Following the signature in Abu Dhabi of a line of credit worth USD 25 million
Byblos Bank and ATFP sign two new lines of credit

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, May 20, 2010:

After having signed on 6 May 2010, at the Arab Trade Financing Program’s (ATFP) Office in Abu Dhabi, a line of credit worth USD 25 million to promote trading activities between Lebanon and the Arab countries, Dr. François Bassil, Chairman and General Manager of Byblos Bank Group, and Dr. Jassim Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer of ATFP, signed on 19 May at Byblos Bank Voie 13, Jbeil, two new lines of credit agreements between each of Byblos Bank Africa and Byblos Bank Syria, and ATFP. The two credit facilities granted to Byblos Bank Syria and Byblos Bank Africa amount to USD 4 million.

The signature of these three agreements is a step further to reinforce Byblos Bank’s capacity to finance small-, medium-, and large-scale enterprises in Lebanon and abroad. This will allow the Bank to extend convenient trade financing credit facilities to these enterprises and hence, enable them to increase their productive and competitive capabilities, to grow their business, and to generate job opportunities. This initiative also aims at enhancing inter-Arab trade and at encouraging exportation and importation in accordance with ATFP’s requirements.

Byblos Bank and ATFP also signed a Memorandum of Understanding according to which the Program allows Byblos Bank access to ATFP’s comprehensive trade database on the volume and activity of trade between the different Arab countries, country markets’ profiles, key contacts of companies engaged in commerce, and information on the institutions and enterprises working in the Arabic import-export sector.

Following the signature ceremony, Dr. Jassem Al Mannai, Dr. François S. Bassil, the Head of the Municipality of Jbeil Mr. Ziad Hawat, and Byblos Bank’s top managers carried out a tour in Jbeil to visit its archeological and touristic sites.

Afterwards, they attended a dinner hosted by Byblos Bank at Mhanna Sur Mer restaurant in Amchit. Mr. Mohammad Safadi, Minister of Economy and Trade, and eminent figures and managers, took part in this dinner held in honor of the importers and exporters who are participating in the “Buyers-Sellers Meeting in the Food Sector” held in Lebanon.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Joëlle Bassil Group Corporate Communication Unit
Byblos Bank – Group Communication Department
Tel: 01.335200 ext. 0325
Email: joebassil@byblosbank.com.lb

Byblos Bank Hosts a Luncheon in Honor of the PROPARCO Delegation

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, May 17, 2010:

A powerful regional player that attracts major international financial institutions, Byblos Bank hosted on 17 May a luncheon to celebrate its newly established partnership with the Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (PROPARCO). The luncheon that took place at le Maillon restaurant was attended by Dr. François S. Bassil, Chairman and General Manager of Byblos Bank Group, and a large PROPARCO delegation headed by Mr. Laurent Demey, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

In April 2010, PROPARCO, which is partly held by the Agence Française pour le Développement (AFD), invested USD 30 million in Byblos Bank’s shares, to become one of the Bank’s largest shareholders. Through this operation, the Bank will be able to further expand its activities to frontier countries in the Middle East and Africa, and reinforce its already large capital base. This partnership will also enhance the lending capacity of Byblos Bank to extend financing to small, medium, and large scale enterprises.

This operation is indeed a vote of confidence in Byblos Bank’s excellent financial indicators and leading performance. Earlier this year, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group invested USD 100 million in Byblos Bank’s shares, the largest to date in a Lebanese bank.

Byblos Bank’s well thought and solid expansion strategy focuses on tapping under-served and challenging markets in the Middle East and Africa. Leveraging its 60-year expertise, the Bank tailors a variety of products and services to cater to its diverse clientele. To date, the Bank boasts a significant global reach in three continents and 12 countries.

Byblos Bank and the Lebanese National Committee of ICOM Announce their Joint Activities for the International Museum Day
 

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, May 13, 2010:

Byblos Bank and the Lebanese National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) held a press conference on 13 May 2010 at the Bank’s Headquarters to announce a series of activities to take place on the International Museum Day, on 18 May 2010. These events are aimed at promoting museums in Lebanon and raising awareness of the vital role they play in disseminating the country’s culture and heritage, and in nurturing social harmony.

