Alberto Guazzi Joins Bear Stearns Debt Corporate Finance Group in London.

Business Editors

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2001

Bear, Stearns International Limited announced today that Alberto Guazzi has joined the firm as a senior managing director and head of debt corporate finance for Southern Europe. Mr. Guazzi will be based in London and have responsibility for origination of all debt products and debt-related derivative products for Southern European borrowers.

Commenting on the appointment, Yves Leysen, head of debt corporate finance in Europe, said, "We are very pleased that Alberto is joining us. He is an experienced professional with a solid track record in debt capital markets, derivatives and investment banking. He has strong relationships and is highly respected in the market. Hiring Alberto is further evidence of how committed we are to expanding our franchise."

Mr. Guazzi joins Bear Stearns from Deutsche Bank, where he was a managing director and head of debt capital markets for Italy. Prior to this, he was head of investment banking for Italy at the same firm, and at Bankers Trust beforehand. Mr Guazzi spent 12 years at Bankers Trust/Deutsche Bank in derivatives, capital markets and investment banking. He started his career at IMI Capital Markets. Mr. Guazzi holds an MBA from INSEAD and a degree in marine and mechanical engineering and naval architecture from the University of Genoa.

Mr. Guazzi will work alongside Noel Dunn, who was recruited last month to head debt corporate finance for Northern Europe. Bear Stearns has recently invested significantly in its European debt origination business: In addition to Messrs. Guazzi and Dunn, the firm has made a number of senior hires in ABS, loan syndication and private placements. These hires on the origination side have been further complemented by an expansion in derivatives marketing and fixed income sales.

Bear, Stearns International Limited (BSIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. BSIL currently employs more than 800 staff in London who serve corporations, institutions, partnerships and governmental entities in the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East. BSIL's capabilities include investment banking, institutional equities and fixed income sales, trading and research, derivatives, financial futures, foreign exchange and global clearing.