- Orange, BNP Paribas and its subsidiary Cetelem have got together to launch a range of credit cards, offering their customers innovative payment services.
- From 1st October 2007, the co-branding of bank cards will be authorised by the Cartes Bancaires EIG, opening up an entirely new market in France.
- The aim of the two brands is to become leaders in the co-branded card market.
This industrial and strategic partnership makes it possible to pool the knowledge of each group in its field of expertise. The agreement, a perfect example of the convergence that exists between the telecommunications and banking worlds, will lead to the first multi-service card for daily use in telecommunications.
In the 1st quarter of 2008, BNP Paribas and Orange will market the first product of their agreement: the first co-branded VISA card designed for the 12-18 age group.
This prepaid and rechargeable card will enable youngsters to manage their pocket money simply and in complete security. It will give parents the possibility of helping their children manage their budget, while keeping control of their spending.
Throughout 2008, the range of cards will be added to with a universal payment card for adults. The card will offer bank and credit services managed by Cetelem, the specialised subsidiary of the BNP Paribas group, as well as online services linked to Orange mobile.
Card issuing and customer contract management will be handled by a joint company, "Orange – BNP Paribas services", which is currently being formed, subject to the approval by the authorities.
This partnership also opens up wider perspectives, as BNP Paribas and Orange are both participants in the working groups on mobile contactless payment.
Speaking about this partnership, Baudouin Prot, the CEO of BNP Paribas, said: “This ambitious project brings together two major brands, which are emblematic in their markets and united by a very strong spirit of innovation. BNP Paribas provides this partnership with all the group's skills and expertise to develop new services for everyday life and reinforce its presence amongst young people.”
Didier Lombard, Chairman & CEO of the France Telecom group, explained: “We are particularly happy with this partnership with the BNP Paribas group. Orange continues to innovate by offering its customers services that facilitate their daily lives. This partnership in France is a further complement to the many initiatives undertaken in the contactless mobile field, and is perfectly in line with our strategy.”
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.
About Orange
Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world's leading telecommunications operators. France Telecom serves more than 163 million customers in five continents as of June 30, 2007, of which two thirds are Orange customers. The Group had consolidated sales of 51.7 billion euros in 2006 and 25,9 billion euros for the 1st semester of 2007. At June 30, 2007 the group had 102.5 million mobile customers and 10.5 million broadband internet (ADSL) customers.
Launched in June 2005, the NExT program (New Experience in Telecommunications) will enable the Group to pursue its transformation as an integrated operator and make France Telecom the benchmark for new telecommunications services in Europe. In 2006, Orange became the Group's single brand for Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the company operates, and Orange Business Services the banner for services offered to businesses worldwide. France Telecom is the number three mobile operator and the number one provider of broadband internet services in Europe and one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.
France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris and on the New York Stock Exchange.
For more information : www.orange.com, www.francetelecom.com, www.orange-business.com
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.
About Cetelem
A BNP Paribas company, Cetelem pioneered consumer credit in 1953 and Internet credit in 1997. The company ranks as number 1 in the market in France and continental Europe. With over 53 billion outstanding loans and 21,000 employees, Cetelem has a presence in 27 countries and 4 continents.
Cetelem is also regarded as a preferred business partner for banks and insurance companies who benefit from its expertise in the consumer credit sector.
Cetelem, sponsor of responsible lending, also commits itself to propose the most adapted offers to its customers.
For further information: www.cetelem.com