Mrs. Nada Tawil, Head of Group Communication Department at Byblos Bank, voiced the Bank’s commitment to preserve heritage and promote culture. The Bank engages in introducing Lebanon’s sites, monuments, and personalities to the Lebanese and especially the youth. This would help build bridges between members of the community and tie them to their country.

Mrs. Tawil added: “In its efforts to promote our culture, Byblos Bank will broadcast a series of episodes on 12 Lebanese museums members of ICOM starting 18 May 2010. These episodes will be part of Hayda Lebnen, a TV program sponsored by the Bank. This will familiarize citizens with Lebanese museums as well as the cultural wonders and treasures they boast. It will also incite the Lebanese to visit the museums and discover Lebanon’s diverse cultural wealth and richness, hence fostering national tourism and stimulating the country’s economy.”

Hayda Lebnen is a cultural TV program sponsored by Byblos Bank since 1994. To date, this program has shed light on 900 Lebanese villages and uncovered their unique characteristics and features. Mrs. Tawil added: “It is natural though to continue with a series of episodes to bring out our Lebanese museums.”

Dr. Leila Badre, President of the Lebanese National Committee of ICOM, unveiled the celebrations of the International Museum Day to take place this year under the theme “Museums for social harmony”. For this occasion, “the Lebanese National Committee will hold a free open door day on 18 May 2010 in the 12 ICOM member museums, followed by exhibitions, musical evenings, and other activities”.

Directors and curators of Lebanese member museums of ICOM presented those museums and stressed on their importance in promoting Lebanon’s cultural and historical cachet.

Byblos Bank is unwaveringly committed to individuals and societies. A “Bank for Life”, the Bank endeavors to add value and make a positive change in the environments where it operates, while contributing to community growth and development

For further information, please contact: Ms. Joëlle Bassil
Group Corporate Communication Unit
Byblos Bank – Group Communication Department
Tel: 01.335200 ext. 0325
Email: joebassil@byblosbank.com.lb .

Byblos Bank Reaches out to the Lebanese Diaspora in the UAE
 

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, May 08, 2010:

Reinforcing its growing regional and global presence, Byblos Bank hosted on 6 May 2010, a prestigious dinner at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. This event was held in the presence of eminent figures in the financial and banking sectors in the United Arab Emirates, Byblos Bank’s business partners, Lebanese expatriates and businessmen, as well as high-profile executives.

During this event held in celebration of the 5th anniversary of Byblos Bank’s Representative Office in Abu Dhabi, Dr. François Bassil, Chairman and General Manager of Byblos Bank Group, said, “Byblos Bank is adopting a regional and global expansion strategy to reach out to the Lebanese Diaspora and reinforce its financial services and products offered to existing and potential clients. Hence, the Representative Office of Byblos Bank in Abu Dhabi, opened five years ago, has proven to be a step forward in our constant and diligent efforts to consolidate our distinguished position in the Lebanese and Arab banking sector, and forge the closest possible ties to our customers, wherever they reside or work.”

Dr. Bassil thanked His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the strong support the UAE have demonstrated towards the Lebanese, locals and expatriates, and praised the pioneering role of the Central Bank of the UAE. He added: “Abu Dhabi has gained a strategic importance as a hub of economic and financial activity in the Gulf Region and as a host for large numbers of Arabs and Lebanese by whom Byblos Bank stands, with whom it always communicates, to whom it provides all financing needs, and whose investment projects it supports.”

As a vote of confidence in its financial performance and significant positioning, Byblos Bank has recently attracted international financial institutions such as the International Financial Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, that made a USD 100 million equity investment in Byblos Bank. This investment was part of Byblos Bank’s capital increase by USD 250 million, in which the Agence Française de Développement has also taken part through the Société de Promotion et de Participation Pour La Coopération Economique (PROPARCO). PROPARCO has invested last month USD 30 million in Byblos Bank’s shares. As a result of the capital increase, Byblos Bank’s total equity will reach USD 1.7 billion, while capital adequacy based on Basel II will exceed 16%, one of the highest in Lebanon and the region.

