Bear Stearns Capital Trust III Announces Cash Distribution.

NEW YORK -- Bear Stearns Capital Trust III, a special purpose trust controlled by The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC), today announced its regular quarterly cash distribution on its outstanding shares of 7.8% Trust Issued Preferred Securities.

Bear Stearns Capital Trust III announced a cash distribution of 48.75 cents per share on the outstanding shares of its 7.8% Trust Issued Preferred Securities payable May 15, 2008 to holders of record on May 1, 2008.

Bear Stearns Capital Trust III is a statutory business trust created under Delaware law. All of its common securities are owned by The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. Bear Stearns Capital Trust III exists solely to issue and sell its common and preferred securities, using the proceeds to acquire debentures issued by The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.

The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC) serves governments, corporations, institutions and individuals worldwide. The company's core business lines include institutional equities, fixed income, investment banking, global clearing services, asset management, and private client services. For additional information about Bear Stearns, please visit the firm's website at www.bearstearns.com.