Credit Lyonnais expands presence in Brazil. (Special Advertising Feature).

With the formation of Banco Credit Lyonnais Brasil, one of the world's major banking institutions has significantly expanded its presence in Brazil. With offices in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, Banco Credit Lyonnais Brasil offers sophisticated financial tools and advisory services to corporate, institutional and individual clients.

"This is an important investment for Credit Lyonnais in terms of emerging markets," says Alexander Rabinowitz, president, Banco Credit Lyonnais Brasil. "We recognize the importance of the Brazilian market, and we now can offer our clients all the benefits of our experienced banking team and global financial network."

Credit Lyonnais has been serving the Brazilian market since 1948, initially through a majority interest in Banco Frances e Brasileiro. From 1995 to 2001, the bank operated as a representative office, responsible for trade finance and other corporate banking activities, and also renewed its asset management activities for institutional, private banking and corporate clients.

In 2001, Credit Lyonnais' executive committee decided to expand the bank's role in Brazil, and acquired Banco AGF Braseg in December. Following a name change, Banco Credit Lyonnais Brasil now serves the nation with an experienced staff of more than 90 people. The bank's services include:

* Cross-border trade finance

* Corporate banking in Brazil

* Investment banking

* Mergers and acquisitions

* Company evaluations

* Treasury and capital markets services

* Asset management

* Private banking

"Credit Lyonnais has played an important role in Brazil for many years with an extensive client portfolio," says Rabinowitz. "We also have a high caliber team of bankers who know the Brazilian market and understand our clients' financial needs."

Banco Credit Lyonnais Brasil focuses on serving large multinational and Brazilian companies, as well as institutional clients that need asset management services and private banking clients. The bank has a net worth of US$40 million and is currently managing about US$400 million in funds in Brazil.

"We are committed to providing the high quality range of products and services expected by our clients, including sophisticated financial solutions to complex matters," says Rabinowitz.

On the investment banking side, Credit Lyonnais has been involved in several significant transactions involving French companies in Brazil, as well as local industries. Credit Lyonnais is the lead bank for TAM's Airbus financing and arranged, for example, a $114 million export credit lease for four A319-100s for the Brazilian air carrier.

Most recently, and over the past three years, Credit Lyonnais acted as advisor to Electricite de France (EdF) with respect to its investment in Light Services de Eletricidade S.A. ("Light"). Following the recently completed exchange of shares with AES EdF now controls Light, the integrated electric utility company which provides power to 3.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in the State of Rio de Janeiro. AES controls Eletropaulo Metropolitana Eletricidade de Sao Paulo, S.A., which serves the Sao Paulo market.

"This is a very positive transaction for the region," says Rabinowitz. "It will result in greater efficiencies in the market, while making both companies' operations much more transparent for everyone."

Credit Lyonnais is a full-service worldwide financial institution with assets of approximately US$175 billion and operations in more than 60 countries. Founded in 1864 in Lyon, France, Credit Lyonnais has longstanding experience and strong knowledge of the Latin American markets. Under the direction of Jean-Marc Moriani, chief executive officer, Credit Lyonnais Americas provides commercial and investment banking activities in the United States and Latin America, with offices in New York, Miami, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Mexico City, Montevideo and Caracas, as well as Brazil.

For more information, visit www.clamericas.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Credit Lyonnais Rio de Janeiro

Avenida Rio Branco 1, Sala 1604

20090-003 Centro Rio de Janeiro

Rio do Janeiro, Brazil

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Credit Lyonnais Sao Paulo

Alameda ITU, 852 floor 16

Cerqueira Cesar, 01421-001 Sao Paulo, Brazil

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Credit Lyonnais Belo Horizonte

Rua Antonio de Albuquerque 271 14th floor

CEP 30112-010 Belo Horizonte

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]