Driven by a steadfast expansion strategy and commitment of excellence, Byblos Bank exploits its innovation and know-how to tap regional and international markets, boasting a global reach in 12 countries and three continents. In addition to its Representative Office in Abu Dhabi, Byblos Bank is also present in Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Iraq, Armenia, Sudan, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Byblos Bank Honors the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, April 13, 2010:

Dr. François S. Bassil, Chairman and General Manager of Byblos Bank Group, hosted a luncheon in honor of Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the delegation accompanying him in his official visit to Lebanon. The luncheon was held at Le Maillon restaurant in the presence of eminent political and social figures, as well as high-profile businessmen and Byblos Bank Group managers.

In his welcome speech, Dr. Bassil praised the close relationships between Byblos Bank, the only Lebanese bank that established a foothold in Armenia back in 2007, and the Armenian people. He said, “Armenians have a fair share in our Group both as shareholders and clients. Our Bank works towards promoting cooperation among the Armenian Diaspora, wherever it may be in general, and between Armenians of Lebanon and Armenia in particular”.

Dr. Bassil added: “The Armenian economy is a promising one of its own accord. It boasts sufficient natural and human resources to support considerable economic growth. In keeping with Byblos Bank’s strategy of contributing meaningfully to the development of the societies where we operate, Byblos Bank’s policy in Armenia is to invigorate both the productive sectors of the economy and the consumption practices that sustain them. This means financing for both industry and services, as well as housing, personal, and professional loans at the retail level, which will contribute to expanding the size of Armenia’s middle class, upgrading the quality of life for its citizens, and supporting the country’s plans for steady, long-term economic growth”.

Then, highlighting the similarities that Armenia and Lebanon share, Dr. Bassil commended the strong partnership and friendship between both countries. “Armenia is a country that boasts a rich cultural heritage that stems from one of the oldest civilizations on earth”, he said. “Like the Lebanese, the Armenian people are open-minded, dynamic, and productive. They refuse laziness and dependency, and they earnestly strive to improve their living conditions and education. They also reject any attempts against their freedom or dignity. Hence, they are people who deserve life, and we have great respect and esteem towards them”.

Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan thanked Dr. Bassil for his significant initiative. He also expressed his pride in Lebanon and thanked the Lebanese authorities for embracing the Armenian community and for showing Armenians such a great respect and support. He added: “We will strive to enhance economic relations between Lebanon and Armenia, so that they will be as fruitful as the political cooperation established between both countries”.

It is worth to note that Byblos Bank operates in the Republic of Armenia through three branches, offering a myriad of banking products and services such as commercial lending, project financing, asset management, private banking, personal banking, and consumer banking.

Launching of IPT-Byblos Bank MasterCard
The first of its kind fuel credit card in Lebanon

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, March 8, 2010:

Byblos Bank launched the first fuel credit card: IPT–Byblos Bank MasterCard, in partnership with the fuel company IPT. The ceremony was held on 4 March 2010, at Byblos Bank’s Headquarters in the presence of distinguished personalities among which Mr. Tony Issa, IPT Board Member, Mrs. Joumana Chelala, AGM – Head of Group Consumer Banking Division at Byblos Bank Group, Mr. Elie Abou Khalil, Head of Group Retail Products Development at Byblos Bank Group, Mr. Georges Fares, Head of Cards Products Unit at Byblos Bank Group, Mr. Basel Al Tal, MasterCard Area Manager for the Middle East region and Syria, along with managers and employees from Byblos Bank, IPT, and the media.

In her opening speech, Mrs. Chelala praised the strategic partnership between IPT, “an eminent fuel company in Lebanon and Byblos Bank, which boasts 60 years of successes”.

From his part, Mr. Issa commended this initiative, which is proves to be an excellent achievement for IPT. He added that this would not have been possible without the “support of Byblos Bank”, thus evoking the 20 years of solid partnership between the two institutions.

