor of the Fed Cup in September 2005. This 6-year partnership with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) also concerns the Fed Cup Junior by BNP Paribas.
To mark the bank's arrival as main sponsor of the competition, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has decided to give the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas a new identity. This is was the source of the innovative idea of asking women players to choose the colour of the courtside banners for the competition. To complete this project, a voting process took place during the first round of the competition, in April 2006. About 260 women players, from 64 countries, took part in the vote. Three colours were proposed: pink, turquoise and crimson. Pink won 48% of the votes, ahead of turquoise (34%) and crimson (18%).
The new banner called “Fed Cup Pink” was officially presented at the final of the 2006 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.

Created in 1963 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation, the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas offers hundreds of women players throughout the world an opportunity to defend the colours of their country. The growth of the competition reveals the tremendous success of the Fed Cup, with 75 nations taking part in 2007.

About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas (www.bnpparibas.com) is a European leader in global banking and financial services and is one of the 5 strongest banks in the world according to Standard & Poor's. The group is present in over 85 countries, with 155,000 employees, including 123,000 in Europe. The group holds key positions in three major segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Asset Management & Services and Retail Banking. Present throughout Europe in all of its business lines, the bank's two domestic markets in retail banking are France and Italy. BNP Paribas also has a significant presence in the United States and strong positions in Asia and the emerging markets.

www.tennis.bnpparibas.com