In his turn, Mr. Georges Fares revealed the benefits of the card: “IPT-Byblos Bank MasterCard is a credit card addressed to the frequent IPT fuelers”, he said. “It is accepted in Lebanon and worldwide and it allows cash withdrawals at ATMs holding the MasterCard logo. Conceived with a special design, this smart chip card provides security as it prevents all kinds of fraud. It offers a bundle of advantages such as flexibility of payment. It allows its holders to settle their monthly payments through direct debits from any Byblos Bank account, thus choosing to pay as little as 5%, 10% or 100% of their monthly credit card spending. IPT-Byblos Bank MasterCard holders can also enjoy the fixed monthly installments option. To top it all, IPT-Byblos MasterCard offers automatic enrollment in the Byblos Bank Cards Loyalty Program where fuelers can accumulate 3 points instead of one for every dollar (or its equivalent in LBP) spent on their card. Accumulated points are redeemable for exciting gifts like free travel vouchers, free talking minutes on the mobile, free fuel liters and much more.

A “Bank for Life”, Byblos Bank strives to make the daily life of its clients easier by being committed to always innovate in its products and thus, attend to their needs. Also, the Bank works towards building strategic partnerships in the 11 countries where it operates, thus adding value and developing an environment where each individual can grow.

IFC Invests $100 Million in Lebanon’s Byblos Bank

Beirut, Lebanon, January 22, 2010:

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Lebanon’s Byblos Bank SAL jointly announce that IFC will make a $100 million equity investment in Byblos Bank. The transaction, closing of which is subject to customary closing conditions, is in the form of a purchase by IFC of common shares from Byblos Invest Holdings SA (Luxembourg), Byblos Bank’s largest shareholder, with a commitment of Byblos Invest to utilize the proceeds to subscribe to a US$250 million capital increase by Byblos Bank, bringing the bank’s consolidated total capital to over US$1.5bn. IFC’s equity investment – the largest to-date in a Lebanese bank – will assist Byblos Bank increase access to finance for small and medium enterprises in Lebanon and elsewhere and expand its operations to frontier countries in the Middle East and Africa.

The investment is expected to assist Byblos Bank in pursuing its current strategy of becoming a significant financial interregional group, with expanded operations in the Middle East and Africa. IFC also plans to further support Byblos Bank by providing trade finance guarantees and helping strengthen the bank’s corporate governance.

Dr. Francois Bassil, Byblos Bank Chairman said, “We welcome IFC’s investment in the capital of Byblos Bank. It demonstrates IFC's confidence in the strength of our bank and its management. Byblos Bank enjoys a high capital adequacy ratio, both by Lebanese and international standards and IFC’s investment and the proposed US$250 million capital increase will further strengthen our bank's capital base and allow us to pursue our expansion strategy on solid grounds”.

Michael Essex, IFC Director for the Middle East and North Africa said, “Access to long term finance for the private sector in Lebanon remains limited. We hope that our investment can act as a catalyst to bolster confidence and encourage needed investment in the Lebanese financial sector, which will in turn increase access to finance for individuals and entrepreneurs. This investment will also support Byblos Bank regional expansion strategy to invest/acquire banks in the Middle East and Africa.” Byblos Bank is the third largest bank in Lebanon in terms of assets and currently has 10 overseas locations and is looking to further expand into markets in the Middle East and in Africa.

IFC has been active in assisting Lebanon’s financial sector for the past several years, providing trade finance lines to a number of banks and both investment and advisory services. In fiscal year 2009 alone, IFC committed over $184 million in trade finance to Lebanese banks. Through its advisory services, IFC has also been active in assisting Lebanese banks expand financing to smaller businesses, working with institutions like Kafalat, Lebanon’s small and medium enterprise guarantee organization.

Supporting conflict-affected countries like Lebanon is a priority for IFC. Through integrated investment and advisory services, IFC helps build the private sector to create jobs, raise living standards, and reduce poverty.

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. We foster sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. Our new investments totaled $14.5 billion in fiscal 2009, helping channel capital into developing countries during the financial crisis. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

About Byblos Bank

Byblos Bank is one of the leading banks in Lebanon and is listed on both the Beirut Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The bank provides a full range of retail banking, commercial banking, treasury, capital markets, private banking, international banking and trade finance services, supported by its extensive branch network which is the second largest in Lebanon. Through its overseas banking and other subsidiaries, Byblos Bank maintains a strategic presence in emerging growth markets, particularly in the MENA region, and also conducts a wide range of commercial banking and financial activities in Europe. Byblos Bank was established in 1950 and operates in 11 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa: Lebanon, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Armenia, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Iraq, Sudan and Nigeria.

Byblos Bank posted net profits of $146m in 2009, up 20% from the previous year. Byblos Bank’s assets reached $13.6bn, increasing by 21% from end-2008. Deposits reached $10.3bn and grew by 23% from end-2008. In the 4th quarter of 2009, Byblos Bank raised $192m through the offering of 2 million Series 2009 Preferred Shares. For more information about Byblos Bank, please visit www.byblosbank.com

In Beirut
Nada Tawil
Byblos Bank
Phone: +961 1 335 468
Email: ntawil@byblosbank.com.lb

In Cairo:
Riham Mustafa
IFC
Phone: +202 24 619 140
E-mail: RMustafa@ifc.org

Sale of Shares and Capital Increase

In the context of a proposed USD$250 million capital increase, Byblos Bank SAL (the Bank) is pleased to announce that its principal shareholder, Byblos Invest Holding SA (Luxembourg) (Byblos Invest) has entered into a share purchase agreement with International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the purchase by IFC from Byblos Invest of 47,619,047 common shares of the Bank at a price of USD$2.1 per common share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately USD$100 million (the Sale). Closing is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Lebanon, which was obtained on 21 January 2010, and to other customary closing conditions.

Byblos Invest has agreed to vote in favour of the election of an IFC nominee as board member of the Bank.

Byblos Invest and IFC have agreed that IFC will not participate in the Capital Increase and Byblos Invest will utilise all of the proceeds from the Sale to subscribe to the Capital Increase.

Following closing of the Sale and the Capital Increase, IFC will hold approximately 8% of the common shares of the Bank.

The closing of the Sale and the Capital Increase are expected to take place before June 30, 2010 .

Further details regarding participation in the Capital Increase will be provided in due course.

Byblos Bank Opens the London Stock Exchange and participates in the Opening the New York Stock Exchange

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, March, 2009:

Byblos Bank is the first Lebanese bank to have opened the London Stock Exchange (LSE) before participating in the opening of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) three days later, early in March 2009.

According to the London Stock Exchange, Byblos Bank is also the first Lebanese company to list on the LSE in the past 12 years and the first bank to list on the LSE in 2009, showing resilience despite the ongoing global financial crisis.

Tracey Pierce, Head of Equity Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange Group welcomed Byblos Bank to the LSE by hosting a Market Open event to mark the listing of Byblos Bank’s Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) on the Exchange’s Main Market. Semaan Bassil, Vice Chairman – General Manager of Byblos Bank was invited to open the market on the morning of February 27, 2009 by activating The Source, LSE’s eight storey high kinetic sculpture, signifying the opening of the London Markets.

Byblos Bank posted net profits of $122 million in 2008, up 23% from the previous year. The bank’s assets increased by 18.5% to $11.2 billion at year-end 2008, as compared to year-end 2007. These figures constitute the highest year-on-year growth rates in profits and assets respectively among Lebanon's top three banks.

The Global Depositary Shares, representing up to 26 per cent of the bank's common shares, were issued under a sponsored facility and admitted to trading on the LSE's Main Market on February 19, 2009. The global law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf advised Byblos Bank on this London Stock Exchange listing. The Bank of New York Mellon acts as depositary bank.

“Byblos Bank established this sponsored facility in order to increase liquidity through the listing of Global Depositary Shares and to promote further transparency for investors," said Semaan Bassil, during a reception where he received a commemorative plaque welcoming Byblos Bank to the Exchange’s Main Market.

The event was attended by Chief Executives from Byblos Bank’s Headquarters as well as the Managers of Byblos Bank Europe and Byblos Bank London. Guests included Investment Bankers as well as key executives from The Bank of New York Mellon and Dewey & LeBoeuf.

On March 2, 2009 Byblos Bank joined the "Lebanon Capital Market Day” in New York where the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon rang the bell to open the NYSE Market. The "Lebanon Capital Market Day” is an initiative organized by The American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and The Bank of New York Mellon to attract potential investors into the Lebanese Market.